Oh, What a Week

This is a twist on the traditional Garver First Day of School picture. Annie on her phone and Dad wearing a tie for probably the only time this year. More on that later.

A week ago last Thursday I was on Mt. Veeder with a list of tasks to finish. For many not a thought to remember, but for me a welcome respite from the world of education. I drilled some holes in wood, cranked screws into the holes, hung doors from closet openings, pulled nails, filled more holes with screws and yanked grape leaves from vines over the course of a few days in the company of some wonderful people. That even includes three of our four children.

The Thursday stands out because of a question I was asked. I answered "Yes" within a few a hours, which for me is traveling at light speed compared to the quickness I usually display in making decisions. The "Yes" means I won't be teaching a traditional English class for the first time in more than twenty seven years. Many say I haven't "traditionally taught" English for decades, but this is a bit more than usual. I agreed to teach two English Language Development classes, which is English for second language learners. The other three classes are PE, including tennis. Maureen asked how I could teach tennis when I never play the game. This is really teaching an old dog new tricks.

The ELD classes I am really looking forward to teaching. The big item in these will be language and vocabulary development. I love words so this should be fun. The PE will be a stretch.

Conjure in your mind your PE teacher. I would guess most students when asked to picture their teachers have this vision of a nebulous form of an adult with a face that is vaguely familiar. These teachers have no life nor existence outside of school. Yes, we see our teachers occasionally in the market or at the mall, but they are an anachronism in those settings. We expect them to be in their classrooms when we go home and figure they don't leave because they are in the same room the next day when we return to school. I would say many adults would have the same view also. There are exceptions to this. We usually have a distinct picture in our minds of those teachers that have a deep impact on our psyche. With PE teachers just add tight shorts to that vision.

So what do you think is the student's reaction to Mr. Garver standing in the gym using his "outside" voice to get the students attention? In shorts? The last time I wore shorts to school Reagan was in the White House, and that was for a dress up day. No tie and wearing shorts. This ain't Kansas anymore.

After two days of teaching PE I have learned a few things. Shorts are good. Especially for us pale skinned, sun challenged of Northern European ancestry, a pool deck is hot to stand on in the afternoon. Brimmed hats for the same reason. Whistles help, but I already knew that. Good shoes will be a must. Concrete or hard wood floors wear on your legs.

The biggest new thing I learned wasn't anticipated. PE isn't just throwing out balls and letting students play making sure they don't hurt each other. Much thought and preparation goes into lessons. Planning has to be precise. Try herding 40 cats. I have come to appreciate that all teaching, regardless of the subject, isn't easy if you want to do it well. PE will have an impact on these students for the rest of their lives. Fitness impacts all of our lives. We don't need 6-pack abs, but we do need to be healthy. I also have a great team of teachers helping me learn the ropes of PE. This will be a needed change that will refresh me.

That and not grading so many essays.