When I stumbled across this post – lucky me – back in 2018, I couldn’t believe there was teaching at this high level by a school crossing guard. I was electrified. I was reading about more than teaching, I was reading about a teacher who knows how to connect with children. Welcome to Steve Bottcher’s Curbside Classroom. This is the first post I read of many of his Curbside Classroom posts. I hope you enjoy reading with the same excitement as I did.
“How Much Wood Could A Woodchuck Chuck…?”
“Who was Pavarotti?”
I thought I had them stumped. But stumping wasn’t the end game. The objective was twofold: strengthen our daily dialogue, the fun part; and stimulate their thinking skills, the learning part of our relationship. .
As for Pavarotti, the surprise answer came from a confident high schooler on a unicycle who steadied himself, as best one can on a unicycle, and delivered it with certainty. “Not only was Pavarotti a famous Italian opera singer”, he opined, “but he was a tenor”. I was impressed.
I’m a crossing guard for a suburban school district in western New York State. Every school morning and afternoon, I have a minute or so to interact with groups of kids ages twelve to eighteen years, while waiting for their signal lights to change. I try to make the wait meaningful.
“What is the formula for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius?”
Recent mornings been have been cold, bitter cold, the perfect environment to challenge them with this question. And the answer came fast. “(F-32) /1.8”. These kids are good.
It’s become apparent that they almost expect something each day, a quiz, a fact, a general question. An approaching airplane provokes a simple discussion. An unusual sunrise or an odd cloud formation gets us talking and imagining. It’s all about the dialogue.
“Who was Francis Scott Key and what did he write on this day (Sept 14) in 1815?”
“What direction are we facing while waiting to cross? Forward doesn’t count!”
“January is named after the 2 headed Roman god Janus.”
“Why did Frosty the Snowman tell the kids not to cry?”
“How many centimeters in an inch, millimeters?”
For the most part, kids haven’t changed over the years. The younger boys are still immature, they run, yell and ask nonsensical questions. And boys and girls still hold hands. But there are some noticeable changes. Pink, purple or blue hair is common with today’s girls, and even with some boys. The huge backpacks have replaced gym bags for carrying books. And, nearly everyone is connected via cell phones.
However, kids are still kids. If I can make them smile or laugh as they start their school day, then ‘mission accomplished’. And it all starts with a greeting…and, maybe a new question…
“Good morning, kids. Have a great day!”
“Oh, By the way, how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?”
To my surprise, they had answers. We’re learning from each other.
Steve
srbottch.com Jan 2018
Dedicated to a wonderful teacher I’ve been fortunate to know, Jennie, and her cadre of lucky students.
A Teacher's Reflections 
What an excellent idea!! Joy Lennick
Thank you, Joy. I feel the same way.
All the very best for 2026. Cheers. Joy Lennnick xx
Same to you, Joy! 😍
What a cool crossing guard! Those kids will remember him for years to come. ❤️
Yes, and yes!
A quiet hero!
There are amazing people in this world, that’s too easy to forget these days, so thanks for you Jennie, and for Mr.Bottcher.
Amen!
how very sweet, I love Steve and he truly is a teacher and a hero.
He really is! Thanks, Beth.
Thank you, Jennie. You make me feel like a rock star. The crossing guard job was one of the best jobs in my career and I was fortunate to have kids who were high achievers willing to learn. And you’re right, learning can take place anywhere and we all can become ‘teachers’.
Well, you already are a rock star, Steve. What a legacy you built, and what a difference you made. Just wow!!
😉
This is wonderful! Learning can take place anywhere! We’re lucky to have you and the Steve’s in our world that find all those places to share a nugget and plant the seeds of learning and exploration.
That’s so nice, Deborah. Thank you! Yes, learning can happen anywhere.
I love what Steve does! Kids love to be challenged and they love to learn.
Yes, they do! Steve did it so well!
Steve’s crossing-time questions are great, and he is a legend!
Best wishes, Pete.
That is how you make learning fun!
I have enjoyed Steve’s posts and the introduction to Steve by you, Jennie. The best to you both.
This is wonderful, Jennie. I remember reading about Steve and his crosswalk quiz. We need more people like this in the world.
it may just be a moment of their day, but I’m sure it is one that many of those students remember forever. He sounds like an amazing individual.