I have always loved to dress up in costumes. All thought my life Halloween has been my favorite holiday. I remember making costumes with my mom when I was a kid. And a remember a particular Halloween that I was grounded from trick or treating because I had thrown away my dinner in hopes of saving room for candy. I know that I was grounded for longer and for more meatier reasons in my youth but that one stuck with me. One of the things I like best about teaching in a classroom is the opportunities that are presented to dress up beyond Halloween. Content can be given new life when presented in costume. Or a costume can lower inhibitions and let the wearer and the viewers be less guarded in their responses. And sometimes it can just be for fun. |
I love the school I work in for its understanding of the fun that a costume can bring to the learning community. In the month of October my school has been building excitement for a big Halloween party by having themed dress up days each Friday for teachers. These days have created an amazing buzz and a close community. Students are excited to earn their spots at the party, and teachers are taking the opportunity to model appropriate costumes for school.
Most importantly members of the community are learning about one another. Today we dressed as a character from our favorite book. I chose Willy Wonka, and saw a fifth grader I work with on extra math practice, she was so excited because she is reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Later when I when to her classroom for small group math instruction, her teacher pulled me aside and informed me that the student is a reluctant reader but today started take out Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at any spare moment. Needless to say the student was more excited in our math group then I had ever seen her, and she left promising to finish her book over the weekend so she can tell me how it ends. I know that it is cliche, but this was one of those amazing teaching moments, that make all of the headaches, and there where MANY this week, worthwhile.
Most importantly members of the community are learning about one another. Today we dressed as a character from our favorite book. I chose Willy Wonka, and saw a fifth grader I work with on extra math practice, she was so excited because she is reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Later when I when to her classroom for small group math instruction, her teacher pulled me aside and informed me that the student is a reluctant reader but today started take out Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at any spare moment. Needless to say the student was more excited in our math group then I had ever seen her, and she left promising to finish her book over the weekend so she can tell me how it ends. I know that it is cliche, but this was one of those amazing teaching moments, that make all of the headaches, and there where MANY this week, worthwhile.