This is so good to see, but so sad that you felt the need to explain. As a retired teacher, I have always said...everyone can name a favorite teacher. Mine was Mrs. Patty Cox - my third grade teacher. I am sure that year she taught me to be a better reader...cursive writing...etc. But I cannot tell you a thing she taught me. She is my favorite, not because of what she taught me, but because of how she made me feel. She made me feel loved...safe...heard...appreciated. She saw in me what I didn't see in myself. Good teachers do soooo much more than teach. People that say, "That's not fair...!" do not understand the difference between equality and equity. Equality means everything is the same for everyone...but equity is everyone gets what they need for an equal playing field. So glad you are providing equitable experiences!
Miss. Newton, in 5th grade, gave me a little special attention. I think she found out my parents had divorced and that I didn't have a mom at home. She would ask me for a neck rub. made sure I had a small part in the class play. Graded my work as harshly as anyone's, and it made me want to try harder at learning for the first time. Thank you, miss. Newton.
That’s so true!! My favorite school grade teacher was also in 3rd grade, Mrs. Henderson. She finally made me feel seen after feeling alone for my entire life
I never attended the schools in which my father was the principal, but I did go along on the occasional field trip and spent some time visiting his schools. And my mother was a substitute teacher who did get my school (although not my class) for a few weeks. It's hard enough being the principal's or teacher's kid; no one should be complaining if you show them a little extra love. I used to envy the kids in my Dad's school because they received the best of him. He put his heart and soul into his work and went above and beyond for those kids. Extra-curricular clubs, field trips, special visitors - when he walked the halls, every child wanted to be noticed by him and he knew them all. I look back now and can be extremely proud of him but, as a child, it was difficult to handle.
I was taught the definitions of equity and equality the other way around. I was taught that equity was the same treatment for everyone and equality was giving each individual what they need. Are the definitions different in different countries?
As a mom to a boy on the spectrum I can 100% agree with what she says is true. My son has had multiple incredible teachers give up their free time to allow him to tag along.. whether it was during lunch or special time. I am so incredibly thankful for each of them and definitely include them in our village. 🙌🙌♥️
I just commented on the need some of us have for quiet spaces, especially if the alternative is the dull roar of an average elementary lunchroom full of children....
Even children not on the spectrum sometimes need a quiet safe space to be. When my dad died I was in 5th grade, the other kids were great but sometimes it was just too much and I didn't want to be around them. I had teachers invite me into their rooms for quiet time.
I have taught for 35 years...my room has always been open as a safe space for kids to be. Yes, my own kids, but any kids. Most teachers do. It is what we do.
It’s a common accommodation put on a 504/IEP for kids with hearing loss actually - cafeterias can be loud and overwhelming, and especially fatiguing for kids who already struggle with focusing in a noisy classroom all day.
This is reason why besides my sensory issues I would eat lunch outside like even if it rained I sat there under a shelter to eat lunch. Plus fact people sat way to close and I enjoyed bejng outside gave me time to chill before heading up yo libary to hide out before class xd
I was horribly bullied at school, it wasnt safe for my friends and i to go outside for lunch with the other kids. So we ended up having to hang out in different class rooms to let us be safe.
As a 54 year old woman, I can remember being in elementary school & and even in Jr. high when I didn't want to be around my peers & wished I could just have had someplace quiet to go to during recess or lunch break because I was having a rough day or just need to re-energize as I'm an Introvert & need quiet after engaging with people. Thank you for your videos, Ms. Chang ✌️❤
You don’t need to explain Ms Chang!! I know just from watching you, you clearly love your students very much (and your son, of course!!) and you do what’s best for them. The world needs more teachers like you, not just teachers…. but the world need more humans like you too! I’m 54, I was severely emotionally abused, my 6th grade teacher was just like you. She was the first person to tell me I wasn’t stupid and that in fact I was very smart. Up until that time, I truly believed I was stupid…. I truly believed I was “less than”…she changed my life, she may have even saved it. 💕❤️🙏🏼 You never know how just being kind to a child can change their whole outlook. Or how making them feel special can really change things for them 💕❤️🙏🏼 so thank you!
My kid valued the teachers that were a safe space for him. He actually spearheaded a lunch program so anyone, especially new or lonely kids, could have lunch together. The teachers would bring snacks so no one was left hungry.
I can remember soooo many times in my 25 years of teaching when ALl I wanted in the world was some quiet time to myself and instead allowed children to come have lunch in my room. There are many teachers out there who do the same thing.
Yes! My group of friends and I almost always ate lunch in classrooms. That was in high school. In elementary and middle school, there was a lot more regulation on where we were allowed to be and when, but those high school teachers who gave up their bit of quiet time for us to relax away from the chaos were my heroes!
