Our Young Historians

In Year 3, we enjoyed the introduction of ‘History’ as an independent subject. I don’t think I have come across a single child who did not find it amazing or addictive. As a teacher as well, I felt the same enthusiasm while planning for their lessons. The Year 3 History Curriculum comprised of two separate units:  Greece and Egypt.  

Before we set on the journey to discover the wondrous Greece, I felt it was important to help them analyse the character sketch of an archaeologist or historian. Therefore, the first activity planned was the ‘sandpit activity!’ The children were requested to carry hats, aprons and handy magnifying glasses from home. 

It was fun turning my house upside down looking for art objects that would look old and fit in as artefacts. I also carried a few coins of currency that I had collected and saved while visiting foreign lands.

The sandpit area was divided into four parts using four different coloured small flags attached to straws and fitted in the sand. I created four groups in the class and the level of excitement was high. The artefacts had been buried beneath the sand while the students were in class busy dressing up for the occasion. “Why do we need to wear the hat teacher?” One curious mind started. “Because she wants us to feel like detectives!” came the immediate response from her group mate. I added, “Being an archaeologist is tough!” They looked at me waiting for me to add some more wisdom to the statement. I decided to allow the mystery to unravel on its own.

The worksheets had already been prepared and printed for them to carry with them. There were facts to be listed related to objects found identifying their colours, shapes, condition, suggestive clues and assumed time period. There was space allotted to draw the artefacts and register their conclusions on their finds.

When we reached the sandpit site, all four groups got to work. They held small wooden sticks to dig. One of the hidden clues was a clay spoon that I had made the night before. As soon as a part of it became visible to group 1, they became extremely excited and as expected began to dig vigorously. “Be careful!” screamed the girls as a part of the spoon broke. The culprits looked at me with innocent eyes that felt like they had met with a major disaster. “Oh no! That’s a big mistake! How did it happen?” I asked providing a little direction to the incident. “He was digging too hard teacher. We asked him to be careful. Now he has ruined our evidence!” “Sorry!” He replied feeling quite guilty. The other groups quickly contained their aggression realizing that it was a delicate job and needed a lot of caution.

All the groups carried their artefacts to their tables by joining their hands together! The evidence was indeed the most sacred element in the job. 

Once the tables were filled, they sat in a group collecting the data formally. “Let’s place artefact 1 in the centre. It’s a coin. It’s silver in colour and has a picture of a queen. Looks rusty,” “Can I hold it?” asked one of the boys. “No! You will spoil it if you do that. Just look at it and write,” commanded the authoritative voice in the group. “But how will you know what’s on the other side of the coin? And what will you fill in the space where it says, rough or smooth? We can’t just fill this paper imagining things!” he retorted a little angrily. I sat near him. “Well done! Yes, it’s important to study and examine the artefacts that you have found. It is important to list the facts clearly. Use all the senses. See, touch, smell and hear. Just don’t try to taste it! You have to be very careful when handling artefacts.”

Despite the heat, the students had enjoyed the entire experience. “So, that’s why we wear these hats!” smiled my curious doll. “I told you! It’s not an easy job! Working in the hot sun. Wish I had asked you to carry your water bottles too! My mistake!”I noted it in my lesson plan for the next year.

The worksheets carried pictures of old statues, coins and pots. There were interesting descriptions. For one coin, my student had written, “smells like the shoebox!” They came and sat down exhausted but filled with many stories.

“Teacher our spoon was 3 finger spaces. If we join the broken part I think it will be about 5 fingers. That looks like a teaspoon!”; “The pot was very shiny teacher. It didn’t look too old. Maybe, it does not match the time period of the other things.” They had started to use the reasoning tool that every curriculum desires.

Finally we created a mind map around the picture of an archaeologist describing his character and job:

1. Someone who digs for artefacts.

2. He must wear a hat because it will protect him from the sun and heat.

3. He should carry his pen and paper to record evidence.

4. He must handle the artefacts with care or they may get damaged.

5. A water bottle is a good idea to keep at hand as the long hours can make you very thirsty.

6. The site should be marked well to remember where to dig.

7. The artefacts must be carried carefully so as to keep them intact to study.

8. Study the artefacts by examining them closely using your senses. When you touch them, be very careful. Write down the real facts and don't be afraid to investigate.

9. The artefacts tell us about the time period that they were used in. They teach us about the lifestyles.

10.          Sometimes, we find objects that do not belong to the same time period. We can make out by their appearance and condition.

It was a beautiful history class and a meaningful beginning to our journey to Athens and Sparta.

Equality In Education

Educators around the globe would uphold the principle of equality that is by all means the primary right of every child who walks into a school. However, experience has taught me that until and unless, a vigilant camera is not set into motion, this justice is often diluted with the argument of ‘a competitive world’ and ‘school standards’ to contest.

