Over the years, I’ve taught in all kinds of classrooms: computer labs, lecture halls with stadium seats, tiny old rooms with no windows, classrooms with immovable desks, classrooms with moveable desks. I used to insist we all learn in a circle as something foundational to my classroom environment, but I quickly realized the impossibility of it. So I stopped creating circles. But one thing I haven’t stopped (unless the computer lab insists I do not bring these) is bringing treats in.
Treats! I always loved days in school when someone brought a treat, like for a birthday or holiday. The whole day brightened. The classroom suddenly became a celebration.
When I bring treats, I tell my students it’s a psychological experiment to make them associate writing with positive feelings. I tell them that every time they think of writing, they’ll also think of s’mores bars, blueberry scones, or butter cookies. They’ll think of triple chocolate espresso brownies. I also have nearly perfect attendance because they know my treats are coming, but they don’t know on which days. You never want to miss a class with treats.
Maybe it’s the rush of sugar or the feeling that someone cares about you and thought about you, but treats change the whole environment. Other professors know I summarize my teaching philosophy as “Go early” (which means I arrive to class 20 minutes early so I can chat with students and learn about their lives), but it’s also “Bring food.”
It doesn’t cost much money to bring in treats, but it does cost you a bit of time. Thankfully, my expert baker of a daughter loves to spend an evening making treats for my classes. We bake together a few times a semester for my students.
If your own gatherings don’t feel as joyful or connected, remember the power of unexpected treats.