The First Week

A different one.

I have had many first weeks throughout my teaching career of 36 years 10 months and 28 days,

But this particular one is different.

Starting a new adventure needs courage, perseverance and tenacity. 

But when a promise is made, you need to make good of it.

So, here are some differences.

First, we have decided all our protege are stars from the first day.

So, our mission is to make them stars from where they are; so their faces will be printed and pasted on the stars. We must not be mistaken that a star is one with only academic accolades; a star is made when the learner has courage to be on his/her own, speak confidently, play in good cooperation, collaborate in activities and learn to speak in English from ground zero. 

Yes, it may take days, months and years but do we not learn all our life?

Ha. I must confess my weakness here. The little ones whom I have never have the privilege to be in contact in my previous experiences are a hit. I sometimes forget myself as I go up to them, hug them and yes smack them with kisses ! But they are so adorable on Mondays. Look at them. 

This is so different.

Well, some things have to be the same though.

 Household rules I call them.

Dustbins are for them to use.

Throw them at appropriate places.

Line them.

Change the plastic only when necessary.

Save.

The lucky pioneer batch has the privilege of new chairs and tables; all tailored.

They are reminded of keeping them clean; nothing to be drawn purposely and to be responsible for own doings. Clean them when mistakes are made.

These are older ones; nevertheless needing much guidance and leading.

Even after many reminders, they can be up to tricks; going out of class without permission and filling up tupper wares of water as and when they want. That got the discipline master up his neck. Nothing done with willful disobedience can go unnoticed. They stood in front of me without movement for the next 15 minutes until the master said it was time to go.

We try hard to give them good teaching. Old comrades of Seafield came in to assist. Where can we find such teachers who teach with the heart in the name of education? Indeed, once a teacher; always one. She has indeed taken the road not taken. Thank you, teacher.

The younger ones are learning their best to adapt to a new environment and though learning challenges are a many, we hope to do our little part. They are here for us to care and love. They are so sweet.

Oh I cannot help it.

 This is an incident. Someone "accidently" brought the dreaded weapon; the evil liquid paper and got others into trouble. I told them that when they bring harmful stuff, they can get others into trouble. 

So, if caught a second time, they will be chided.

They were reminded to let us know their 'wrong doings' by mistake and to correct themselves immediately. Then they will be spared.

The frightened victim rushed to the rest room to get her fingers cleaned and continuously said  " Principal, I promise to be more careful next time. Please, please, please."

She broke my heart.

What is education without correction?

So we teach values; made so much more easier with a small group.

Meal times; a first experience too.

Food is catered.

Parents will be happy if they finish their food.

Some younger ones have to be persuaded; older ones are never having enough.

" Teacher, I am so full" said this year 3 learner. "How come?" I asked.

" I finished my friend's food. She doesn't want to eat..." Is that confession or he deserves a pat? It made me laugh as he went around patting his round belly.

Teacher Vanessa is always there to make sure meals are well taken.

Ashton is a superb example. He eats his vegetables and finishes his portion; he is obedient and remembers mummy's instruction. Pretty Michelle is slightly more picky and has to be persuaded but nevertheless tries her best to take her meals.

 What is this?

" Teacher , my tooth dropped..." This is so entertaining what with learners of year one and their milk tooth woes. So, I must blame someone... it must be the caterer and his fried chicken pieces ! So, he sure had a call from me.

 The caterer is none other than my ex student. Yes. it's Thomas. So, a promise was made. Better quality, next time.

Next, I am into my favourite programme.

Reading Aloud.

 I take it a point to see the younger ones personally to see how well they can read. The reading aloud process will build their confidence and speech. I was glad to find out that all the 3 that I pulled out could read as well as I like. There is much potential. This a personal effort I will take for the reading programme of the center.

This is their favorite haunt here. The little resource room. They love to gather there after food and while waiting for their transport. They play games and read. This is what I love to see. Children mixing well and cooperating with one another. There is much to build here; in due time.

Yes. The children are blessed with a sports arena.

When it is badminton time; they jumped and smashed happily, professionally and energetically. This goes so well with them. Indeed we are giving them something different.

The little ones need different attention.

So teacher Siva, a veteran with young ones prepare games and activities that befit them. They will have time to at the court soon.

Teacher Ryan is versatile. A youth leader; he is good at almost anything including leading the children in songs. We hope the children are enjoying themselves too.

Yes, may the learners learn right attitudes, values, friendship and excel academically too in whatever capacity and bring joy to parents and teachers.

May they also have fun and find a difference here; to make it a worthwhile change.

 Yes. That's it.