The last two days went by at a pretty fast pace with not much time to spare. The children at the community started being more free with us and we too started expecting more out of them. A very important thing that I forgot to mention which would help in bringing out the character and upbringing of these kids, is that every morning their lessons are started off with a prayer. This habit has been inculcated in them by their teacher and now has almost become a daily routine for them.
Yesterday the class started by continuing with division of integers(the meaning of which was still not very clear to them), we went on to explaining the different types of fractions and tried to relate them to real life with relevant examples. The most difficult thing was in trying to read the children's faces and understanding whether or not things were making sense to them. Even though they are quite open in voicing out their doubts and opinions, however while teaching something for the first time one couldn't be too sure to rely upon their reactions only.
The class ended with the discussion of the homework given the preceding weekend which each and every one of them had been able to complete. The fact that they were willing to put in so much effort to learn something new was far too over-whelming for me to even keep count of the children who had got their first homework absolutely correct!
On my way back home, thinking about their enthusiasm to learn more encouraged me to do something for them as well, and thus when I reached home I started working on the first worksheet that I would give them the next day. Contrary to my beliefs, a worksheet did not simply mean picking up a bunch of questions and jotting them down for the kids to figure out on their own, but rather it required time and patience so as to ensure that the level of the questions match the level of understanding of the kids.
The next day i.e.: today, was entirely spent on decimals. What surprised me the most (yes, again) was their continuous interest and desire to study Science. Though they were not unhappy in studying Maths either, but the question regarding when Science would be taught, was one that was raised almost everyday.
Another interesting thing I noticed today was the presence of values and immense respect towards us in these children. Early morning, my fellow intern managed to get a small cut on his finger from the board, though this thing escaped my notice, but the children were observant enough to realise it and even asked permission to leave the class and get a band-aid for him. This gesture of theirs touched my heart and any refusal from his side could not stop them from getting the needful.
These kids are filled with immense energy and have the uncanny ability to see the bright side of things always. The huge smile that they carry along with them makes it absolutely difficult for anyone to scold them. Teaching and being with them can make one forget all their worries and learn to be thankful for everything one possesses. I can almost imagine them after having completed their worksheet creating trouble for each other and laughing their hearts out, like they always love to do :)
Yesterday the class started by continuing with division of integers(the meaning of which was still not very clear to them), we went on to explaining the different types of fractions and tried to relate them to real life with relevant examples. The most difficult thing was in trying to read the children's faces and understanding whether or not things were making sense to them. Even though they are quite open in voicing out their doubts and opinions, however while teaching something for the first time one couldn't be too sure to rely upon their reactions only.
The class ended with the discussion of the homework given the preceding weekend which each and every one of them had been able to complete. The fact that they were willing to put in so much effort to learn something new was far too over-whelming for me to even keep count of the children who had got their first homework absolutely correct!
On my way back home, thinking about their enthusiasm to learn more encouraged me to do something for them as well, and thus when I reached home I started working on the first worksheet that I would give them the next day. Contrary to my beliefs, a worksheet did not simply mean picking up a bunch of questions and jotting them down for the kids to figure out on their own, but rather it required time and patience so as to ensure that the level of the questions match the level of understanding of the kids.
The next day i.e.: today, was entirely spent on decimals. What surprised me the most (yes, again) was their continuous interest and desire to study Science. Though they were not unhappy in studying Maths either, but the question regarding when Science would be taught, was one that was raised almost everyday.
Another interesting thing I noticed today was the presence of values and immense respect towards us in these children. Early morning, my fellow intern managed to get a small cut on his finger from the board, though this thing escaped my notice, but the children were observant enough to realise it and even asked permission to leave the class and get a band-aid for him. This gesture of theirs touched my heart and any refusal from his side could not stop them from getting the needful.
These kids are filled with immense energy and have the uncanny ability to see the bright side of things always. The huge smile that they carry along with them makes it absolutely difficult for anyone to scold them. Teaching and being with them can make one forget all their worries and learn to be thankful for everything one possesses. I can almost imagine them after having completed their worksheet creating trouble for each other and laughing their hearts out, like they always love to do :)
I would love to meet them sometime,you know? :D
ReplyDeleteBeautiful depiction, as always :)
Keep up the good work!
Yes absolutely, you should! We'll figure something out.
ReplyDeleteThank you!