As the weather changes and we start to move into the cold and gloomy time that is winter, I have been able to pull out some of my winter clothing. In particular, sweaters have made a comeback as my room at Huron can get cold sometimes. Nothing goes better with a sweater than a nice bow tie. As I said earlier, I will be wearing bow ties to school every Thursday and it is not just because... there is a method behind my madness.
First of all, bow ties just scream physics teacher, as a small amount of dork must be present if a bow tie is worn. The kids seem to think so too. As I was talking with Yeatts, he said that it is a good thing to have a little gimmick. I am looking for something that will catch the attention of the students, but not distract from their learning. Each time that I have worn a bow tie, someone new has said some comment about it. It has allowed me to connect with some students that had been relatively quiet for class. I think that this provides a non-school related way to approach me as a person. The tie has opened new lines of communication and strengthened those already present.
I liken it to the times when I told my dad that he was the biggest dork in the world, but secretly I thought he had just said the best joke that I had ever heard, or worn something that I might have to consider in the future. While I don't want the students to focus on this issue, I feel that it provides me with just the right amount of credibility to help convince them to listen to me.
Whatever your personal gimmick might be, find it and use it to your advantage. The students can't make fun of other students if they are making fun of you in a good way. It helps to create the safe environment and makes everyone feel as if they can be a bit of a dork at times. Go find your bow tie.
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I love the spirit of this idea and this post, Phil. It's a generous impulse to look for ways to give students a way to connect with you. If you're a safe target for a good-natured rib, or if your quirks can provide a topic for conversation, that has to contribute positively to the classroom environment, as well as to your relationships with your students. I really like the "meet the students part way" feel of this idea.
ReplyDeletePhil, this is so true and such a great idea! Every good teacher does have that certain thing that's a little quirky and all the students know them for. That something is definitely a great way to get to know your students (a good conversation piece) and a way to give the students a little insight into who you are. I always hated those teachers who didn't have much personality, or who didn't seem like they possibly existed outside of school...having a little something like a bowtie lets students know you're a real person with a unique personality, I love it!
ReplyDeleteWell, well, well Phil, I fell right in to your trap. I giggled, gave you a hard time and told you that I couldn't take you serious in a bow tie. I'm sure your students have really enjoyed it as well. I'm quite sure that I am not brave enough to be comfortable in a bow tie, but I certainly admire the concept. You have thought this out much more than I realized. I will go in search of my gimmick. It makes me curious what will be the style that defines me.
ReplyDeleteThat is fantastic Phil! I can see it when I view you and your students, they have really built a connection with you. It's awesome. You're going to be a fantastic teacher!
ReplyDeleteI'm still working on my own method of distinguishing myself and being my personal style...other than the blond physics teacher:)
Great job Philbert!
Phil, I can't believe I've gone all this time without reading your blog. I apologize, my friend! I love that you wear a bowtie, and it certainly prompts me to say something! I can totally see you as the dorky dad cool physics teacher. You should help us all choose a gimmick. Maybe I'll have sombrero Fridays! ;-)
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