This hidden discrimination is often reflected when we forget to provide an extra platform to the average achiever or the one struggling to make a mark. The best speakers make it to the auditorium and the grand centre stage but no one works on an alternative plan to create an event that would facilitate the growth of the less confident speakers. The ones who may not grow up to become affluent orators but would at least develop the attributes associated to good representatives.

We tend to support this grievous crime when we begin to set role models within our classrooms. This is more of a politically charged crime. Teachers tend to compete with one another to exhibit their masterpieces that quite rightfully bring them a good name and glorify their profiles as great teachers. Their lesson plans are challenging and unique focused around the abilities of the handful that would probably be able to prove success beyond imagination. They are their key players. The rest struggle to comprehend the tasks at hand and eventually give up while others end up forming a rather poor opinion of their own abilities.

At the parent teacher meetings, thankfully most schools exercise the rule of privacy and arrange chairs for parents in waiting to ensure utmost discretion for teacher and parent in conversation in class. However, there are many schools that have a crowd of parents surrounding the teacher or impatiently roaming around the classroom that completely shatters the self-esteem of the child being discussed for his weaknesses and the parent who gets filled with anxiety to learn from the loud discussions that his/her child is one of the few who can’t seem to make it. Hence indicating a division on the basis of varied intellect or comprehension skills. The children get labelled on an invisible sheet that haunts their path to progress due to poor self-image.

I absolutely agree that it is a competitive world and our children need to be trained with that aggression that would help them overcome all odds. This automatically should help us understand the need to prepare every single child with the opportunity to excel at life.

What will happen to the ones who spend twelve to fourteen years in school and emerge with the same problems and weaknesses? These ones would eventually be driven to point a finger at their less educated parents, ignorant teachers and most of all an intolerant society that only promotes the best. Some would accept their fate but many would resort to immoral or criminal acts to attain what they would justify as their rightful claim to survive.

As a teacher and a believer of infinite possibilities, I always created programmes within the classroom to help my students and parents understand that the competition was always with one’s own abilities and enthusiasm to learn. Instead of concentrating on someone else’s achievements, one must celebrate his/her own moments of accomplishments. This is possible only when there is a proper school programme that supports this mind set and encourages the teachers to produce incentives that would motivate all students to move forward. 

The criteria of a good teacher should be revised as the one who has the ability to extract the relatively impossible from the struggler in her class and sets targets for each child independently to achieve by the end of each term.

Some small yet effective tools that I incorporated in my class programme were:

1.   The Literacy Clubs: Here the students had the freedom to write stories and poems, read books and present reviews or simply illustrate their ideas on the topic that was chosen. It gave them the choice to express in whichever manner they felt comfortable or confident about. In return, each contributor enjoyed the same reward that further encouraged them to take part.

2.  My diary of Achievements: This was a collection of activities, events and small acts of kindness that had been logged in by the students at the end of each term. Each child had his own diary that reflected his contribution to the class year. It marked the date, place, event and concluding achievement that had followed through due to the child’s effort and support.

3.  Special Assemblies: These can play an integral role in building up the confidence of the students who find it hard to face an audience. Small speaking roles that develop in length with time will help acquire the much desired skills of presentation.

4.  Morning News Clips: The aim of this 10 minute morning activity was to induce the love of following news and its interpretation. Children brought cut outs of good and bad news clips that interested them or were difficult to understand. We selected the best piece of news to highlight it on our whiteboard while the rest were quickly discussed. This gave birth to many questions and discussions whereby each student had to present a viewpoint. To lessen the stress on the quiet ones, I formed groups that discussed and framed conclusions which would be read by the ones afraid to share their views.

These are but few of the activities that can help set up a defined system of equality in our classrooms. Children can be sensitized to the need of helping out peers to understand what it is to win as a team. The smallest achievement needs mention to accelerate the process of growth.

The children must be aware of their academic and social growth. They must be involved in their learning programmes. We should acknowledge them as capable and responsible individuals with independent targets to achieve. Each year must begin with an identification of the problems and a list of solutions to work with.

Our lesson plans must reflect the presence of all levels in the class with acceptable variations. Challenges must be a part of these plans but challenge each child according to his/her ability. 

The idea of good education is transferring a sense of achievement to the child. The flavour of triumph that promises a scrumptious tomorrow!

Equality is one factor that ensures happiness and trust in any system. Equality in Education therefore promises Productive Leaders, Creative Workers and Constructive Citizens who believe in sharing the space with everyone.

An Inspiring Gift...

One of the best tokens of love I’ve received in my life came from a dear colleague and friend when I was leaving school to deliver my third child. It’s displayed in my living room on the wall cabinet and today I thought of sharing this immensely creative and thoughtful gesture that always reminds me of counting my blessings!

All the items were placed in a box labelled “The Parental Survival Kit”. Each item was tagged and the short phrases attached reflected upon some really important changes that would follow.

