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The Wonderful World of trees

The Wonderful World of trees

by | MFA, TC-Aug-Sept-2025

A Seed Planted with Purpose

In a modest apartment in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by handwritten notes and books on education, Montessori teacher, Montessori Australia Ambassador, author, TEDx speaker, and co-founder of Upschool, Gavin McCormack, sat down with one goal: to create a course that would help children feel their power to change the world.

The result was The Wonderful World of Trees — a free, globally accessible education program designed to connect children with the natural world, empower them to take meaningful local action and, ultimately, help plant forests in countries across the planet through a partnership with global tree-planting initiative, Evertreen.

The result was The Wonderful World of Trees — a free, globally accessible education program designed to connect children with the natural world, empower them to take meaningful local action and, ultimately, help plant forests in countries across the planet through a partnership with global tree-planting initiative, Evertreen.

The concept was disarmingly simple: inspire children to learn about trees, care for one locally, and then make a real-world impact by planting a forest somewhere they may never visit, for people they may never meet.

The Urgency of Now

In a world facing climate breakdown, deforestation, and environmental collapse, The Wonderful World of Trees arrives as more than a learning module; it’s a response.

This course doesn’t sugar-coat the truth. Instead, it empowers children with knowledge, agency, and hope. They are not passive bystanders. They are active participants in healing the Earth.

According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, the world loses approximately 10 million hectares of forest each year. That’s the equivalent of 30 football fields per minute. As fires blaze, biodiversity shrinks, and weather systems shift, the next generation is growing up surrounded by environmental uncertainty.

This course doesn’t sugar-coat the truth. Instead, it empowers children with knowledge, agency, and hope. They are not passive bystanders. They are active participants in healing the Earth.

Teaching Through Action

The Wonderful World of Trees is built on a simple truth: when children engage in purposeful work, learning becomes unforgettable.

In the first stage of the course, students are invited to observe and care for a single tree in their community: to name it; study it; draw it; and document its life. In doing so, they begin to understand trees not just as part of the landscape but as living companions and intelligent contributors to the planet’s survival.

Once they’ve built that relationship, students hold a vote to decide where they want their forest to grow. With over 30 countries to choose from ( including Mozambique, Nepal, the Philippines, Canada, Madagascar, and Brazil) their decision becomes a global connection. Evertreen then plants the forest on the school’s behalf and sends back a custom video of the planting.

One child put it best when they exclaimed, “I can’t believe we planted a forest in another country!”

The Movement Begins

Among the first to join this initiative was Ryan International Schools, one of India’s leading educational networks. Under the guidance of Dr. Snehal Pinto, Ryan Schools committed to using the course not only to educate, but to mobilize their students into one of the most impactful forest-planting campaigns ever initiated by a school network.

“I’m grateful to be a part of the vision that empowers our students to serve the planet, enabling them to learn for life.” – Dr. Pinto

Delhi International School, Dwarka, led by Anubha Srivastava and Muskaan Mehta, quickly followed. Their students have already begun creating a legacy: writing reflections; designing artwork; and taking part in forest planning across continents.

These schools aren’t alone. From Costa Rica to Rwanda, teachers and students are proving that meaningful action can start with a lesson and end with a living, breathing forest.

As McCormack explains, “When a child plants a tree for someone they’ll never meet, they learn that kindness doesn’t need applause. That’s where true education begins.”

Where Will You Plant Yours?

Thanks to the partnership with Evertreen, every school enrolled in the course can vote on where they’d like to plant their forest. The course invites schools to choose locations where reforestation is needed most, allowing them to discuss global challenges while making a tangible difference.

The map serves as both a lesson and a symbol, reminding students that education has the power to extend far beyond the classroom walls, across oceans and into communities they may never visit, but will have touched forever.

A Curriculum That Lasts a Lifetime

What sets this course apart is not just its message, but its method. Designed to be cross-curricular, it weaves through science, literacy, geography, environmental studies, and the arts. Children write stories and poems, analize environmental challenges, and explore how ecosystems work together in harmony.

Backed by research into how purpose-driven learning impacts long-term memory and emotional development, the course also taps into neuroscience. When children take meaningful action, their brains form stronger, more lasting connections, making this both a cognitive and emotional journey.

