From a teacher to her students..

Gentlemen, 

This piece is for you...

When the CLASS breaks LOOSE!

It’s happens once in a while and I’d like to term it ‘restricted freedom!’ 'Restricted' because the freedom is confined to the four walls of the classroom and there’s still a list of 'don’ts' to follow. No fizzy drinks, no junk food, no music, no dancing, no littering, no breaking any other classroom decorum. It’s just a class of relaxed atmosphere where we share healthy food and environment.

Nonetheless, it is a good experience to break routine and be at ease with a bunch of young, energetic adults who are about to step into the next phase of their life. For that hour there’s no imposition and no order, the otherwise discipline-obsessed teacher is a silent observer giving the teens space and freedom.  There’s supervising though for supervision it seems runs in the veins of teachers and the students are tolerant for they know their teacher well enough!

When the class breaks loose is a worthwhile moment for both the instructor and the instructed, it's an opportunity to know each other from close quarters. You share the table and lighter moments, which in turn bring about bonding that’ll last a lifetime.  On such an occasion your students don’t dread your sight, instead they do the opposite; they hover around and make an effort to know the ‘human you’, the person you are in your world and you in turn you do the same.

 ‘Ms, eat, why aren’t you joining us?’

             ‘Ms, taste this dish, it’s ‘Paper Rice’, (Vine leaf, actually) Azooz’s mom prepared it, purely    vegetarian and healthy.’

            ‘Ms, why are you sitting so far? Come, join us.’

             ‘Ms, take a picture with us.’

These imperatives are but expressions of genuine concern. One of the taller otherwise shy student wittily remarks, ‘Ms, you eat so little, no wonder you are so stingy with marks.’  

That’s what keen observation is all about I guess.

The 'teacher you’ may have been a nightmare burdening young lads with wagon load of assignments, projects, quizzes, deadlines and consequences yet the ‘person you’ is the one they long for and whose attention and advice they seek. They wish to hear and be heard; therefore, it is but necessary for the class to break loose once in a while. You win the confidence, loyalty and respect of those who you care for most and this indeed brings about a deep sense of satisfaction. 

I wish you well everyone :)
Ms. Sunita