I don't know how many of you teach, but some days I wish I had never started. Something that comes so easy to me can be nearly impossible for someone else and that frustrates me. I don't understand how some people can't sew a straight seam to save their lives, even with pins and a foot with a guide. The machine could probably do a better job if they would push the start button and walk away!
I'm exaggerating, of course, but after a class like I had yesterday, I wonder why I bother.
There was one woman who, even after I matched all her intersections and pinned, sewed down the wrong side. I don't know what else I could have done for her other than sew it myself and I did that on several occasions. This went on all day, since the class was the result of 4 people asking me to teach them a project they wanted to have finished for Easter, so we planned to work as long as necessary. We started at 10:30 and went until the store closed at 5:00. I knew the original 4 people would be no trouble at all, but as they were talking about the upcoming class, a few others asked to join. I would never turn anyone away if I have room for them and think the project is something they can handle.
I am totally exhausted. I have the WHOLE day to recover before I have to do it all again!
I have been in classes where there are students who should NOT be there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chuckle.
Helen in Mass.
Or how about those who arrive to a class and don't bring the required fabrics or don't do the pre-requisite homework (e.g. cut fabric into certain size pieces so that there is enough time to do everything). This type of person just drags the whole class down. I hear your frustration.
ReplyDeleteI had a lady show up to a class without any of the supplies and offered to share mine. She gladly accepted and said she would replace it at the following class. I now have a yard of fabric with cats dressed in Elizabethan costumes!
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, I find there are those who can see "the big picture" and those who can't. Those who need step by step instructions do not see beyond the step of the moment and really need a personal tutor rather than a class teacher. I have encountered many in my teaching career. My strategy is to pair them with the class over-achiever, so I am available for everyone.
ReplyDelete