A Mission Rooted in Belief

At the heart of this movement is a single, unwavering belief: Every child deserves to feel their true potential to change the world.

Gavin McCormack and the team at Upschool created The Wonderful World of Trees not just to teach children about deforestation or environmental science, but to help them become connected, compassionate, and courageous. The result? A course that doesn’t just inform — it transforms.

Join the Global Movement

This is not a call for passive learning. It’s a call for schools to take part in something living, breathing, and urgent.

The course is completely free. It comes with a six-week lesson plan, video content, creative assignments, and a direct link to global forest planting. It’s ready to use, right now.

Because when children believe they can change the world — they usually do.

Reach out to Gavin directly at: gavin@upschool.co

Access the course online at: courses. upschool.co/short-course/the-wonderful-world-of-trees

Or scan the QR code to get started.

Gavin McCormack is a Montessori teacher, former Montessori school principal, and the co-founder of Upschool.co, a global platform providing free educational courses for children and high-quality training for teachers. With ten years of Montessori teaching experience and 25 years in total, Gavin is committed to fostering lifelong skills through purposeful, real-world learning.

Gavin has travelled the world to bring the best the planet has to offer to children everywhere. His educational expeditions have taken him to some of the most remarkable locations on Earth, including Mount Everest, Antarctica, Costa Rica, the Arctic Circle, Iceland, the Chitwan Jungle, and soon Greenland. In each of these places, along with the team at Upschool, he has filmed educational content, collaborated with local communities, and developed courses that connect children with the wonders of the natural world and the lessons it holds.

He has received multiple accolades, including a nomination for Australian of the Year and a ‘Best Contribution to Education’ award at the GESS Dubai Awards. He is an author of children’s books and a practical guide on Montessori education for parents. His TEDx talk and presentations at global conferences focus on the importance of hands-on, meaningful learning experiences.

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What happens when are children know they are truly loved

What happens when are children know they are truly loved

by | MFA, TC March 2025

when our children are loved
by Gavin McCormack

Love in Action: Small Gestures with a Big Impact

As parents, it’s easy to assume that our children know we love them. After all, we provide for their needs, cheer them on from the sidelines, and remind them to brush their teeth and do their homework. But love, while it may seem obvious to us, isn’t always as apparent to children as we think. In fact, research has consistently shown that when children feel genuinely and openly loved, it creates a ripple effect, shaping their confidence, resilience, and overall well-being.

So, how can we ensure our children not only hear our love but feel it deeply? And why is this so crucial to their development? Let’s explore the science and the simple, meaningful ways parents can demonstrate love in ways that matter most.

Love as the Foundation for Lifelong Success

Numerous studies highlight the transformative power of love on a child’s development. Children raised in an environment rich in affection, are more likely to become resilient, self-assured, and emotionally healthy adults.

Resilience and Emotional Strength: A child who feels loved is better equipped to handle challenges. They see failures as temporary and are more willing to persevere through adversity. Love provides them with a psychological safety net to take risks and learn from mistakes.

Confidence and Self-Worth: Parental love reinforces a child’s belief in their own value. Knowing they are cherished gives them the courage to explore the world, form meaningful relationships, and pursue their goals.

Mental and Physical Health: Love also has physiological benefits. According to the Harvard Centre on the Developing Child, loving relationships reduce stress hormones in children, leading to better brain development and long-term health.

Success and Achievement—A study in the Journal of Child and Family Studies found that children who feel loved and supported are more likely to excel academically and socially. A loving parent’s encouragement fuels a child’s motivation and sense of purpose.

The science is clear: love is not just a “nice-to-have.” It is essential. But how do we, as busy parents, juggling countless responsibilities, ensure we are expressing our love in ways our children truly feel?

10 Practical Ways to Show Love That Children Can Feel

Children thrive when they experience love in tangible and meaningful ways. Here are ten simple yet powerful ways to ensure your child feels cherished every day:

1. Show Physical Affection: Children crave physical closeness. Hugs, kisses, cuddles, and even a gentle hand on their shoulder can reassure them of your love. These small gestures speak volumes and create a sense of security.

2. Say It Out Loud: Never underestimate the power of saying, “I love you.” But don’t stop there. Verbal affirmations like, “I’m proud of you,” or “You’re so important to me,” nurture their self-esteem and remind them they are valued.

3. Listen with Intention: When your child speaks, give them your full attention. Put down your phone, make eye contact, and engage with their stories or concerns. Active listening makes them feel heard and understood.

4. Prioritize Quality Time: Whether it’s playing a board game, reading together, or simply talking about their day, dedicating undistracted time to your child strengthens your bond and communicates their importance in your life.

5. Celebrate Their Efforts: Recognize their achievements, no matter how small, and comfort them in their failures. Encouragement and support remind children that your love is not conditional on success but is unwavering.

6. Teach with Patience: Discipline is an opportunity to teach, not punish. When children know that guidance comes from love, they are more likely to learn and grow without fear or resentment.

7. Surprise Them: A little surprise can make your child’s day. Write a note for their lunchbox, make their favorite meal, or plan an unexpected outing. These acts of love leave lasting impressions.

8. Be Present: In our digital world, undivided attention is a precious gift. Put down the distractions, and show your child that they have your full focus. Being present is one of the most direct ways to show love.

9. Create Special Traditions: Family rituals, such as bedtime stories, Sunday pancakes, or a weekly game night give children something to look forward to and create cherished memories of love and togetherness.

10. Empathize with Their Feelings: Acknowledge and validate their emotions, whether they are happy, sad, or frustrated. Saying, “I understand why you feel this way,” helps them feel secure and supported.

Why Love Must Be Obvious

While we may believe that love is implied, children interpret the world differently. They thrive on explicit and consistent demonstrations of affection and care. Unlike adults, they cannot always infer love through actions like providing food or keeping a tidy home. They need tangible expressions of love to feel it in their hearts and minds.

When love is not obvious, children may misinterpret our busyness or distractedness as disinterest or even rejection. Over time, this can lead to feelings of insecurity or a lack of self-worth. By making love clear and abundant, we give our children the tools they need to flourish.

The Ripple Effect of Love

As parents, showing love is one of the simplest yet most profound gifts we can give our children. It sets the stage for their emotional and physical well-being, their success, and their capacity to form loving relationships of their own.

By taking small, intentional steps to demonstrate love daily, we lay a foundation for our children to grow into resilient, confident, and compassionate individuals. Love, after all, is not just the bond that connects us; it’s the force that shapes our future.

So today, take a moment to hug your child, tell them how proud you are, or simply listen to their stories. Let them know, in every way possible, just how much they mean to you. Because when children feel deeply loved, they truly have the world at their feet. 

Gavin McCormack is a Montessori teacher, former Montessori school principal, and the co-founder of Upschool.co, a global platform providing free educational courses for children and high quality training for teachers. With ten years of Montessori teaching experience and 25 years in total, Gavin is committed to fostering lifelong skills through purposeful, real-world learning.

Gavin has travelled the world to bring the best the planet has to offer to children everywhere. His educational expeditions have taken him to some of the most remarkable locations on Earth, including Mount Everest, Antarctica, Costa Rica, the Arctic Circle, Iceland, the Chitwan Jungle, and soon Greenland. In each of these places, along with the team at Upschool, he has filmed educational content, collaborated with local communities, and developed courses that connect children with the wonders of the natural world and the lessons it holds.

He has received multiple accolades, including a nomination for Australian of the Year and a ‘Best Contribution to Education’ award at the GESS Dubai Awards. He is an author of children’s books and a practical guide on Montessori education for parents. His TEDx talk and presentations at global conferences focus on the importance of hands-on, meaningful learning experiences. Through initiatives like the ‘Write a Book to Change the World’ course and global projects such as ‘The Wonderful World of Trees,’ Gavin empowers children to apply their knowledge to realworld challenges, fostering a sense of purpose and hope for the future.

Love in Action: Small Gestures with a Big Impact

As parents, it’s easy to assume that our children know we love them. After all, we provide for their needs, cheer them on from the sidelines, and remind them to brush their teeth and do their homework. But love, while it may seem obvious to us, isn’t always as apparent to children as we think. In fact, research has consistently shown that when children feel genuinely and openly loved, it creates a ripple effect, shaping their confidence, resilience, and overall well-being.