This is a good thing in my opinion the kids feel safe in that area. In this crazy world we live in now that parents fear sending their kids to school and the kids fearing school ...letting them eat lunch in a teacher's class bc they feel more comfortable is the least of our worries
I'll never understand why some people feel the need to meddle in things that don't concern them... They have no idea why your son and his friends want or need that space, so what right do they have to judge? If any child can come to you and get help, that just makes you a great teacher in my eyes - the kind I would feel privileged to have teaching the kids in my family 💖
I would have eaten lunch in the library if they let me when I was little. And I wish back then, we had the freedom of a safe space away from noise. Good for you Ms Chang! You stay being wonderful
It is a gift to have lunch with your kid. My parents were not teachers. I looked forward to when my dad would come and have lunch with me in the cafeteria. Why should you not be allowed to have the same option? Especially when he’s right there.
You did a really good job explaining it and it’s true that it’s really common to have kids sit in a different room than the cafeteria. Like, my school has three areas for lunch; the cafeteria, and then a room near the cafeteria where it’s quieter, and finally the behavioural teachers room for the kids who get stressed and overwhelmed by the cafeteria noises which is on the other side of the school. And our school isn’t that big so it only takes like half a minute to walk from my classroom to the behavioural teachers room
I think it's amazing and generous of teachers to be sensitive to kids emotional needs and recognize that some of them may need a quiet, safe space during the day. Thank you for caring so much about kids and going the distance for them.
When I was in third grade, my teacher if she was having lunch in class would leave her door open, and let us know before we went to lunch, anyone is welcome to go in her classroom and have lunch with her. There was a lot of us that would eat lunch in her class. There was room for my friends and I to eat together. Sometimes at the tables it gets crowded and kids can’t sit with their friends. It’s nice to sit with your friends. Especially when they’re in another classroom.
I was a child who needed to eat lunch in teachers classrooms. I was so thankful for the quiet space, the peace, and the rest time. My teachers never had a problem. There was so much wrong with me in terms of medical stuff and undiagnosed autism. But I did not know that as a child. I knew the lunch room was scary. And my teachers gave me a safe space to eat and relax.
As a former kid who found the cafeteria REALLY overwhelming some days (still do!) thank you for being one of the teachers who offers up your room as an escape from the chaos. I can't tell you how grateful I am to the teachers who made space for quieter kids and our books! Y'all are lifesavers!
I enjoy it when kids have lunch in my classroom! Cafeteria was never my favorite place to eat, especially in high school because of some students being too rough, loud, and just too overcrowded. I think students eating lunch in a classroom keeps a more calming vibe that allows kids to focus on themselves and just relax before next class! As long as the kids are behaving I don’t care! 😀
My son could not eat lunch in the elementary cafeteria. His little senses were overloaded. What a wonderful thing to recognize that it doesn't work for all kids all the time. Love your compassion and understanding of our littles ♥️♥️
I love that teachers sometimes do this. There’s been a few times my daughter has needed this and it has been extremely helpful to her. So thank you to those that do! And I’m so sorry that you had to explain.
100% I have one of those “kids” and I am eternally grateful for the teachers and other school staff who allow him to eat lunch in their rooms or offices. He cannot handle the noise and chaos of the cafeteria. Thank you for being there for the kids!
I remember hiding out during lunch away from the cafeteria and am so thankful for the teachers and librarians who let those of us who needed some quiet time have it Thank you for continuing that tradition
You're so polite and calm to post such an understanding explanation whereas I would be cussing somebody out for being such a presumptuous pos over a 30 sec video 😂 you're awesome thanks for spreading all the kindness
It's sad that it was felt that an explanation is necessary. I think it's wonderful that there are teachers willing to share their time, space, and quiet with kids who may just need a break.
As a high school teacher with a high schooler (and an elementary kid that comes to my building after school, there are very few perks for teacher's kids. More like trade-offs. While my high schooler does eat lunch in my classroom because of some struggles, she also has to be patient on days like today when I stayed 2 hours late for a student to retake a test. We were at school for over 10 hours.
I think that is awesome of you to let the children have lunch in your classroom! Much better than being bullied on the playground like when I was young!!
I truly believe that teachers who did this for my child literally saved her life. Cafeterias and even libraries were completely over-stimulating for her. At her lowest points, those teachers made the biggest difference and I nominated them for awards and recognition. Now I'm becoming a teacher myself and I hope I have the capacity to be that person for other people's kids.
Thank you for doing this. Having a place to go when I was struggling in school was a life saver at times when I was working to overcome some serious injuries and felt alienated from my peers. It also helped me academically. Giving me more focused on time to study.
I think this is a great thing. I was very introverted in high school and even though I had a great group of friends the idea of socializing in such a loud place zapped it out of me. I’d usually end up spending my lunch in the library and didn’t eat until I got home. It’s great these babies get to eat lunch and have a nice relaxing space to decompress so they can spend their afternoons refreshed and ready to focus and learn. Being a teacher means doing anything you can to set a student up for success. Sometimes those things look a little different than we’re typically used to. It’s not a bad thing to give students the resources to learn to gage their emotions and how regulate them in a positive and nondestructive way. They’re still spending time in the cafeteria and learning to socialize too which is great. It’s not an all one way or the other situation. They’re getting exposure to both environments and learning how to handle themselves in both.
