The Brightside - National Teachers' Day
The Brightside: National Teachers' Day is Friday 25th October. It's the perfect time to show gratitude to the special teachers in our community.
These educational superstars are an integral part of the village that helps raise our kids. This week, we chatted with a few of our favourite teachers about what inspires them, how they inspire their students, and what led them to their teaching careers.
They even share some tips on preparing your kids for starting primary school/prep or high school.
Miss Fink
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My year one teacher! She was kind and beautiful and made school such a fun adventure! When I became a teacher, I wanted to be just like her. I still squeal with excitement when I see her now, and I can only hope that I can have that impact on my students.
What is the most rewarding part of teaching for you?
It's seeing children who are excited to come to school! Children spend so much time at school, so it can be a nightmare for parents if they don't love it. I am filled with pride when my families tell me their kids are sad to miss school or are so excited for Wednesday because we do art or just to see me. I am so happy that I get to make six hours of their day fun and full of learning, laughter and love!
Why did you decide to share your teacher's content online?
I was setting up my classroom, which I was MOST excited about! All my family and friends wanted to see my journey, so I made my page and shared it with them. It really took off from there, and I am SO glad I decided to create it.
How do you foster creativity with your students?
Creativity is so important to me! We are creative in so many ways every day. If there is a way to draw, sing, dance, or act it out, you bet my year-one cherubs are doing it! It makes learning fun. I remember loving the creative side of learning but having teachers who didn't prioritise it, so I will always make sure that those students with creative flair, get their opportunity to shine!
What is the best end-of-year gift you ever got from a student?
One of my gorgeous girls from my first class spent so much time drawing pictures to represent each month of the year and made me this beautiful handmade calendar! It was so thoughtful and really exciting to turn the page each month to see her newest creation.
What are the best tips for new Kindy kids?
Practice opening their sandwich containers or wrappers, zipping up their bags and opening tricky recess food packets! That is always such a challenge for Kindy that have had their handy parents helping them through eating time. I would also say make sure that they are prepared and ready for their important days at school like sports day, news day and library day so they have all of the resources they need and the correct uniform so their days are smooth and they feel prepared and comfortable!
Miss Morsella
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My Year 3 teacher inspired me. I would go to school with her during the summer holidays to help set up her classroom. From decorating the borders to setting up the bookshelves, I was inspired by everything she did. I also had some amazing teachers growing up whom I looked up to and wanted to be like.
What is the most rewarding part of teaching for you?
Developing relationships is important to me. I'm a silly teacher who loves to tell jokes, share life stories, and sing and dance in the classroom. I enjoy getting to know my students each day and seeing the connections build.
Why did you decide to share your teacher's content online?
My teacher friend had an account and encouraged me to create one, so I did! I love sharing what I do in the classroom and inspiring future teachers.
How do you foster creativity with your students?
Creating an environment that encourages exploration, imagination, and critical thinking is crucial. I do this by asking my students questions and exploring their interests, then integrating these insights into my lessons. I recognise and celebrate creative efforts and achievements, whether big or small. I also foster a growth mindset by encouraging students to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning rather than obstacles.
What is the best end-of-year gift you ever got from a students.
A bottle of champagne and a spa voucher—very generous and thoughtful. My class knew me well!
How can a parent prepare a new school starter for their first week at school?
Some top tips for parents:
- Ensure your child gets enough rest by establishing a regular bedtime leading up to the first week and throughout the term. If possible, take a tour of the school beforehand. Familiarising your child with the layout can help them feel more comfortable.
- Establish a consistent routine for after school, which could include unpacking their bag, having a snack, doing homework, and some free playtime. This provides structure to their day and, if possible, no iPad!
- Set aside time each evening to discuss the day. Ask open-ended questions about what they enjoyed or found challenging, reinforcing communication.
- Organise playdates with future classmates to help your child form connections before the school year starts.
Mrs Learning Bee
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I wanted to be a teacher my whole life - growing up, my poor siblings endured my pretend school every holiday! Teaching is the most rewarding job... the impact we're able to have on the next generation is enormous.
What is the most rewarding part of teaching for you?
It's hard to go past seeing kids learn to read and write - it's the most magical thing to witness! I LOVE when you see a concept click for a student or when you see students implementing social-emotional strategies that you've taught them. Nothing beats it!
Why did you decide to share your teacher's content online?
Initially, I just loved connecting with the 'virtual staffroom' of teachers from around the world. There are so many golden nuggets that we can learn from each other, and it was such a privilege to share my ideas and resources with other teachers, too! These days, in addition to spending my days creating research-based teaching resources, I have also partnered with my tech-wizard husband, Jez, to create The Hive - a revolutionary online platform of educational and digital resources for teachers. I feel very privileged to get to support teachers and students in classrooms all around the world!
How do you foster creativity with your students?
I'm not in the classroom right now, but when I was, I loved encouraging my kids to learn that it was ok to make mistakes. Often, their fear of mistakes is what holds them back creatively. I'd often do this by modelling myself making mistakes - it created such brilliant learning opportunities. We must show students that mistakes are not only ok, but they are an expected part of any process and an opportunity to grow! We don't want our children to be afraid to make mistakes, and it is so powerful when children see teachers navigating mistakes and taking steps to learn from them.
What is the best end-of-year gift you ever got from a student/s
Oooh, so hard to pick! It's hard to go past a massage voucher!
How can a parent prepare a new school starter for their first week at school?
There are lots of simple 'life skills' that parents can work on with their child - things like how to open their lunch box, pack their school bag, put on their school shoes, etc. Also, give your child plenty of opportunities to play cooperatively with other children and learn how to share and take turns. Don't worry about whether they know their sounds or numbers - that's why they attend school!
Shop and pre-order Banabae gifts for rad teachers:
