Teaching is a noble profession, molding young minds and preparing them for the future. However, sometimes it takes some truly unconventional methods to get through to students and make an impact. In my years as a teacher, I have done some strange things to achieve success in the classroom. Here are the ten weirdest things I have actually done as a teacher.
1. Wore a tutu to class
During “Wacky Wednesday,” I donned a pink tutu and tiara to class, all in the effort of engaging students in storytelling. Surprisingly, this whimsical attire piqued their interest, and we had an incredibly productive day.
2. Brought live insects to school
To teach my students about entomology, I brought live insects into the classroom for hands-on learning. This generated lots of excitement and curiosity while sparking their interest in science.
3. Organized a zombie apocalypse lesson
For Halloween week, we turned our classroom into a post-apocalyptic universe overrun by zombies. Math problems required us to ration food, and literature assignments had them write survivor tales – all while teaching real-world skills.
4. Performed in the school talent show
I helped organize our school talent show and decided to take part by singing a duet with one of my less-confident students. This experience boosted her self-esteem and brought us closer together.
5. Hatched chicks in the classroom
During our life cycle unit, we incubated eggs inside our classroom and watched them hatch into chicks over three weeks. The entire process became an incredible learning experience.
6. Built a cardboard fort
To spark creativity and teamwork among students, we spent an afternoon constructing a formidable cardboard fort in the middle of the class – large enough for everyone to crawl inside!
7. Participated in a student vs teacher dance battle
In an attempt to demonstrate the importance of staying active and healthy, we organized a fun-packed student vs teacher dance battle. This not only provided excitement but also proved an effective bonding experience.
8. Conducted a classroom “trial”
When multiple students had disagreements, I set up a mock courtroom trial with a judge, jury, plaintiffs, and defendants. This exercise taught them conflict resolution and critical thinking skills while resolving real-life disputes.
9. Used food as a teaching tool
For one math lesson, we used marshmallows to learn about fractions. By having my students physically manipulate their food based on mathematical equations, they gained valuable understanding of abstract concepts.
10. Hosted a wedding ceremony for “Q” and “U”
To teach the concept that the letters “Q” and “U” are frequently paired in words, we held a mock wedding ceremony complete with invitations, decorations, and reception – making it an unforgettable grammar lesson.
In conclusion, teaching can be unconventional, thrilling, and sometimes downright weird. However, these bizarre experiences have been incredibly effective in engaging my students and creating lasting memories in our academic journey together.