“The Job Profile”

Truly every mother will agree that it is a 24/7 job!

 Elastic Bands! 

I just love this one! Parents realize quite soon that rigidity won’t get them anywhere with their children. Flexibility in views, opinions and acceptance of changing times quite appropriately defines “Progressive Parents!”

A Pack of Erasers! 

This is a really important tool for me as I always find it really hard to disconnect with a sour incident and move on. With children, we can’t hold on to argumentative moods, nagging sessions and sour behaviours. It is imperative that we erase the bad memories and experiences and start the day with renewed hope and faith in each other. "Forgiving Parents!"

The Skittles Pack! 

A sweet reminder of diversity that comes together in a home with many children. All my sons are quite different in nature and personality. I therefore understand that my plans for their happy existence in the house would have to be just as diverse! "Accepting Parents!'

A Box of Cotton Balls!

 I think I use this tool the most! With such intense energies shuttling through the corridors of the house, I need a few moments to make sense of what is happening! "Reflecting Parents!"

A Velcro Wrist Band! 

This justifiably explains moments of utter chaos when nothing seems to be going your way! A time that we as parents dread! The frustration that we feel at witnessing our efforts going down the drain. At such times, it is but necessary to hold onto each other with a firm grip to be able to keep the focus and help our children come through with flying colours!

"Responsible Parents!"

A Pack of Nuts! 

What a super idea! Honestly, with children it is just not possible for us as parents to function day and night with the same level of sanity and reasoning power! There must be times when we are able to peel off the Parental cover and surprise our children with our ability to laugh at ourselves! "Humorous Parents!"

A Piece of Rope! 

We all need this one! No amount of experience in Parenting can promise you a smooth journey or a battle won. I have often found myself hanging onto the edge struggling for some help. This extra piece of rope can be your partner or a friend. Either ways, it’s safer and reassuring to have someone to help you in times of need and pull you out of your misery! "Ego-less Parents!"

A Strip of Band Aid! 

No matter how much space we allow our kids to move on in life, there are always expectations attached. These maybe visible or spring up suddenly at some odd hour. It’s not necessary that our children react at such times with the same enthusiasm that we expect them to. There are always moments of hurt that parents encounter and at such times, it’s much wiser to cover the wounds and move on! "Wise Parents!"

A Pack of Candles! 

Oh Yes! No parent can find his way to successful Parenting while opting to struggle in the dark. A good parent is a hopeful parent. One that brings up his/her child in optimistic and enlightened surroundings! "Dependable Parents!"

Two Panadols! 

I always laugh at this one! Surely when all else fails, we just need to take two and dose off! "Surviving Parents!"

Do Not Disturb Door Hanger! 

Oh dear! I still need to use that one! Mommies probably get to use this not too frequently but it should be a part of the kit because it reminds your children to also look at you as an individual who needs time and space to grow as well! "Independent Parents!"

A Jig-Saw Puzzle Piece! 

Truly innovative! Surely our children are independent individuals with plans for their lives. However, the picture remains incomplete till we all don’t fit into the master grid. As a mum, I am a significant contributor to my child’s life. If I detach myself from his life and existence, he will surely go astray! I am an important resource for him to explore and learn from. "Educated Parents!"

I leave this one completely to the viewer's imagination! God knows what she wanted to tell me here!!!!!

Ninoshka Fernandes gifted and prepared me for the most beautiful moments of my life. Now that’s what I call a ‘true friend!’ Thanks Nino and I love you always!

The best Influence on my child!

 

Space For The Incomplete

She walked in every Sunday Morning

Her high tail swinging left and right

The feet appeared with big square shoes

Polished with socks a deathly white!

Her Mongol eyes, her big lipped smile

The cheery voice that stretched the line

And all turned round to greet her stare

“Hey guys! Hello from Pooja here!”

She loved to talk with friends who cared

To walk up to her table chair

And laughed aloud with no regrets

She knew she was the teacher’s pet!

She often laughed in quiet hours

Feeling no shame nor classroom bars!

I loved her for her simple ways

Her naughty winks and childish dares!

“Your teaching style won’t meet her needs

Her special needs make her unique!”

Miss Y was placed with her in class

And so it was a year of stars!

And while I roamed around in class

To check the work in progress deep

She clutched my hand each time I crossed

And said “I love you teacher most!

I gave her work and made her tests

I had to sit for extra hours

I knew she tried and strived to learn

Her future plans were my concern!

I called her mum who came at once

A face to like, quite warm and dear

She sat across my table and,

Her hands were cold, trembling with fear!

“I know it’s hard for you to try

To make some sense or understand

My daughter needs to be with kids

With normal lives to call as friends!

It may not seem the best of plans

To place her in a school as this

A school with special needs they say,

Would meet her needs the structured way!”

