Blog Post 9: The Art of Teaching: Students And Puppies

Hello all you beautiful people! It’s that time once again… blog post time! I’m going to admit this right off the bat, this blog post is for extra credit but guess what? That makes is so much more fun for everyone, including you. For this extra (special) credit blog post, I have been asked to think of something that closely relates to education and teaching that I have found on my own. So on this fine Monday morning, I’m going to tell you all about the connections I have seen between becoming a teacher and learning how to raise a puppy. Trust me, this is going to blow your mind. I also have a new puppy picture for you all to make your hearts melt.

As some of you may know, those who subscribe to my blog and read my weekly thoughts, I am adopting a puppy in T-minus 7 days. Because of this, my more recent blog posts have almost always had a bit of puppy mentioned in every single one. As some of you may also know, I am a college student working to become an english teacher. If you have never read one of my blog posts or been to my blog, then you’re all caught up now!

When I’m not studying or working (or binge watching Netflix), I am doing research on how to be the best dog mom ever. I know this is a high expectation for someone who has never owned their own dog before, but believe me, I have read almost every book there is to read on raising a puppy and being your dog’s best friend. I’ve been doing this research for months now, keeping a journal of everything I’ve learned, and even bookmarked valuable YouTube videos that I know I will need in about a week when the little guy finally gets to come home. You may think this is overkill, but trust me, I think it will pay off in the long run. Here’s the thing though, the more research I do on puppies, the more I see correlations between raising a dog and becoming a teacher. I know this sounds a little out there, but just hear me out, I’m going to explain it all right here and right now.

First things first, both of these things require A LOT of flexibility in learning. This may seem like a given but I really started to notice it when learning about the importance of teaching in ways that accommodate each student in the classroom. It is so beyond important for a young learner to feel like they are valued and understood. The first step to showing a student this is by teaching in ways that they not only understand, but they help them succeed the most. These can be huge things and little things that can change the way a student sees their classroom. If some students prefer small group conversations versus whole class discussions, it’s crucial as a teacher to work with this and make the classroom environment more comfortable for their students and more enjoyable as well. Although this can put more pressure on a teacher at times, the benefits completely outweigh the costs of seeing students succeed and excel in school. The same goes for puppies. As I have learned throughout my research, puppies are not all the same and require different things throughout their lives. In the early learning stages of training and puppyhood, dogs need to feel understood and valued as well. Puppy owners need to be aware that flexibility on their end is crucial in order to raise an amazing companion.

Next, it’s important for both teachers and puppy owners to have patience and understanding. This, like the other example noted above, is also a major key when working in the classroom with students and anywhere with a puppy. When working with students, it’s always important to have patience with your class. Some days are bound to be better than others and that’s completely normal and OK. It’s easy to get caught up in the world of school and not give human beings a little bit of grace now and then. This is something that I have really seen as I make my way through my degree and continue down the path of becoming a teacher. Mindfulness is crucial in the classroom setting, for teachers and for students alike. Human beings are imperfect and fall short sometimes, it’s just how life is. It’s important to give the grace that you would like in your own life to others, whether it be students, coworkers, or your new fluffy companion. Puppies are imperfect too, as difficult as that is to believe, they are. They have rough days (no pun intended) and also need grace when they make mistakes as well. This is a valuable thing to keep in mind when teaching in the classroom and adopting a tiny floof.

Lastly, I have found that being an educator and owning a puppy both radiate joy in the lives of those that do it. Although I am not a teacher, not yet at least, I have spent some time as a student teacher in a middle school classroom. This experience has left me 10X happier every time I am there and genuinely makes me radiate joy. I have absolutely adored my time in a real life classroom and found it to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I can truly admit that nothing else compares to spending time with students and helping them achieve their best. The same goes for owning a puppy. Although I don’t have my little dude quite yet, just preparing and setting everything up for him has been one of the most fun experiences of my life. My mood completely changes when I even think about the fact that I’m getting my puppy in a week from today. Both teaching and puppy owning has given me pure joy in my life and granted me so much happiness.

Alright, I’m done now. If you stuck through all of that, THANK YOU. I know that was a lot. I just knew I had to share this, seeing that it blew my mind. I’ll let you go now, I know quarantine chores are most likely awaiting! Remember, especially through this time of difficulty and uncertainty that you are strong, you are capable, and you are amazing. If I believe that you are, then you should too! I hope you have an amazing week and if you can, try and enjoy this time! Also, as promised, puppy’s picture is below! Thanks for reading!

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