Thank you!!!!! I can remember what the dining hall was like during school: so many sharp, echoing noises, so few friendly, accepting places to sit, so much shouted judgment, if I’d known a teacher like you, school would’ve been endurable.
Growing up if you were in with the teacher during recess that meant you were in trouble. So nice that kids have a quiet space when they want to get away from all the ruckus or they don’t have to feel alone if they have a hard time making friends. Really nice to see.
Very true. Its overwhelming. Thanks for doing this for kids. It could be the reset and non stimulating time A kid needs to keep them successful in school.
Good for you for doing this. It’s the world we live in currently and the nature of social media that you ended up even having to explain this. I’m sure some of those kids appreciate your kind gesture far more than you’ll ever know. I went through a period of time where home didn’t feel safe and places like the cafeteria were overwhelming. You don’t know how many times I skipped even eating food at lunch and spent the rest of the school day starving in order to spend lunch in the library where it was quiet and where I didn’t have to worry about if I could find someone to eat with or dodging bullies.
I work in nutrition services for an elementary school. I run a kitchen and feed over 200 kids. The lunch room can be utterly overwhelming and over stimulation for some. Kids take breaks and eat lunch in the teachers room, the break room, and the office. Sometimes, they need a break. I love your channel, and I love how genuine you are!!! Thank you for sharing
I commend any teacher or school administrator who goes out of their way to show their students love and respect. My high school sophomore Environmental Science teacher and junior/senior Government/World History teacher (the latter was the same teacher, different class/grade), as well as the high school nurse, were this way with all students. It has been 30 years since I’ve seen any of those wonderful women, but they still hold a dear place in my heart and their classes were my favorites. I was even a student assistant for one of them and as a very rebellious teen, volunteering for that says a lot about what a wonderful teacher and amazing human being she was.
As someone who gets over stimulated even as an adult. I appreciate you for doing that as some kids do better with less going on around them. I understand this only because I still have moments in Walmart when I feel like that. I've never been diagnosed but I have always naturally even as a child avoided crowds loud places and concerts because of this.
As an autistic person, I would have thrived so much more in my afternoon classes if any of my teachers had allowed me to eat somewhere other than the cafeteria prior to high school
This is my first school year as a retired Middle School Science teacher. Prior to covid, there were over 30 kids who would eat lunch in my classroom. They couldn't handle the over crowded cafeteria and the library (also a haven for kids during lunch) was also overcrowded. The only rule I had was everyone had to be welcoming to whomever decided to eat in my room. This was an everyday occurrence for over 4 years.
My middle kid has ADHD and Autism...the lunchroom was one of those areas where he struggled to not to have a meltdown. He has an IEP that says he can leave a classroom when sensory overloaded but nowhere does the cafeteria fall under that. The cafeteria is one of the worst places for kids with sensory issues because of the noise, the crowds and chaos of the free time for students. I think that a quiet classroom should be offered to any student needing a break from the chaos of lunch. Way to go and be supportive of little minds.
Yes! My daughter would go into her 1st grade teachers classroom when her class was having recess and read. Sometimes kids just need some quiet time and it’s much appreciated that teachers can see that and offer it. ❤
This is great, I had a high school teacher who had a rocking chair in her classroom. We were all welcome to come in, unannounced, sit quietly in the rocking chair, then get a hall pass back to class. So glad you do similar things for grade school students !
I can't tell you how grateful i have been for the bonds i have made with teachers of mine. i have adhd and struggle socially a lot so the cafeteria isn't always my favorite place bc of lack of friends or people to sit with. my 8th grade teacher let me an a group of kids have lunch with her everyday, my english teacher last year did the same thing. it's an unbelievably nice feeling knowing that you have somewhere to go at school
Yes! Sometimes the lunchroom is overwhelming. It's loud and busy. Some people need a quiet space. It's unfortunate that schools don't provide sensory rooms automatically. I remember some of my favorite times were quiet lunches in a teacher's room.
So true! I know countless teachers who allow students to eat lunch in their classrooms, it really is important to have a quiet/calm space. The music room was my jam for sure! Such a wonderful explanation, so sorry this isn't obvious tho🥲 us teachers really are at school because we want to love and serve the students
I know my kid regularly eats with friends in a classroom where their teacher is preparing class or having lunch themselves. It's calming, gives them actually time to eat and it's totally not required that the teacher does this, since it's their own time. Still giving these kids what they need. Space, decompression time, quiet.... Above and beyond.
