How To Start A New Project
Hello, dear friends and teachers,
It’s February 2nd, and I’ve decided to trade my lesson plans for linguine. Why? Because even teachers need hobbies. Ten years ago, I had the idea to learn how to make pasta. A local college offered cooking classes, and I thought, Why not? Say what you will about the American education system (and trust me, I have), but I love that it offers opportunities for anyone to learn something new. Sure, $700 for a class isn’t exactly cheap, but when you consider the cost of therapy after a particularly rough parent-teacher conference, it’s a steal.
Fast forward to today, and I’m finally giving it another shot. Enter Evan Funke, the pasta maestro of YouTube. Watching his videos made me think, Naomi, you’ve spent years creating lessons on Washington state history. Maybe it’s time to learn something just for fun. How many of us have put our own interests on hold because we’re so focused on our students? Sound familiar?
The Pasta Experiment: Trials, Errors, and Flour Everywhere
My first batch of pasta was... well, let’s just say Evan Funke would’ve cried. Thick, chewy noodles that could double as rubber bands. Turns out, the type of flour matters. Who knew? (Spoiler: Everyone but me.) My husband, bless him, picked up some 00 flour, the gold standard for pasta-making. With that, I managed to create my first pasta sheets. Evan would not approve, though, because I used a pasta machine instead of a traditional Mattarello (a long, narrow wooden rolling pin) and a tagliere (a large wooden board). These tools are apparently worth the investment if you’re serious about pasta-making.
As teachers, we’re used to trial and error. Whether it’s a lesson plan or a batch of pasta, sometimes you just have to laugh and try again.
The Big Idea: Pasta Meets Pedagogy
Here’s where it gets exciting. As the owner of Anthropologist in Heels, I’ve always been drawn to Italian culture. My first product line on Teachers Pay Teachers was Italian-themed, and now I’m dreaming up a new idea: Italian culinary language lessons. Imagine teaching students the language of pasta—words like sfoglino (pasta maker) and tagliere (cutting board). It’s a delicious way to blend culture, language, and history.
My husband and I are even tossing around the idea of selling fresh pasta at the Oak Harbor Farmers Market this summer. Fresh or dried? That’s the question we’re debating. (Feel free to weigh in—I’ll take all the advice I can get!)
Why Teachers Need Hobbies
Teaching is rewarding, but it’s also exhausting. We pour so much of ourselves into our work that it’s easy to forget about our own passions. Learning to make pasta won’t solve all my problems, but it’s a reminder that growth and joy can happen outside the classroom too.
So, here’s to trying new things, embracing the mess, and finding inspiration in unexpected places. Who’s with me?
Writing Prompt for Teachers
Think about a hobby or skill you’ve been meaning to try but haven’t had the time for. What’s stopping you? Write a blog post or journal entry sharing your journey—whether it’s a decade-long dream like mine or a new interest you’re just discovering. Reflect on how stepping out of your comfort zone can inspire both you and your students. Bonus points if you connect it to your teaching practice in a creative way!
Key Terms Linked to High-Traffic Websites
Evan Funke: A renowned pasta chef and author.
00 flour: A high-traffic baking resource that explains the importance of 00 flour, appealing to both cooks and teachers looking for practical tips.
Mattarello: Linking to Etsy, a popular Italian food marketplace, authentic pasta-making tools.
Tagliere: Nonna’s Woodshop is a high-traffic kitchenware site, perfect for readers looking to invest in quality tools.
Anthropologist in Heels: Linking to your TPT store drives traffic to your products while reinforcing your expertise in creating educational resources.
