First in a Series:Teacher Pet Peeves #1
Okay, forget about teacher’s pets. Let’s talk about the real issue; pet peeves. Has something like this ever happened in your classroom?
Bear with me as I set the scene for you. I’m teaching an economics unit, and today’s subject is competition. To hook my students, I decide to use Mario (whose name has been changed to protect the innocent) because he works at his family’s pizzeria most weekends (a subject we have discussed often as we feel strongly that we should be given the opportunity to sample their product). I inform the class that I have decided to open my own pizzeria just four blocks away from Mario’s. The question is posed: How do I draw customers from Mario’s restaurant to mine? I watch as the wheels start slowly turning and a student calls out, “Offer deserts, too.”
The class shows unanimous support of this idea, and I turn to Mario. “What are you going to do, Mario? Your customers are coming to me because I offer a wide variety of scrumptious deserts to compete for your business?” He ponders this briefly and says, “We’ll add a salad bar!”
The class can tell he’s very proud of himself, and now I see the light bulbs go on as they realize that this is going to be fun. The volley of ideas proceeds like a tennis match, back and forth. After several rounds, my ego is building. I am every teacher’s dream; a shoe-in for best teacher of the year.
The blood is pumping now as I inquire again what I should do next. A normally shy student calls out, “Offer sandwiches and appetizers.”
Without a second’s hesitation, Mario says boldly, “Patio and pasta!”
“Wow!” I think to myself. “This was an awesome idea. They are engaged. They really get it. This is what teaching is all about!” On a wave of euphoria, I turn to the class to hear what innovative ideas they have for me next. Susie (whose name has been changed to protect the guilty) is wildly waving her hand. I am amazed, as she is normally almost comatose in class, and with bated breath, I say. “Susie, what should we do to top that?”
As the whole class turns in shocked anticipation, Susie loudly asks, “Can I go to the restroom?”
Bam! Forget competition in the marketplace. Now, all my students can think about is competition in the peeing place. All eyes watch her leave wishing it was them, and so begins a steady stream of…well…pee-ers. And as I remind myself that we really were on a roll for awhile, I think to myself, “I think I have to pee, too!”