My 17 year old LOVES to hang w his buds & eat in the art room with the teacher. Thank you for being awesome, hilarious, a rock star teacher & teaching those kids all the good things (& lessons too lol). So happy I found your channel 😊
I totally relate to this even as an adult. Recess and lunch was just too loud and chaotic for me. As a high schooler I would get permission to go to the library instead of the lunch room because it can just be so stressful.
My daughter got written up and then suspended from summer camp a couple years ago after what began with her crawling under the cafeteria tables to read her book because she couldn’t handle the balloon popping game…she wouldn’t come out and I had to come get her (write up) which the next day turned into her learning how to scream steadily for three hours straight (thanks you guys 😵) until I could get out of work (suspended) so I pulled her out of camp. Third grade was awful in the fall after that, but that was when the school actually reviewed her testing for special needs, had her ARD and she got her services. She really needs her “settings” hours which allows her to do just this like in the video, and apparently they allow stuff like this for summer school too. Her weekly gifted class time is her favorite…it’s how her teachers keep her motivated to stay on top of her work. Thanks for what you do ❤
Bless you for what you do . I work in a school and so many kids eat in classrooms and in other spaces . And it’s available at different times to any kid …. Thank you again
I’m almost 50 but I remember in junior high being allowed to eat in my home room as the lunch room was too overwhelming. There was usually 4 to 8 of us each day. Teachers were always so accommodating in my school.
The music director that I work for for our church services has a classroom at our school and that’s exactly what happens to his media classroom- it became a safe space for any kid that just needs a moment’s peace.
I live in Scotland and it’s the same here. My youngest daughter who is 14, so she is in3rd of high school she and her friends sometimes go into a teacher classroom or even in a study room and chilled out because it’s too much for them.
We don’t have cafeterias, the kids just eat outside, but my kids school has a lovely inclusion room where kids can go and eat lunch, play quietly (drawing, colouring, etc) instead of being in the noisy, overwhelming eating and play areas. They can take friends too, it’s perfect, I wish all schools could accomodate these kids more.
My art teacher used to let us eat lunch in her classroom! I don’t even have social anxiety or really any issues with the cafeteria, it was just so much quieter and easier to chat with my friends inside of the classroom. And some of my friends were shy and so it was what was best for them and i was totally cool with it.
I was the kid who ate in the classroom with teachers and had friends who did the same. The cafeteria is only a comfortable space for some people. Let me just say I appreciated my teachers who allowed and I appreciated any other teacher that does the same. Those children definitely are very grateful to you.
I was always a classroom lunch kid. I didn't enjoy socializing much as I moved a lot and academia was important to me so I spent the time studying quietly in my favorite classrooms and enjoying the break from my age groups general rowdiness. Sorry you had to explain this to people, glad you can so humbly and happily.
Thank you for caring for our kids, taking care of our kids, recognizing the needs of our kids and fulfilling their needs. All kids are not the same and require different things for their wellness. I’m sorry you had to explain yourself for being a kind human being.
I love that you allow student to just chill and have lunch in your room. I love your videos and especially your name and spelling of it, it was my mother's who was a teacher too. Keep the videos coming. I've adopted your "It's good" and use it with my niece when she asks me how is something or does it taste good or bad.
This is so good to see, but so sad that you felt the need to explain. As a retired teacher, I have always said...everyone can name a favorite teacher. Mine was Mrs. Patty Cox - my third grade teacher. I am sure that year she taught me to be a better reader...cursive writing...etc. But I cannot tell you a thing she taught me. She is my favorite, not because of what she taught me, but because of how she made me feel. She made me feel loved...safe...heard...appreciated. She saw in me what I didn't see in myself. Good teachers do soooo much more than teach. People that say, "That's not fair...!" do not understand the difference between equality and equity. Equality means everything is the same for everyone...but equity is everyone gets what they need for an equal playing field. So glad you are providing equitable experiences!
mine was my third grade teacher too! Mrs. Shell ❤
Miss. Newton, in 5th grade, gave me a little special attention. I think she found out my parents had divorced and that I didn't have a mom at home. She would ask me for a neck rub. made sure I had a small part in the class play. Graded my work as harshly as anyone's, and it made me want to try harder at learning for the first time. Thank you, miss. Newton.
That’s so true!! My favorite school grade teacher was also in 3rd grade, Mrs. Henderson. She finally made me feel seen after feeling alone for my entire life
I never attended the schools in which my father was the principal, but I did go along on the occasional field trip and spent some time visiting his schools. And my mother was a substitute teacher who did get my school (although not my class) for a few weeks. It's hard enough being the principal's or teacher's kid; no one should be complaining if you show them a little extra love. I used to envy the kids in my Dad's school because they received the best of him. He put his heart and soul into his work and went above and beyond for those kids. Extra-curricular clubs, field trips, special visitors - when he walked the halls, every child wanted to be noticed by him and he knew them all. I look back now and can be extremely proud of him but, as a child, it was difficult to handle.
