Stories from the Field 2
Stories from the Field 2: When a TikTok Tank Rolled Straight onto My Playground
One moment I was casually scrolling TikTok… and the next moment I was fully invested in cheering for a bunch of kids playing a game called “Tank.”
Teachers were shouting, parents were clapping, and classmates were screaming support — and yes, I was laughing and cheering right along with them through my phone screen.
That tiny clip planted a dangerous idea in the mind of a PE teacher —
“What if I brought this chaos… I mean, activity… onto my own field?”
So I gathered cardboard boxes and tape, cut, flattened, and taped them together into three proud little tanks.
Sure, I teach sports — but give me boxes and tape and suddenly I’m an engineer.
Stories from the Field 2: Trying It Out with Kindergarteners
One moment I was casually scrolling TikTok… and the next moment I was fully invested in cheering for a bunch of kids playing a game called “Tank.”
Teachers were shouting, parents were clapping, and classmates were screaming support — and yes, I was laughing and cheering right along with them through my phone screen.
That tiny clip planted a dangerous idea in the mind of a PE teacher —
“What if I brought this chaos… I mean, activity… onto my own field?”
So I gathered cardboard boxes and tape, cut, flattened, and taped them together into three proud little tanks.
Sure, I teach sports — but give me boxes and tape and suddenly I’m an engineer.
Trying It Out with Kindergarteners
I showed three brave volunteers the clip first so they could demonstrate.
Honestly, I wanted to go first… but realistically speaking, I suspected the tank might not survive the experience.
Once they started, cheers exploded across the field.
The noise level was impressive enough to summon the school janitor to investigate.
Within minutes, laughter filled the building, and suddenly everyone wanted a turn.
“Teacher, can we play again next week?”
“I want a rematch!”
“Please, Teacher!”
And just like that — my schedule for next week was decided by tiny athletes.
More Than Just Fun
Behind the laughter, this game sneaks in plenty of development:
Physical — Crawling, balancing, coordinating
Social — Teamwork and communication
Emotional — Confidence and sportsmanship
Cognitive — Planning and quick thinking
People may see chaos. I see layered learning disguised as cardboard fun.
When class ended, nobody wanted to stop — and that’s when teaching really happens.
I remind them winning is fine, losing is fine, but kindness is mandatory.
If someone forgets that, we talk — privately, respectfully — because PE class is about growing humans, not just muscles.
I don’t teach just to fill a timetable.
I teach so children grow into adults who can share a world with others.
And I believe…
Stories from the Field 2 still has many stories ahead —
waiting for us to walk into them together.