So, how can we ensure our children not only hear our love but feel it deeply? And why is this so crucial to their development? Let’s explore the science and the simple, meaningful ways parents can demonstrate love in ways that matter most.

Love as the Foundation for Lifelong Success

Numerous studies highlight the transformative power of love on a child’s development. Children raised in an environment rich in affection, are more likely to become resilient, self-assured, and emotionally healthy adults.

Resilience and Emotional Strength: A child who feels loved is better equipped to handle challenges. They see failures as temporary and are more willing to persevere through adversity. Love provides them with a psychological safety net to take risks and learn from mistakes.

Confidence and Self-Worth: Parental love reinforces a child’s belief in their own value. Knowing they are cherished gives them the courage to explore the world, form meaningful relationships, and pursue their goals.

Mental and Physical Health: Love also has physiological benefits. According to the Harvard Centre on the Developing Child, loving relationships reduce stress hormones in children, leading to better brain development and longterm health.

Mental and Physical Health: Love also has physiological benefits. According to the Harvard Centre on the Developing Child, loving relationships reduce stress hormones in children, leading to better brain development and longterm health.

Success and Achievement: A study in the Journal of Child and Family Studies found that children who feel loved and supported are more likely to excel academically and socially. The encouragement of a loving parent fuels a child’s motivation and sense of purpose.

Why Love Must Be Obvious

While we may believe that love is implied, children interpret the world differently. They thrive on explicit and consistent demonstrations of affection and care. Unlike adults, they cannot always infer love through actions like providing food or keeping a tidy home. They need tangible expressions of love to feel it in their hearts and minds.

When love is not obvious, children may misinterpret our busyness or distractedness as disinterest or even rejection. Over time, this can lead to feelings of insecurity or a lack of self-worth. By making love clear and abundant, we give our children the tools they need to flourish.

The Ripple Effect of Love

As parents, showing love is one of the simplest yet most profound gifts we can give our children. It sets the stage for their emotional and physical well-being, their success, and their capacity to form loving relationships of their own.

By taking small, intentional steps to demonstrate love daily, we lay a foundation for our children to grow into resilient, confident, and compassionate individuals. Love, after all, is not just the bond that connects us; it’s the force that shapes our future.

So today, take a moment to hug your child, tell them how proud you are, or simply listen to their stories. Let them know, in every way possible, just how much they mean to you. Because when children feel deeply loved, they truly have the world at their feet. 

 

Gavin McCormack

Gavin McCormack is a Montessori teacher, former Montessori school principal, and the co-founder of Upschool.co, a global platform providing free educational courses for children and high quality training for teachers. With ten years of Montessori teaching experience and 25 years in total, Gavin is committed to fostering lifelong skills through purposeful, real-world learning.

Gavin has travelled the world to bring the best the planet has to offer to children everywhere. His educational expeditions have taken him to some of the most remarkable locations on Earth, including Mount Everest, Antarctica, Costa Rica, the Arctic Circle, Iceland, the Chitwan Jungle, and soon Greenland. In each of these places, along with the team at Upschool, he has filmed educational content, collaborated with local communities, and developed courses that connect children with the wonders of the natural world and the lessons it holds.

He has received multiple accolades, including a nomination for Australian of the Year and a ‘Best Contribution to Education’ award at the GESS Dubai Awards. He is an author of children’s books and a practical guide on Montessori education for parents. His TEDx talk and presentations at global conferences focus on the importance of hands-on, meaningful learning experiences. Through initiatives like the ‘Write a Book to Change the World’ course and global projects such as ‘The Wonderful World of Trees,’ Gavin empowers children to apply their knowledge to realworld challenges, fostering a sense of purpose and hope for the future.

