As a teacher, the first day of school can be just as nerve-wracking as it was when I was a student. The night before is filled with anticipation and anxiety, wondering about the class roster, the teacher’s demeanor, and the challenges that lie ahead. Even after years of teaching, the jitters still linger, a shared experience with my wife who is also a teacher. But instead of letting these fears consume me, I decided to share them with my students.
I start the school year by sharing a personal story about facing fears head-on. I recount a disastrous parasailing experience with my wife, both terrified of heights but pushing through the challenge together. This sets the stage for a unique back-to-school tradition I have implemented in my classroom – the “Fear Funeral.”
On the first day of school, I give each student an index card and ask them to write down a fear they have about the upcoming year. Without revealing their names, they fold up the cards and join me outside with a shovel. Together, we dig a hole and play dramatic eulogy music on my phone, setting the scene for the Fear Funeral. One by one, the students drop their fears into the hole, saying their goodbyes and letting go of their anxieties. We cover the cards with dirt, symbolizing the burial of our fears, and then head back to the classroom for cupcakes.
The Fear Funeral may seem silly, but it serves a powerful purpose. It teaches students that fear is a natural emotion, but it doesn’t have to control us. By acknowledging and sharing our fears, we can confront them and move forward with courage. As adults, we know that fear never truly goes away; it simply evolves with age. But by facing our fears together, we can support each other and build resilience.
So, as another school year begins, I invite my students to embrace their fears, let go of their worries, and remember that bravery is not the absence of fear but the courage to face it. And who knows, there might be cupcakes waiting for them at the end of the journey. If you’re interested in more insightful articles like this, be sure to subscribe to our newsletters for more inspiration and ideas.