I was taught the definitions of equity and equality the other way around. I was taught that equity was the same treatment for everyone and equality was giving each individual what they need. Are the definitions different in different countries?
As a mom to a boy on the spectrum I can 100% agree with what she says is true. My son has had multiple incredible teachers give up their free time to allow him to tag along.. whether it was during lunch or special time. I am so incredibly thankful for each of them and definitely include them in our village. 🙌🙌♥️
I just commented on the need some of us have for quiet spaces, especially if the alternative is the dull roar of an average elementary lunchroom full of children....
Even children not on the spectrum sometimes need a quiet safe space to be. When my dad died I was in 5th grade, the other kids were great but sometimes it was just too much and I didn't want to be around them. I had teachers invite me into their rooms for quiet time.
I have taught for 35 years...my room has always been open as a safe space for kids to be. Yes, my own kids, but any kids. Most teachers do. It is what we do.
This practice was common in the school I retired from, and I'm grateful.
It’s a common accommodation put on a 504/IEP for kids with hearing loss actually - cafeterias can be loud and overwhelming, and especially fatiguing for kids who already struggle with focusing in a noisy classroom all day.
This is reason why besides my sensory issues I would eat lunch outside like even if it rained I sat there under a shelter to eat lunch. Plus fact people sat way to close and I enjoyed bejng outside gave me time to chill before heading up yo libary to hide out before class xd
As an introvert I loved having a quiet space to have lunch during the school day. There were lots of teachers who did this at my high school.
I was horribly bullied at school, it wasnt safe for my friends and i to go outside for lunch with the other kids. So we ended up having to hang out in different class rooms to let us be safe.
Truly, sorry you had to go through that. I’m sure you’re thriving now but things like that can stick with you.
As a 54 year old woman, I can remember being in elementary school & and even in Jr. high when I didn't want to be around my peers & wished I could just have had someplace quiet to go to during recess or lunch break because I was having a rough day or just need to re-energize as I'm an Introvert & need quiet after engaging with people.
Thank you for your videos, Ms. Chang ✌️❤
You don’t need to explain Ms Chang!! I know just from watching you, you clearly love your students very much (and your son, of course!!) and you do what’s best for them.
The world needs more teachers like you, not just teachers…. but the world need more humans like you too!
I’m 54, I was severely emotionally abused, my 6th grade teacher was just like you. She was the first person to tell me I wasn’t stupid and that in fact I was very smart. Up until that time, I truly believed I was stupid…. I truly believed I was “less than”…she changed my life, she may have even saved it. 💕❤️🙏🏼
You never know how just being kind to a child can change their whole outlook. Or how making them feel special can really change things for them 💕❤️🙏🏼 so thank you!
I can’t believe ppl complained about that not being fair. Sheeesh. Petty.
Also, teaching has few perks so if teachers can have that one, who cares?!
it's not like she's passing him along while he's failing her class, or letting him bully other students, so the concern about fairness is really whack
So many kids hate the cafeteria. There needs to be a calmer option. I knew a lot of teachers who would open their rooms for kids to eat.
@@StephanieGSM There has to be a happy medium
My kid valued the teachers that were a safe space for him. He actually spearheaded a lunch program so anyone, especially new or lonely kids, could have lunch together. The teachers would bring snacks so no one was left hungry.
I can remember soooo many times in my 25 years of teaching when ALl I wanted in the world was some quiet time to myself and instead allowed children to come have lunch in my room. There are many teachers out there who do the same thing.
As a student that loved people. Who was also easily overwhelmed in the cafeteria. I thank you.
Yes! My group of friends and I almost always ate lunch in classrooms. That was in high school. In elementary and middle school, there was a lot more regulation on where we were allowed to be and when, but those high school teachers who gave up their bit of quiet time for us to relax away from the chaos were my heroes!
teachers like you are the best!
This is a good thing in my opinion the kids feel safe in that area. In this crazy world we live in now that parents fear sending their kids to school and the kids fearing school ...letting them eat lunch in a teacher's class bc they feel more comfortable is the least of our worries
I'll never understand why some people feel the need to meddle in things that don't concern them... They have no idea why your son and his friends want or need that space, so what right do they have to judge?
If any child can come to you and get help, that just makes you a great teacher in my eyes - the kind I would feel privileged to have teaching the kids in my family 💖
I would have eaten lunch in the library if they let me when I was little. And I wish back then, we had the freedom of a safe space away from noise. Good for you Ms Chang! You stay being wonderful
It is a gift to have lunch with your kid. My parents were not teachers. I looked forward to when my dad would come and have lunch with me in the cafeteria. Why should you not be allowed to have the same option? Especially when he’s right there.