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10 Things to Whisper in Your Child’s Ear Every Day

10 Things to Whisper in Your Child’s Ear Every Day

by | Grace and Courtesy, MFA, Montessori Parenting, TC May 2022, Tomorrow's Child

Next Story

from ‘Tomorrow’s Child Magazine May 2022’

story from: Tomorrow's Child Magazine May 2022
10 Ways to Prepare for Summer

10 Things to Whisper in Your Child’s Ear Every Day

by Gavin McCormack, reprinted by permission

1. I believe in you 100 percent. Whatever you want to be, I’ll be right behind you.

2. Be yourself; that’s all you can do. You’re amazing just as you are, and I love you.

3. I trust you, and you can trust me. If you make a mistake or do something wrong, that’s ok! We all make mistakes!

4. I will always be by your side. No matter how far away you are from me, just call and I’ll be right there!

5. I’m your friend. I may be a lot older than you, but I love being with you just as much as you love being with me!

6. Try to be as kind as you can to everyone you meet. Smile, love, care, and laugh. That’s all I ask of you.

7. Try your best; that’s good enough for me. But whatever you do, don’t ever give up. Don’t ever let doubt get in your way. If you can imagine it, you can become it!

8. If you see someone crying on the playground, sitting on their own, or looking lonely, go over, hold their hand, and make sure they’re ok! Imagine what it would be like to be so sad!

9. Take care of plants, animals, and insects. They’re all part of the universe, and so are you. The world is your home, but it’s also theirs. Let’s share it together.

10. I love you, unconditionally!

Gavin McCormack is a trainedMontessori teacher, children’sauthor, teacher trainer,philanthropist and schoolprincipal. While working in the teachingprofession for over twenty years, hehas used his experience and training tounderstand what it means to truly educatewith true intention. Initially trained as amainstream primary school teacher, Gavinre-trained as a Montessori teacher wherehe found the understanding and experiencethat has inspired him to build severalschools and teacher training centres inthe Himalayan regions of Nepal. Gavin hastrained teachers, parents and educationalleaders across the world. In 2022 he joinedMontessori Australia as our Ambassador.

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50 Life-Changing Questions to Ask Your Child After School

50 Life-Changing Questions to Ask Your Child After School

by | Montessori Family Life, Montessori Parenting, Montessori students, Psychology, TC May 2021

 

from Tomorrow’s Child Magazine – May, 2021 | by The Montessori Foundation

What did you do today?” is the age-old question parents ask their children as they enter the house from school, but as we know, the answer is almost always, “Nothing!”Here are 50 life-changing questions that will give parents across the world a chance to truly understand how their child feels about school.

  1. Did you see someone smile today? Why were they smiling?
  2. Can you tell me an example of someone who cared for somebody else today?
  3. Was there an example of unkindness at school today? What did you do?
  4. Was there anyone looking lonely during recess? How did you feel when you saw that?
  5. What did you talk about during group time?
  6. Did you learn any new words today?
  7. Did anyone do anything silly to make you laugh? Was it the right time to be silly?
  8. Did anyone cry? Why were they crying?
  9. What did you find hard? Did you still try even though it was difficult?
  10. What is the most popular game at recess? How would you change the rules?
  11. What was the best thing that happened today?
  12. How did you help your teacher today? Is it important to care about your teacher?
  13. Did you say “thank you?” to anyone today? What did they do to make you feel thankful?
  14. Who did you sit with at lunch? Why did you decide to sit together?
  15. What made you laugh?
  16. Did you learn something new?
  17. What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
  18. Was there a time when you were afraid? Did you tell anyone?
  19. Did you fail today in any way? How did you feel? What will you do to overcome the challenge?
  20. Did you ever feel unsafe? What happened to make you feel like that? Did you tell anyone?
  21. What is something you heard that surprised you?22.What do you regret doing? Why?
  22. Did your teacher say anything that has stuck in your mind?
  23. Tell me something you know today that you didn’t know yesterday.
  24. Was there a time when you felt tired?
  25. How did someone encourage you? Did you encourage anyone else?
  26. Did you like your lunch? Would you like to start making your own lunch?
  27. Rate your day on a scale from 1-10.
  28. Did anyone get in trouble today? What did they do wrong? How did the teacher react?
  29. Did you try something new?
  30. What questions did you ask at school today?
  31. Did you wake up feeling tired or energized?
  32. Would you like to plan an adventure this weekend?
  33. What are you reading at school? Did you have time to read to a teacher?
  34. What was the hardest rule to follow today?
  35. Which new rule would you like to put in place and why?
  36. Can you tell me a story? I promise I’ll listen to the whole thing.
  37. If school was canceled tomorrow, what would you like to do instead?
  38. Are you ready for tomorrow? Is there anything you need to do?
  39. Is there anyone who makes you feel worried at school? Why?
  40. What made your teacher smile? What made him/her frown?
  41. Did you have time to yourself today?
  42. Was anyone happy to see you arrive at school today?
  43. What made you feel proud?
  44. 44.Did anyone do anything to make you feel loved? Will you do the same to others?
  45. Do you need more time with me tonight?
  46. What would you change about your classroom if you could?
  47. How do you think your teacher felt today?
  48. What moment in your day made you think, “Wow, I did it!”
  49. If you switched places with your teacher tomorrow, what would you teach the class?
  50. Do you know how much I love you? And how proud I am of you?

