I never thought I’d find myself standing at the front of a classroom, marker in hand, trying to command the attention of a dozen squirming kids. I’m not a teacher by trade—I’m a dad, and my teaching experience is pretty limited to explaining multiplication tables at the dinner table or muddling my way through a messy science project on the kitchen counter. But when the opportunity presented itself for me to step into the role of substitute teacher at my daughter’s elementary school, I figured, why not? How hard could it be? Spoiler alert: it’s hard. But it’s also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.
A Humbling Start
Let me set the scene: I walked into the classroom armed with a lesson plan provided by the actual teacher (thank goodness), a cup of coffee, and what I thought was ample confidence. I’m a dad, right? I’ve mastered the art of the stern “dad voice” and the raised eyebrow of disapproval. Surely, I could keep a group of fourth graders in line for a day.
Wrong.
The first ten minutes were chaos. The kids were definitely not impressed by my dad voice. One student asked if I was a “real teacher” (ouch); another mimed snoring during my attempt to explain fractions. I quickly realized that teaching is less about commanding authority and more about earning trust—and doing so fast.
The Power of Humor
Once I abandoned my attempts at being the “strict teacher,” I decided to lean into what I know best: being a dad. That means bad jokes. Lots of them. “Why was the math book sad? Because it’s full of problems!” Cue the groans and eye rolls, but also, a few smiles. I used humor to break the ice, and it worked. The kids started to warm up to me, and I started feeling less like an imposter and more like someone who could actually do this.
Seeing the World Through Their Eyes
One of the most striking things about spending a day in a classroom is seeing the world from a child’s perspective. Kids are endlessly curious, but they don’t always express it in ways adults expect. Instead of asking questions about the lesson, they’ll tell you random facts about their dog or ask why the sky is blue in the middle of a science discussion. It’s chaotic, but it’s also magical.
I found myself reminded of how my own daughter’s mind works—how she jumps from one thought to another with dizzying speed, how her curiosity is boundless. Being in that classroom gave me a newfound appreciation for the waykids process the world.
The Lesson Plan Goes Out the Window
I wish I could say I stuck to the teacher’s carefully crafted lesson plan, but the reality is, things didn’t go as smoothly as I’d hoped. By mid-morning, it was clear that my audience had a limited attention span (and who can blame them?). Instead of forcing them through a rigid schedule, I decided to adapt. We turned a math problem into a game, completewith silly rewards like stickers and high-fives. During reading time, I let them pick the story, and we ended up having a surprisingly deep discussion about whether dragons could exist in real life.
Was it perfect? No. Did they learn something? I hope so. But more importantly, they had fun, and so did I.
A New Respect for Teachers
By lunchtime, I was exhausted. How do teachers do this every day? The energy it takes to manage a classroom, stick to a schedule, and actually teach lessons is incredible. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg—teachers don’t just teach; they nurture and inspire.
I’ve always respected teachers, but my day in the classroom gave me a whole new level of admiration. It’s a job that requires endless patience, creativity, and heart. Honestly, if you know a teacher, thank them. They deserve it.
Bonding Moments
One of the best parts of the day was connecting with the kids on a personal level. During their recess, a few of them wanted to know what it’s like being a dad. One asked me if I had any “dad tips” (my advice: “Always carry snacks”). Another wanted to know if I’d ever been a kid myself (I assured them I had).
These small moments of connection reminded me why I’d volunteered in the first place. It wasn’t just to fill in for a day—it was to experience the world my daughter lives in for seven hours every weekday. It was to understand her better and, in doing so, be a better dad.
Lessons Learned
By the end of the day, I’d learned a few things about teaching, parenting, and myself. Here are some key takeaways:
- Flexibility is key. Plans change, and you have to roll with it.
- Kids thrive on engagement. They don’t just want to sit and listen; they want to participate, ask questions, and have fun.
- Teaching is about connection. It’s not just about delivering information; it’s about building relationships.
- Patience is everything. If you lose your cool, you’ve lost the classroom.
- Snacks are essential. Seriously, snacks can solve a lot of problems.
A Dad’s Perspective
Stepping into the classroom gave me a new appreciation for the role teachers play in shaping our kids’ lives, but it also gave me a deeper understanding of my own role as a parent. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind—making lunches, driving to soccer practice, helping with homework—and forget just how incredible kids are. Spending the day surrounded by their high energy, curiosity, and humor reminded me that being a dad isn’t just a job; it’s a privilege.
So, would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Sure, it was exhausting, chaotic, and a little bit insane, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. If you ever get the chance to step into your child’s world for a day—whether it’s volunteering in their classroom, coaching their sports team, or just listening to them talk about their day—do it. You won’t regret it.
