An Ode To Shoelessness

SW and I both have a no-shoes policy in our drama studios.  It began with her class last year being in a room with a marley floor which she wanted to maintain - so of course, no outside shoes.  But this year, both of us have carpeted spaces, and I have committed to the no shoe policy.  And let me tell you - I love it.  Here's a few reasons why I firmly believe in taking off shoes before coming into drama.

• Routine.  By taking off their shoes as they enter the space, students are making a physical shift.  This can also help them make the mental shift to being in a space for imagination, creativity, exploration, and play.
• Hygiene.  My room has absolutely no furniture in it other than my desk chair (which I would change out for an exercise ball in a heartbeat).  As such, we spend a lot of time sitting on the floor, crawling, and rolling around.  I would prefer not to have outside yuck all over the carpet (which is fortunately vacuumed daily - thank you, cleaning staff!).
• Grounding.  With shoes off, I feel more connected to the earth.  I can feel the way my feet settle into the floor as I stand and roll from heel to toe as I step.  It's easier to plant myself, stand tall, walk confident.
• Character.  Building upon that - shoes give you character.  The way I feel when I wear my Toms is very different from the way I feel in my bad-bitch-in-charge boots is very different from the way I feel with my running shoes on.  They change the way I move, they change my attitude.  This is even more true for actors - putting on the costume shoes of your character settles you into their personality.
• Stress.  My friend RC is a fantastic director, and I stage managed her shows throughout college.  Before every rehearsal she would take off her shoes.  "You release stress through your feet," she told me.
• Comfort.  A personal benefit for the teacher - I can wear shoes that are cute but not super comfortable or practical for teaching, because I'll take them off as soon as I walk into my room.  I only need them for the walk to and from school and quick jaunts around.  Plus my shoes hold up better and last longer!

But of course, as with all things, there are a few complications.

• Timing.  Ever try to see how long it takes for 20 four-year-olds to take their shoes off and - better yet - put them back on?  Oof.  Particularly with the really little ones, try to have a teacher or two on hand at the beginning and end of class to help with shoelaces and getting shoes on the correct feet.
• Emergencies.  I remember when I was in elementary school, that was the reason always cited for needing to keep our shoes on.  If there's a fire drill in January and you've got a class full of unshod kiddos, be prepared to have them grab their shoes and walk.
• Storage.  This is a problem SW is having at current.  In my Village School classroom, I am lucky enough to have rows of built-in cubbies in which the students can store shoes, socks, water bottles, and jackets.  Without the lockers she requested, SW is having trouble finding a tidy place for 18 pairs of shoes.

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Currently reading:  Orange Is The New Black by Piper Kerman - first read of the newly founded faculty book club!
Current high:  it's Friday and T-2 days to Cebu!
Current low:  a verrrrrry sleepy week...but kiddos' energy will pick me back up :)