Ask these questions, actively listen to their answers, and let’s change this world together.

How to Explain the Covid-19 Vaccine as a Story

How to Explain the Covid-19 Vaccine as a Story

by | Covid, Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Emotionally Healthy Children, Family Resources, Health / Nutrition, MFA, Montessori Family Life, Montessori Parenting, TC March 2021

The Immune System

It’s first important to understand how your immune system works. Basically, your immune system attacks anything foreign to your body. If it notices a virus or a bacteria or anything that it doesn’t recognize, it launches an attack to defeat it.

If it’s fighting a virus, for example, it takes time to prepare its army. It has to figure out what part of the virus to attack and prepare its warriors and weapons. That can take a few days. Meanwhile, the virus is replicating and expanding. (This is when you can feel that you might be about to get sick, but you’re not sick yet!)

Once your body defeats any virus, it remembers it. Your immune system has a memory, and if you run into that virus again, your memory cells say, “I remember this virus from before, and I have the weapons and warriors already prepared.” Your body uses its past experience to demolish the virus before it can make you sick. (This is what happens every time you catch a cold.)

Now that we know about immune memory, let’s talk about the vaccine. Scientists looked at the COVID virus and saw a weak spot in its structure. It was a particular protein, the perfect place for your immune army to launch an attack.

A New Protein Arrives

We will call this protein, the ‘weak-spot protein.’

So scientists examined the structure of the ‘weak-spot’ protein in COVID and made an instruction booklet on how to make it that your body can read. 

This instruction booklet is the ‘vaccine,’ and that is what is injected into our bodies.

Let me explain.

The vaccine contains no actual part of the virus. It has only the instructions on how to make the ‘weak-spot’ protein. So, you can’t get infected with COVID from the vaccine. Your body is simply injected with the instructions on how to make this particular protein.

Once injected, Your cells read these instructions and say, “Thanks for the new information; I’ll start making the protein right away.” So your cells can now make a bunch of the ‘weak-spot’ proteins. (Not the virus, just the weakest part.)

The Great Immune Battle

Your immune system immediately notices this new protein you’re producing and quickly gathers your immune troops and says, “Hey guys, we have an invasion on our hands; gather the army.” And it starts attacking the protein.

So you destroy the weak-spot protein. No worries; the vaccine can’t infect you. It’s just a protein, not the virus.

Remember that your body hasn’t seen this protein before, so it takes a little while to gather the military. Then it launches an all-out war against the ‘weak-spot’ protein. You might experience fever, chills, or muscle soreness as vaccine side effects. This is proof that your body is bombarding the ‘weak-spot’ protein.

Immune Memory is the Key

Once defeated, and it doesn’t take long because it’s just a protein and not a virus, your memory cells ‘remember’ the ‘weak-spot’ protein. Your body’s cells will remember exactly how to destroy it.

So, what if … a few months later, you accidentally forget to wash your hands and the COVID virus enters your body. Your body has never seen the virus before, but it has seen that ‘weak-spot’ protein that’s on the outside of the virus. Your immune memory cells say, “You’ve got to be kidding me! THIS cheeky protein again! I’ve already told the protein that it’s not welcome around here! Get out of here!”

Your body’s own ‘natural immune system’ quickly and efficiently launches an all-out war, using the same army and weapons it used before and destroys the virus before it can take hold, replicate, and make you sick.

