Teacher Schtick

We teachers have shticks that keep our students engaged. For example, not only am I the "story-teller" teacher, I also call my students "pickles". I'm the "Jolly Rancher" teacher as well. I do not reward students for the right answer with Jolly Ranchers. I dole them out for random treats and when I catch a student doing a random act of kindness. I also tell them, "Raise your right hand and repeat after me, 'On my honor, I will not choke'". Of course, that also gets a laugh.

Pop-up Music Moments. Sidewalk chalk Haiku days in the Spring where we write our poems all over the concrete walkways to the entrance of the school. Spider Moments. If a bug of any kind is found in my room (including spiders), we gently scoop them up into a tissue and free them outside because every life deserves a chance. "Be free, Spider. Be free". No stomping or squishing. Freedom.

Botox... I joke around about wanting Botox so my face doesn't reveal my expressions. Yesterday, a student brought in a brochure about a natural alternative to Botox that her mama sent. She said, "Since my mom has been using this stuff, I honestly can't read her expressions. It really works, Ms. Beck".

Zip-Zap-Zop is my "classroom game" we play from time-to-time. This, after the name game we play at the beginning of the year. Chants such as "Writing is not an event. Writing is a process". When we walk through the hallways, I say, "Tip-toe, tip-toe like anywhere a mouse can go" which is my method of teaching prepositions. "Get going with the get-go" is another phrase. "What-in-the-what-what" and "For all the world" are my alternatives to profanity.

I tell every class, "You are my favorite class. Seriously, my favorite class". But, I tell that to every class. Of course, they find out and pretend indignation. But, they still light up when I tell them they're my favorites.  Clutching their essays or tests or writings to my chest and telling them, "This is the best gift you could ever give me. Your words. I can't wait to read. Thank you".

And when the writing is good, I break into my "poetry dance". I dance around a bit and sing, "'cuz you are so smart. My kids are so smart." Ownership and belonging... what kids crave. My pickles. My delight.

Finally, once I know my students well... hugs, love and laughter. Lots of laughter. More love.