I really like your tape but I hate your invention

I love economics but I try not to talk about it too much, even in class. Because, you know, it's economics.

As a way of avoiding the Bad Thing and amusing myself I've taken to having my 8th grade students do The Wave during class. In the middle of a boring lecture I'll say, "Okay, Wave, Now, Starting from the left!". They actually do it.

They do The Wave earnestly but with intent to have fun. They watch those to the left of them, anticipate the perfect time to stand up and raise their arms, execute, and then sit down. It is endlessly fun.

The fun-for-me part comes at the end when I muse aloud, saying, "You know, you guys did The Wave really well that time, but the class before you did it better. I don't know if they go to a lot of sporting events or what, but they consistently perform better than you. It's shocking."

None of the students have caught on to my bullshitting. They think I am serious. They have brainstormed reasons why the previous class is better at The Wave and have sought advice for improvement.

Teaching can be fun.