Dress Things Up!

Teachers who dress up in costumes simply rock! I think for a teacher to have the guts and willingess to play the role of a character is commendable. The practice also increases enthusiam and can help get your classroom out of a rut.

Last week~ Debbye Warrell~ media specialist at Challenger K-8 in Spring Hill~ Florida~ came into my classroom dressed as an Avatar. The costume was so good the kids and I didnt even know it was her until she spoke. No kidding. The students just lit up as she used the costume as a way to talk about Earth Day~ and how the movie~ Avatar~ showed how people can become one with their planet by working with nature rather than against it.

Think about it. Your students get use to you speaking to them all the time. Using costumes can be a way to shake things up. One time~ I used a fedora~ dark sunglasses and suit jacket to become a spy while students solved math problems to crack a code. I dressed as the Academic Annihilator as students battled against me to save the world. Each time~ I had a lot of fun~ which transfered to the students. Normally~ teachers use costumes to bring novel characters alive~ but think beyond that to tie costumes to other subjects. Dress as a famous person in history. Dress as a math superhero. Dress as a part of speech. Dress as a mad scientist. It doesnt matter-whats most important is what dressing up says about you and your spirit for teaching.

What do you think about teaching in character? Come share your thoughts in the Innovative Teaching Group at http://community.educationworld.comcontent/dress-things-1?gid=NTEyMQ==

Have a blessed day~

Steve