Improvisation

When I went back to school to become a teacher, I learned a lot about classroom management, adolescent development, and pedagogy.

But there were some things that were suspiciously kept silent.

For instance, they never tell you that ...

• Students will hate you one day and want to hug you the next.
• Baking soda and vinegar reactions are always exciting.
• Students (in high school!) are always putting things in their mouths.
• Big, bulky test tube racks make nice bathroom passes and deter some students from using the restroom during class time ... They don't want to look stupid carrying that dumb thing around!
• The floor of your classroom will end up looking like a garbage can by the end of the day.
• Drama is lurking around every corner.
• Shirts miraculously untuck themselves.
• Comfortable shoes are essential to maintaining a good mood (cooperative behavior from your students doesn't hurt, either).
• When a student asks to "borrow a pen or a pencil" they really mean that they are going to keep it.
• Students always ask for extra credit ... But very rarely complete it when it is given.
• Seat charts are made to be changed again, and again, and again, and again ... And again!
• Correct use of the English language (both verbal and written) is a rarity.
• A stapler can be used to close a student's shirt (so as to keep her from exposing her "feminine charms" to the entire world).

Is it Christmas Break yet?!