Introduction

As a seasoned teacher with nearly 25 years of experience, I can confidently say that more often than not, students do not succeed in keeping their activities hidden from us. In fact, many of the things they believe they are sneaking past us are not at all surprising once they reach my ears. This article explores some of the common activities students engage in, which teachers may or may not know about, but ultimately, we have a good idea of what is going on. Let's dive into some of these hidden student activities.

Lovebirds and Beyond

The Reality of Lovebirds Starting Young

Lovebirds are a common occurrence in schools across the world, but the misconception that they start in only 9th grade is far from the truth. In my school, students as young as 6th grade start displaying the signs of being "lovebirds." This behavior spans all the way up to 12th grade. Teachers usually remain oblivious, assuming such activities start later. However, the signs are unmistakable: blushing, distracted behavior, and private conversations. These are outward indicators that students are beginning to explore relationships and romantic interests, leading us to suspect their true activities.

Smoking and Cheating

School As a Place for More Than Just Learning

Smoking and cheating are not exclusive to certain types of students; even teachers' favorite students engage in these activities. It's a common misconception that only those who might not be at the top of the class need to keep their behavior hidden. However, the reality is that students of all types may engage in these behaviors for various reasons.

Teachers' Favourite Kids

Teachers' favorite kids often get more leeway and are thus more likely to engage in activities like smoking and cheating without immediate repercussions. This is not because of any special skills or sneakiness on their part, but rather because teachers tend to overlook minor infractions when it comes to these students. These students may do things like:

Smoking: After school, teachers are often not present, and even the beloved students partake in this activity, remaining undetected. Cheating: These students, while generally well-behaved, have been known to engage in minor forms of cheating to get ahead. We notice, but we may choose not to address it to maintain the peace. Chugali (Loitering): It's particularly noticeable when these students hang around the school longer than necessary. We see them loitering near the gates, seeking more leniency and less supervision. This behavior is common but often overlooked.

Other Hidden Activities

Minimally Visible Misbehavior

Beyond smoking and lovebirds, there are other activities students engage in, but which might not be immediately obvious. These include:

Phone Use: Teachers are well aware when students are using their phones under the desk or during class. The signs are subtle but clear: laughing, tilting of the head, and furtive glances. Bathroom Breaks: Late arrivals to classes or students leaving class in groups at the same time are indicative of underlying activities, such as going to the bathroom for other purposes. Sleeping: Teachers notice when students are dozing off in class, whether it's because they are fatigued or have other reasons for a lack of attention.

Conclusion

While students often believe they can keep their activities hidden, the reality is that teachers have a pretty good idea of what is going on. We don't always intervene or mention our knowledge, but it is there. It's important for students to understand that teachers are there to guide them and help them make good choices, not to judge them constantly.

So, the next time you think you can sneak something past your teacher, remember that while we may not immediately say anything, we likely already know.