I saw her eyes all filled with tears

Her mommy strength being ripped in layers

She kept on trying to say it all

Leaving no gaps to face a fall!

Quite logically, it was but true

Her daughter needed someone who

Could make a change or move ahead

Who understood her learning threads!

It was not me, I wasn’t trained

To teach a child with special needs

It was not fair for her to stress

Upon the need to keep her there!

“Why don’t you see the problem here?

It’s not enough to be with friends

She needs to learn her way in life

To have some hope, some ray of light!”

I felt her face all shrink in size

She smiled in pain and looked aside

Her daughter strolling with some girls

Glancing at mom, her big lips curled!

“My daughter was just 4 years old,

I dressed her up with pink dress shoes

I tied her hair with fancy bands

And can’t forget the photo shoot!

Like every mum I prayed to God

She would not cry or weep in school

I hoped her smile would win their hearts

And let her in to make a start!

She smiled at them to melt their hearts

She used those lips and hugged for free

And all of them shook hands with her

But every head would disagree!

From school to school I drove with her

Engrossed in all my thoughts

I knew it was a task ahead

And had to keep my mask!

The car was parked under a tree

We walked to it with tired feet

I sat her down and placed the belt

I knew not that she looked at me!

I settled in and buckled up

I held the steering wheel

The mask came off and left me bare

I can’t forget that moment rare!

She ushered me to hold her tight

Her tiny arms folded in fright

She looked at me and sadly said,

“I’m Sorry Mama, don’t be sad!

She was just 4 and yet she knew

My pain, my joys, my every move

That moment that I failed her dreams

Clings on to me and never leaves!

I dare not fall into that space

That left a void into my heart

I dread to meet that haunting hour

My child took charge of every scar!

She may not learn the rules of science

Or the equations of a law

But what she learns from being here

Is that she’s playing her role to share!

She makes me proud to have a seat

She helps me want to see

That in a world of perfection

There’s space for incomplete!”

Nothing can win a mother’s heart

That simply shows and tells

We may be blessed with every sense

Yet fail to reason well!

Panoramic Profiles

Student profiles are essential documents that travel each key stage indicating the progress and growth of a child. Dedicated institutions hold them sacred and extract the maximum benefit from these files to solidify student strengths and improve upon the weaknesses.

A student profile highlights his/her likes, dislikes, aptitude, skill achievements and levels in independent subjects. Sensitive teachers like to add and describe the child’s personality through class incidents and acknowledging inspiring moments. 

For children facing learning difficulties or behavioural issues, the teachers attach plans and programmes that were followed for their betterment carrying a concluding report at the end exhibiting the level achieved. Comments on Parent Teacher meetings and results are also interdependent on student success and wellbeing and so these papers are also included as evidence.

Therefore, it would be fair to say that a child’s profile is really a panoramic view of his academic and social life. As a teacher, I always felt great pride in witnessing the growth of these young minds. I maintained these profiles but unfortunately, in all the schools that I worked, few gave much importance to this tradition and teachers did not feel the need to transfer and share such compulsory information in the beginning or at the end of the year.

Here are just a few advantages that spring to the mind after the successful interaction and sharing of a student profile at the beginning of a year:

Ø The ability to comprehend the number of levels to accommodate in the class that year.

Ø Revise and restructure lesson plans in advance to meet the academic requirements of each child.

Ø Study student strengths and weaknesses and create effective groups that support and balance each other’s energies.

Ø Modify plans and programmes for students having learning difficulties aiming to move a step further.

Ø Be knowledgeable on Parental concerns and expectations and conduct meetings with more focus and confidence.

Ø Devise a document to monitor the growth of each child in independent subjects concentrating on exercising their more influential skills.

Ø Pre-plan activities that would facilitate their areas of improvement.

Ø Establish a fair level of expectation for each individual and communicate objectives and targets to parents in advance to keep the achievements and success realistic.

Ø Meet the school counsellor or related personnel to acquire useful insight and teaching ideas on sensitive matters concerning pupils with domestic problems.

Ø Write personalized welcome notes to your incoming troop surprising them with your prior knowledge of their likes and specialities!

For me as a teacher, all of the above points were intrinsic and elemental to a successful year at school. However, the capability to comprehend achievement levels and plan realistically was the most contributing factor in the student’s growth. Setting targets and objectives provided a lot of focus through the year and the transition from level 1 to 2 came across quite smoothly.

Children begin each year with an excitement to wear a new uniform, an enthusiasm to open a new book, with the joy to carry new bags to a new classroom. For them, everything is new! And so it is quite important to create new possibilities and challenges for them to complement their desire to move ahead.

A profile with no colour, focus or enthusiasm is in reality a possibility lost creating a void for the coming years. Student profiles become much more attractive when they illustrate ladders of success, heaps of confidence and an album of proud elevation!