You did a really good job explaining it and it’s true that it’s really common to have kids sit in a different room than the cafeteria. Like, my school has three areas for lunch; the cafeteria, and then a room near the cafeteria where it’s quieter, and finally the behavioural teachers room for the kids who get stressed and overwhelmed by the cafeteria noises which is on the other side of the school. And our school isn’t that big so it only takes like half a minute to walk from my classroom to the behavioural teachers room
I can totally understand this! I was always overwhelmed by the cafeteria as a kid too. 😊❤
I think it's amazing and generous of teachers to be sensitive to kids emotional needs and recognize that some of them may need a quiet, safe space during the day. Thank you for caring so much about kids and going the distance for them.
When I was in third grade, my teacher if she was having lunch in class would leave her door open, and let us know before we went to lunch, anyone is welcome to go in her classroom and have lunch with her. There was a lot of us that would eat lunch in her class. There was room for my friends and I to eat together. Sometimes at the tables it gets crowded and kids can’t sit with their friends. It’s nice to sit with your friends. Especially when they’re in another classroom.
I used to go to my teacher's classroom and eat lunch during my lunch. They had like a free period And it was no issue
Thank you for being the teacher who is there for kids who need a break.
That’s really kind of you. You never know what these kids might be going through.
I was a child who needed to eat lunch in teachers classrooms. I was so thankful for the quiet space, the peace, and the rest time. My teachers never had a problem. There was so much wrong with me in terms of medical stuff and undiagnosed autism. But I did not know that as a child. I knew the lunch room was scary. And my teachers gave me a safe space to eat and relax.
As a former kid who found the cafeteria REALLY overwhelming some days (still do!) thank you for being one of the teachers who offers up your room as an escape from the chaos. I can't tell you how grateful I am to the teachers who made space for quieter kids and our books! Y'all are lifesavers!
Omg that would have saved me as a kid at lunch/recess!❤
I enjoy it when kids have lunch in my classroom! Cafeteria was never my favorite place to eat, especially in high school because of some students being too rough, loud, and just too overcrowded. I think students eating lunch in a classroom keeps a more calming vibe that allows kids to focus on themselves and just relax before next class! As long as the kids are behaving I don’t care! 😀
My son could not eat lunch in the elementary cafeteria. His little senses were overloaded. What a wonderful thing to recognize that it doesn't work for all kids all the time. Love your compassion and understanding of our littles ♥️♥️
As a former teacher myself I’ve always been happy to let kids use my classroom as a safe space.
Thank you for always putting the needs of the kids first. ❤️
I love that teachers sometimes do this. There’s been a few times my daughter has needed this and it has been extremely helpful to her. So thank you to those that do! And I’m so sorry that you had to explain.
School cafeteria can be overwhelming for teachers too! I think it’s great that you offer a quiet space for kids to eat.
100% I have one of those “kids” and I am eternally grateful for the teachers and other school staff who allow him to eat lunch in their rooms or offices. He cannot handle the noise and chaos of the cafeteria.
Thank you for being there for the kids!
I remember hiding out during lunch away from the cafeteria and am so thankful for the teachers and librarians who let those of us who needed some quiet time have it
Thank you for continuing that tradition
You're so polite and calm to post such an understanding explanation whereas I would be cussing somebody out for being such a presumptuous pos over a 30 sec video 😂 you're awesome thanks for spreading all the kindness
It's sad that it was felt that an explanation is necessary. I think it's wonderful that there are teachers willing to share their time, space, and quiet with kids who may just need a break.
As a high school teacher with a high schooler (and an elementary kid that comes to my building after school, there are very few perks for teacher's kids. More like trade-offs. While my high schooler does eat lunch in my classroom because of some struggles, she also has to be patient on days like today when I stayed 2 hours late for a student to retake a test. We were at school for over 10 hours.
I think that is awesome of you to let the children have lunch in your classroom! Much better than being bullied on the playground like when I was young!!
Thank you for caring about kids. You are a blessing.
You’re truly amazing. Ugh. The best. ❤
You have such a sweet family.
I NEED MORE!!!!!! You rock southern treasure!! Take if you, your family, and class.
You are a rare breed! A teacher who really gets it! Thank you for all that you do for your students!! It does make a difference!
Thank you so much for contextualiizing shared lunch with students for ppl who have no idea what teaching is all about.
I truly believe that teachers who did this for my child literally saved her life. Cafeterias and even libraries were completely over-stimulating for her. At her lowest points, those teachers made the biggest difference and I nominated them for awards and recognition. Now I'm becoming a teacher myself and I hope I have the capacity to be that person for other people's kids.
YOU ARE AN AWESOME HUMAN BEING!!!
Thank you for all that you do!!
Thank you and your fellow teachers for doing this.
Thank you for doing this. Having a place to go when I was struggling in school was a life saver at times when I was working to overcome some serious injuries and felt alienated from my peers. It also helped me academically. Giving me more focused on time to study.
