As the school year winds down, teachers everywhere are looking for creative ways to bid farewell to their students (especially ideas that won’t break the bank). But one teacher on TikTok has taken end-of-year fun to a whole new level with her spider plant tradition, all while nurturing a green thumb and fostering a sense of community in her classroom.
Enter @freethinkingteacher, the plant-loving educator who has captured the hearts of her students and followers alike with a heartwarming tradition involving her beloved spider plant, JeffreyChickenBagels.
Take a look at what she does here:
What we love about this spider plant tradition:
- The symbolism of this gift. So much to unpack here! The collective growth that happened through the course of the school year. The sacrifice or “giving” of oneself to the community. The shared beauty! It’s too much!
- It’s cross-curricular! This tradition is a cute little handshake between science (plant propagation) and math (growth and measurement). We love to see it.
- It helps instill an appreciation for nature, plants, and gardening. In a world where—let’s be honest—we could all use fewer screens, this activity might be the beginning of many students’ green thumbs.
- It’s not going to live in a landfill for the next thousand years. Listen, I have no judgment for any teachers trying to make the end of the school year special on a teacher’s salary. But I love that this tradition has Mother Nature’s stamp of approval.
- The mere thought of how darling the painted student pots are. It’s probably a good thing she didn’t include them in the video or I would have wept.
What others are saying about this spider plant tradition:
This tradition clearly resonates with this teacher’s followers. Here’s a selection of responses that represent her comment section:
Many commenters weighed in with how long they or their kids kept their class gift. So sweet!
This TikTok user responded with an idea for the touching note she planned to pair with her spider plants.
We loved this idea for keeping the project thrifty—new clay pots can be pricey!
Finally, this comment was just plain hilarious. Treat yourself, cleaning staff royalty!
Certainly, the tradition has become a highlight of the school year. And thanks to @freethinkingteacher‘s infectious enthusiasm and creative storytelling on TikTok, her tradition has spread far beyond the walls of her classroom.
In a world where teaching can sometimes feel like a thankless task, this teacher’s tradition serves as a reminder of the impact educators can have on their students’ lives. It’s not just about imparting knowledge—it’s about fostering relationships, instilling a love of learning, and nurturing growth in all its forms.
So here’s to Mrs. Green, JeffreyChickenBagels, and teachers everywhere who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of their students. May your classrooms be filled with laughter, learning, and maybe a few plants along the way. 🌱✨
