How to Maintain Hobbies as a Teacher

Teachers with hobbies are more well-rounded role models.

Most hobbies have something in common -- they are meditative and character-building. Hobbies fill a life with new perspectives and challenges. Teachers can easily become physically and mentally drained in the classroom environment and need hobbies to replenish their creativity. Participating in a hobby is as important for a teacher as eating food or drinking water. Taking regular time out to indulge in hobbies will even help a teacher to become a better role model in class.

Instructions

1. Dedicate a block of time, at least two hours, every week to your hobby. Use a calendar to schedule time for the hobby. Keep the schedule as regular as possible; schedule time for your hobby on the same day each week.

2. Start an after-school club to get students involved in your hobbies, such as chess, model building or woodworking.

3. Get coworkers involved in your hobby. For example, start a teacher's sports league, book club, food-and-wine group or knitting circle. Inviting others to take part will keep you motivated to participate in your hobby at a time that works with your teaching schedule.

4. Use your hobbies to engage the class. Take some time out to teach students how to write poetry or sculpt with clay, or take them on a field trip to a rock-climbing gym or a nature hike.

5. Use winter and summer vacations to put a deeper focus on you hobby. This works especially well with hobbies that include travel or long stints of solitude.

References

• Escape the Ivory Tower: The Importance of Hobbies
• "The Artist's Way"; Julia Cameron; 1992