I think this is a great thing. I was very introverted in high school and even though I had a great group of friends the idea of socializing in such a loud place zapped it out of me. I’d usually end up spending my lunch in the library and didn’t eat until I got home. It’s great these babies get to eat lunch and have a nice relaxing space to decompress so they can spend their afternoons refreshed and ready to focus and learn. Being a teacher means doing anything you can to set a student up for success. Sometimes those things look a little different than we’re typically used to. It’s not a bad thing to give students the resources to learn to gage their emotions and how regulate them in a positive and nondestructive way. They’re still spending time in the cafeteria and learning to socialize too which is great. It’s not an all one way or the other situation. They’re getting exposure to both environments and learning how to handle themselves in both.
Thank you!!!!! I can remember what the dining hall was like during school: so many sharp, echoing noises, so few friendly, accepting places to sit, so much shouted judgment, if I’d known a teacher like you, school would’ve been endurable.
Growing up if you were in with the teacher during recess that meant you were in trouble. So nice that kids have a quiet space when they want to get away from all the ruckus or they don’t have to feel alone if they have a hard time making friends. Really nice to see.
Very true. Its overwhelming. Thanks for doing this for kids. It could be the reset and non stimulating time A kid needs to keep them successful in school.
Good for you for doing this. It’s the world we live in currently and the nature of social media that you ended up even having to explain this. I’m sure some of those kids appreciate your kind gesture far more than you’ll ever know. I went through a period of time where home didn’t feel safe and places like the cafeteria were overwhelming. You don’t know how many times I skipped even eating food at lunch and spent the rest of the school day starving in order to spend lunch in the library where it was quiet and where I didn’t have to worry about if I could find someone to eat with or dodging bullies.
You are one of the good ones. Thank you for giving those students a safe place to be themselves. ❤️✌️
Having a teacher and a space like this would have changed my whole school life.
Thank you Jere❤
You are amazing, this is what so many people and kids need!
I work in nutrition services for an elementary school. I run a kitchen and feed over 200 kids. The lunch room can be utterly overwhelming and over stimulation for some. Kids take breaks and eat lunch in the teachers room, the break room, and the office. Sometimes, they need a break. I love your channel, and I love how genuine you are!!! Thank you for sharing
I commend any teacher or school administrator who goes out of their way to show their students love and respect. My high school sophomore Environmental Science teacher and junior/senior Government/World History teacher (the latter was the same teacher, different class/grade), as well as the high school nurse, were this way with all students. It has been 30 years since I’ve seen any of those wonderful women, but they still hold a dear place in my heart and their classes were my favorites. I was even a student assistant for one of them and as a very rebellious teen, volunteering for that says a lot about what a wonderful teacher and amazing human being she was.
I wish more people valued quiet time. Glad you do! ❤
You're awesome! thank you for reaching out with your positivity. You help, inspire and show love everyday. And so fun with the kid imitations skits.
As someone who gets over stimulated even as an adult. I appreciate you for doing that as some kids do better with less going on around them. I understand this only because I still have moments in Walmart when I feel like that. I've never been diagnosed but I have always naturally even as a child avoided crowds loud places and concerts because of this.
Live this! You sound like a safe space for ND kids (all kids really), what an awesome way to help students.
As an autistic person, I would have thrived so much more in my afternoon classes if any of my teachers had allowed me to eat somewhere other than the cafeteria prior to high school
I never was comfortable in the school lunchroom and i am not in the work lunchroom either. i prefer a calmer area and less people
I never realized how much I hated the cafeteria until I could get away in highschool
This is my first school year as a retired Middle School Science teacher. Prior to covid, there were over 30 kids who would eat lunch in my classroom. They couldn't handle the over crowded cafeteria and the library (also a haven for kids during lunch) was also overcrowded. The only rule I had was everyone had to be welcoming to whomever decided to eat in my room. This was an everyday occurrence for over 4 years.
My middle kid has ADHD and Autism...the lunchroom was one of those areas where he struggled to not to have a meltdown. He has an IEP that says he can leave a classroom when sensory overloaded but nowhere does the cafeteria fall under that. The cafeteria is one of the worst places for kids with sensory issues because of the noise, the crowds and chaos of the free time for students. I think that a quiet classroom should be offered to any student needing a break from the chaos of lunch. Way to go and be supportive of little minds.
Yes! My daughter would go into her 1st grade teachers classroom when her class was having recess and read. Sometimes kids just need some quiet time and it’s much appreciated that teachers can see that and offer it. ❤
Ms. Chang, you are treasure to those students who just want to relax and/ or are introverts. You give them the room to spread their wings💜😊
I would have LOVED to have this as a kid. Thank you for being so kind ❤
This is great, I had a high school teacher who had a rocking chair in her classroom. We were all welcome to come in, unannounced, sit quietly in the rocking chair, then get a hall pass back to class. So glad you do similar things for grade school students !
