When the students arrived at school to find a multilevel wooden structure built in the middle of the commons one spring day a few years ago, they knew something was up. It started with whispers, but soon there were shouts and declarations: “It’s Lernvergnügenstag – I knew it!” I had spent most of the weekend in the school with my miter saw and impact driver, building the strange creation. I had even come up with a semi-convincing explanation for it, in an attempt to preserve the surprise as long as possible.

One day a year, I get to teach my students whatever inspires me.