Clair Parrish teaches second grade and coaches high school field hockey and lacrosse at St. Christopher's School in Richmond, Virginia.

Ok, it's true. Everybody expects a teacher to be successful in the classroom with any type of child. Parents, colleagues, friends, and administrators all expect you to teach a 2nd grader multiplication, cursive, the writing process, how to get along with others, how to be safe on the playground, and anything else that may be pertinent to an eight year old at that point in life. While you are teaching these lessons, you are expected to be extremely punctual, remember every change in each child's schedule, know where every child is at all times, and constantly be informally assessing children on their growth in and development. These expectations are high, but teachers rise to the occasion every day.

There is one area, however, that is overlooked by almost every parent and administrator. There are no expectations for a teacher in this area, but it is a time when a teacher can light up their students' faces and perhaps make them the happiest the teacher ever sees them. It is also one of the best ways to get to know your students. This time is usually not in the classroom at all. I'm talking about extracurricular activities.

These days, when children are scheduled to do something for every hour of the day, it is not surprising that almost every child in your classroom has some activity that he or she does outside of school. Whether it is art, basketball, ballet, violin, gymnastics, math club, chess, soccer, piano, or an after-school program, most children have another part of their life in which they find happiness, fun, and sometimes more success than they find in the classroom. The amazing thing about these activities is that almost nobody expects classroom teachers to come. I make a point to get to my students' soccer games, piano recitals, art exhibits, or to just show up at my school's extended day program to see what my students are doing. Every time I show up, the parents and children seem surprised and absolutely thrilled! There are no expectations. I can't go wrong, so showing up seems to be above and beyond my call of duty.

It shouldn't be. Seeing each student in another arena is very informative for a teacher, and it builds a significant connection between a teacher and a student. Children can shine, knowing that the teacher is not testing them or asking them to do something at which they struggle. In fact, sometimes the teacher is the one that does not know where to go or what to do and needs help. This role reversal is a wonderful learning experience for you and the child. I have had many parents call me to tell me how much their child has talked about my presence at their recital, and I love the thank-you notes from students explaining how well they played in their game because I came.

In short, get involved outside of school. It is easy, you can't go wrong, and you just might learn something!