You’re Vaccinated

Congratulations! Now, you’re almost 100 percent immune to COVID! You’ve got the weapons and army to defeat it as soon as it enters your body at any point in the future! ′

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10 Things Great Teachers Demonstrate

10 Things Great Teachers Demonstrate

by | Early Adolescence (12-15), Infant-Toddler (0 to 3), MFA, Montessori students, Montessori Teachers, Prepared Environment, TC January 2021

Quite often, we don’t give teachers the credit they deserve. I mean, first of all, they spend all day with kids—something that would drive most of us mad. But beyond that, they do so much more. Not only do they teach our children, they spend more time with our children than we (parents) do; they are trusted with caring for their well-being: socially, mentally, and physically. They are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends, and counselors to our children. While this may seem like enough of a job in itself, they also have to squeeze in some teaching along the way.

Here’s ten things all great teachers do:

1. First, they know every child’s name, not just in their class, but in the entire school, they say, “Hello,” to every child they meet and always engage in conversation where possible. “How are you? Did you watch the game? How’s your dad? You look cool today!”

2. They talk to children like adults. They reason with them and make them understand that, yes, there are rules and expectations in school and this is why, “You can’t run in the classroom, not because I said so, but because you might trip, fall into a sharp pencil, and stab yourself, and because I care for you so much that I don’t want you to get hurt.”

3. They allow children to ask questions and investigate, and they don’t pretend to know everything. “So that sums up our study of the human heart, class!” said Mr Johnson.

“Sir, why do heart attacks occur?”

“Actually I don’t know, but how about you go and find out and tell us all next week!”

This instills a sense of reality, responsibility, and pride as the children get to provide feedback to the group. Allow them to be the teacher; allow them to be the expert in the field.

4. They make things real. If you’re teaching Pythagoras, and a child asks why we have to learn it, you’ve got an answer. If you’re teaching expository writing, you allow the children to write an actual letter to a real person, persuading them to do something. Teachers make learning purposeful and real.

5. They practice what they preach. If you tell your class to be on time, dress smart, show respect, keep their voice down, and show kindness and gratitude—well, you better be doing  that yourself. Children are very observant, and they will quickly call you out on it. The the old saying, “Do as I say, not as I do,” is just not good enough.

6. They tell stories. They tell their class about what they’ve been up to, how their evening was, and what they’ve got planned. Children like to know that teachers are human. They like to know that teachers don’t live in the art cupboard and that they do normal human things, like shopping, watching movies, and even understanding feelings like that time a student felt down or lonely. Teachers are human beings; let the students know.

7. Teachers trust their students. Teachers explain to the children that the classroom is an extension of their home, and they should feel safe there. “I’m going to leave my wallet on my table and my cell phone on my desk, I trust you won’t touch them, because you trust that when you need me, I’ll be there for you.” Mutual respect equals mutual trust, and if and when that trust is broken, it will be a huge learning curve.

8. They tell children that they matter, and so do their opinions. An opinion box on your desk, where children can leave anonymous changes they’d like to see in the classroom, is a great idea; a daily reflection card, allowing children to express what they liked and didn’t like about that day is a great idea. Great teachers ask the class to anonymously review their teaching. Teachers might think they’re the greatest, coolest teacher in the world, but how do you know if they’re never evaluated by the very people who look at them all day?

9. They share ideas with the wider community. A great teacher doesn’t create materials and keep them a secret so they look better than everyone else. They think of education as a whole, a world vision, a change for the future of mankind and, with that, great teachers share great ideas and great resources. If they discover that something works, they shout it from the top of the highest mountain and throw samples from airplanes high in the sky so that everyone gets a copy. Good ideas change lives.

10. This is the most important one of all, and it is one that we only find very rarely. Great teachers don’t teach; they inspire. They don’t say, “This is how you do it; now go do it.” They don’t say, “Here’s the equation; now solve it.” They don’t say, “This is what it looks like; now copy it.” They say, “How do you think you do it? Please tell me!” They say “Can you find the equation? Please test it!” They say, “What do you think it looks like? Go find out!” If you know a teacher who does any of the above, please share this article with them or any teachers who might like these ideas.

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