Reflection is important to me. As a teacher, it helps
me assess my strategies and evaluate my methodology. It helps me make changes
for the better. It is this judgement that drives my creativity and helps me
innovate. It also contributes to my solutions and problem solving.
As usual, it’s the beginnings that set the tone of the
classroom. Therefore, the moment I met my Year 6 students, I knew it was going
to be a year of exploration and discovery. The very first week, one of the boys
‘A’ approached me and said, “Ms. Shama, I didn’t want to disturb you through
the lesson, but there is something I wanted to share with you.” I was concerned
so I gestured him to come closer and sit down.
“Ms. I just wanted to let you
know that I’m going through puberty, so things will be difficult! There will be
days when I will be lazy and then there will be days, when I’ll be very angry. Please
understand that it’s not me, but the puberty at work.” I will confess that for
a moment, I wanted to tell him that I was 44 years old and it seemed puberty
was still at work, however, I didn’t want to burst his bubble!
“I’m glad you understand this,” I told him. “Please don’t
worry, we’ll get through this together. I completely understand.”
“Is there a way though or can you suggest a plan to
get through this smoothly?” he inquired.
He got me thinking, and as always, it became the
centrifugal prompt in my head. I started to create stories around it and it remained
in my sub-conscience. As I browsed through some books in the library, planning
to teach them “Responsibility”, I came across a fantastic book titled, “7 Habits
of Effective Teens” by Sean Covey. As I read through, it gave me many ideas on
how to responsibly acknowledge and respond to this young boy’s query while at
the same time establish a sense of responsibility to self.
I created my reading lesson around this book and
decided to share these 7 habits with the class.
As I introduced the lesson, I lifted the book up for
all to see and said, “This is my plan for you for the year. We are all going to
develop these 7 habits to become effective individuals. Adopting these vital
habits will help you understand yourself better and at the same time assist you
in making intelligent choices.”
The students listened attentively as I read out each
habit. I had created colorful empty maps for them to work in groups to create a
plan. We worked using the Jigsaw Strategy. Each expert group managed one habit,
exploring it fully, trying to create a relevance to the practice and their
growing needs as individuals.
They learned about being proactive, sharing role play
that stressed on being the first one to apologize, or the first one to take
action and initiative. They also studied about consequences and keeping the end
in mind. This group highlighted the importance of planning and taking advice. It
was refreshing to witness them talk about taking responsibility for their
actions. The third group learned about priorities. Through their presentation,
they expressed the need to make a list of things and evaluate their choices. They
focused on doing tasks on time and went a step ahead, sharing quotes like ‘Don’t
leave what you need to do today for tomorrow’.
Next in line was the group presenting habit # 4, 'Think Win-Win'. As
part of the speaking criteria, all members of the group had to speak. The first
few speakers did a great job and explained the concept well, however the last
speaker failed to contribute his voice and the group got uneasy. Quickly the
class raised hands to share their ideas, “Compromise a little”, one said. “How
about finding creative solutions?” And in no time, I had six great resolutions
on board on how a mom and daughter could share a car to watch a movie and do
groceries too. It was amazing to watch their proactive approach to the problem.
“Well-done class!” I applauded. “However, as a group, it remains your
responsibility to educate each member in the group on the topic. For ‘X’ not
being able to speak on the topic indicates that he was either left out, or his
ignorance wasn’t identified.” They all agreed that the blame game didn’t quite
suffice for the point loss and it was better to become more vigilant the next
time.
Habit # 5 was closest to their life and they were able
to share many incidents from their life when they had felt misunderstood or had
experienced rejection. “Seek first to Understand,Then to be Understood”. “Whenever
I ask my mom to let me go to the mall with my friends, she says no. She needs
to start trusting me. I’m not a child.” “It’s quite annoying when you’re sure
about something and no one feels the same way.” “What is the point in arguing?”
Many points were raised. I asked them to tell me what
they expected their parents to do in a situation like that. “I want her to
trust me. I can take care of myself.” “I think they should sit down to listen. When
you look at someone in the eye, you can understand how important it is to them.”
“I don’t think they ever understand. It’s always a big argument.”
Argument was the key word there. “Should you argue or
discuss?” I asked him. He looked confused. “It’s the same thing.” I argued on
it not being the same thing, till he gave up. “You see, we reached no
conclusion because we missed the reasoning. None of us talked about why it isn’t
the same thing or for that matter, why you believe it to be the same thing.” He
nodded and added on, “Yes of course! Also in a discussion, we don’t waste time.
Like even if it’s a long discussion, in the end, you find the answers. I guess you just need to listen to the other person's point of view before you get angry and maybe their reason makes sense to you.” It was
a fine discussion!
Group 6 shared their opinions on how to synergize. They
presented their claims stating that sharing ideas always helps you draw
intelligent conclusions. Their ideals revolved around collaboration and team
work. It was evident through their presentation as they had defined roles for
each member and their cooperation came through effectively. There was a round
of applause as they concluded their display of ideas and we all agreed that it
was a well-coordinated effort.
Finally, the last two boys approached the speaking
spot. Their habit was all about renewing self. I was taken aback by their deep
thoughts. “If you get bored with life, do something new. You can redecorate your
room or start learning a new skill.” The other boy stepped up and said, “Go
have your favorite ice-cream. It doesn’t always have to be expensive.” And they
continued to amaze us with their bright views telling us to go on a holiday,
visit grandma or do things differently, meaning break the rut.
I collected all their mind maps and congratulated them
on their mature attitudes and approach to life. I concluded the activity
sharing these words with them, “We are now going to remind ourselves to be
careful about not being reactive, ignorant, lazy, selfish, arguable,
uncooperative or careless. These are damaging attitudes when you are growing
up. Middle School can be a beautiful experience if you take charge of your lives
and exhibit a sense of ‘Responsibility’.
As I left the class, I found ‘A’ standing close to the
door. “Well ‘A’, did I manage to help you with your query?” He gave me a
stunning smile and replied, “In more ways than you could imagine Ms. Shama.”
