The Tea Station

A few years ago, I subbed for a 6^th grader teacher on paternity leave after the birth of his twin sons.  In his room, he had a tea station set up for anyone who wanted to use it.  Students brought their own cups from home and were free to make a cuppa anytime.  Rather than being a messy pain in the neck, it was a great way for restless students to take a few minutes to relax away from their desks, get their extra wiggles out and usually did better work when they sat down with their steaming mug.  I never once saw any student take advantage of the tea station to avoid work, and only once did I have to suggest that a girl replace the honey from the honey bear when she used up nearly all of it in a single day.  She did, but grudgingly.  And this was at a school where money was no object, at least not for her family.

I always thought this was a great idea.  So, when I saw on Amazon’s Daily Deal a hot water kettle for 58% off, I jumped at the chance to try a tea station in my classroom.  My students were very enthusiastic when I explained to them the concept, to the point I kind of wished I hadn’t mentioned it to them until the kettle came because it was a month of at least one person asking me “Where is our tea set?” every day.

Once it arrived, I set it up in a corner of the classroom with a tray for cups, a bowl for discarded tea bags and a donation box.  I told kids they were not obligated to donate either tea or money but it would help if they did.  Everyone is limited to two tea bags per day, are not allowed to bring tea bags for only their use, and only one person can be at the tea station at a time.

I asked them to bring either .25 cents or 5 decaf tea bags per week, if they could.  I think it’s important that they have ownership of the tea station and not just have everything handed to them on a silver platter.  It makes me happy that none of them have teased or pressured their classmates into donating to the tea station but boy they sure notice if someone tries to use more than two tea bags in a day!

The other rule that I changed from Mr. Tabshy’s room is that no sugar or sweetners of any kind are allowed in the classroom.  No sugar packets or honey or agave.  I want to try in a small way to wean these kids away from processed sugar.  They eat healthy when the food is something they picked or caught themselves, with the exception of Eskimo ice cream, berries with sugar and Crisco frozen into a gooey treat.  But they make up for it with tons of sugar from the local grocery stores.  Candy is expensive but everywhere, as are soda and energy drinks.  My students know that if they want to eat a snack in my room, they have to show me the wrapper to prove it’s healthy.  Same with drinks; water only unless it’s tea from our tea station.  Just today I heard a student explain it to a visitor, “She’s a health teacher, duh.”

In just a week, students who took advantage of the tea station went from hating green tea for its lack of sweetness to appreciating it (somewhat).  Black tea is a hit, and I think there would be a standing ovation if I brought in a box of Red Rose, the most familiar brand.  This week I brought in some peach tea and the room smelled delicious.

The obvious side effect of all this tea drinking is an increase in trips to the bathrooms.  But in my case, it is right down a short empty hallway so it hasn’t been too much of a problem.  One student who used to use bathroom trips to get out of doing work, or just because he was bored, has been getting more work done than ever because he only goes now when he really has the physical need.

All in all, I am very pleased with the tea station and hope it lasts all year.  In the meantime, I’ll just sit back with a cup of Earl Grey and bask in the silence.  And a drop from my little honey bears.