I can't tell you how grateful i have been for the bonds i have made with teachers of mine. i have adhd and struggle socially a lot so the cafeteria isn't always my favorite place bc of lack of friends or people to sit with. my 8th grade teacher let me an a group of kids have lunch with her everyday, my english teacher last year did the same thing. it's an unbelievably nice feeling knowing that you have somewhere to go at school
People said it wasn’t… fair? Huh. I hope those people find what they need in life. ❤
Thank you for understanding
Yes! Sometimes the lunchroom is overwhelming. It's loud and busy. Some people need a quiet space. It's unfortunate that schools don't provide sensory rooms automatically. I remember some of my favorite times were quiet lunches in a teacher's room.
So true! I know countless teachers who allow students to eat lunch in their classrooms, it really is important to have a quiet/calm space. The music room was my jam for sure! Such a wonderful explanation, so sorry this isn't obvious tho🥲 us teachers really are at school because we want to love and serve the students
I couldn’t love you and this page more! ❤️❤️❤️
I know my kid regularly eats with friends in a classroom where their teacher is preparing class or having lunch themselves. It's calming, gives them actually time to eat and it's totally not required that the teacher does this, since it's their own time. Still giving these kids what they need. Space, decompression time, quiet.... Above and beyond.
I always was so thankful for the teachers who allowed me to sit in their class. Miss Tara and Mr. S’gro I hope you’re doing well 💕
My 17 year old LOVES to hang w his buds & eat in the art room with the teacher. Thank you for being awesome, hilarious, a rock star teacher & teaching those kids all the good things (& lessons too lol). So happy I found your channel 😊
I totally relate to this even as an adult. Recess and lunch was just too loud and chaotic for me. As a high schooler I would get permission to go to the library instead of the lunch room because it can just be so stressful.
My daughter got written up and then suspended from summer camp a couple years ago after what began with her crawling under the cafeteria tables to read her book because she couldn’t handle the balloon popping game…she wouldn’t come out and I had to come get her (write up) which the next day turned into her learning how to scream steadily for three hours straight (thanks you guys 😵) until I could get out of work (suspended) so I pulled her out of camp. Third grade was awful in the fall after that, but that was when the school actually reviewed her testing for special needs, had her ARD and she got her services. She really needs her “settings” hours which allows her to do just this like in the video, and apparently they allow stuff like this for summer school too. Her weekly gifted class time is her favorite…it’s how her teachers keep her motivated to stay on top of her work. Thanks for what you do ❤
Bless you for what you do . I work in a school and so many kids eat in classrooms and in other spaces . And it’s available at different times to any kid …. Thank you again
I’m almost 50 but I remember in junior high being allowed to eat in my home room as the lunch room was too overwhelming. There was usually 4 to 8 of us each day. Teachers were always so accommodating in my school.
The music director that I work for for our church services has a classroom at our school and that’s exactly what happens to his media classroom- it became a safe space for any kid that just needs a moment’s peace.
You are truly a beautiful human being
You shouldn't have to explain or justify. You are an awesome teacher! Yes the cafeteria is overwhelming for a lot of kids.
I live in Scotland and it’s the same here. My youngest daughter who is 14, so she is in3rd of high school she and her friends sometimes go into a teacher classroom or even in a study room and chilled out because it’s too much for them.
We don’t have cafeterias, the kids just eat outside, but my kids school has a lovely inclusion room where kids can go and eat lunch, play quietly (drawing, colouring, etc) instead of being in the noisy, overwhelming eating and play areas. They can take friends too, it’s perfect, I wish all schools could accomodate these kids more.
My old teacher used to do this also in the 5th grade it was for sure my safe space when I needed a break
My art teacher used to let us eat lunch in her classroom! I don’t even have social anxiety or really any issues with the cafeteria, it was just so much quieter and easier to chat with my friends inside of the classroom. And some of my friends were shy and so it was what was best for them and i was totally cool with it.
I was the kid who ate in the classroom with teachers and had friends who did the same. The cafeteria is only a comfortable space for some people. Let me just say I appreciated my teachers who allowed and I appreciated any other teacher that does the same. Those children definitely are very grateful to you.
Your a wonderful teacher and mother. ❤
I was always a classroom lunch kid. I didn't enjoy socializing much as I moved a lot and academia was important to me so I spent the time studying quietly in my favorite classrooms and enjoying the break from my age groups general rowdiness. Sorry you had to explain this to people, glad you can so humbly and happily.
Well said!!!! ❤
Thank you for caring for our kids, taking care of our kids, recognizing the needs of our kids and fulfilling their needs. All kids are not the same and require different things for their wellness. I’m sorry you had to explain yourself for being a kind human being.
I love that you allow student to just chill and have lunch in your room. I love your videos and especially your name and spelling of it, it was my mother's who was a teacher too. Keep the videos coming. I've adopted your "It's good" and use it with my niece when she asks me how is something or does it taste good or bad.
What an amazing teacher