After Rehearsal's Thoughts
Today was the full-dress rehearsal for Galilee.
This year, for the first time in Galilee Kindergarten’s history, all the 10 classes will be doing a Theme on “God’s creation and salvation”. It is actually a very massive project. One lady made it possible that it could be done and she engineered all the classes’ items so that they flow and connect.
This morning, as I saw the different items, I must say that God is honouring her hard work. I do feel touched by the children’s performances and especially the contents.
I was one of those teachers who were keener to read the words on the projector, hear the songs than to tell the children at the pews “keep quiet” at 10 times per second kind of frequency. No wonder, it is agreed that the children cannot be in the Sanctuary after they perform their item, as they do really make a lot of noise and can be quite a distraction.
This is so unlike PPH children.
After seeing it for myself today, I understand Galilee's stand.
It is actually impossible as each class teacher has two classes under her wings, no way the teacher can take care of both classes at the same time. And Galilee children are not trained to take instructions from other teachers in the school besides their own teachers.
This is also very unlike PPH, whereby, every teacher in the school is every student’s teacher and every student is every teacher’s student.
In this aspect, Mrs Yew had trained us teachers well. In the sense that, we should all work as a big family and do not see the children as “my children” or “your children”. But, the more crucial thing is that the class teacher should not take offence when a fellow colleague corrects her class students. We can all work as a team, for the students’ benefit and ultimately, for the school’s good name.
These are my thoughts after the rehearsal and after being in Galilee for 6+ months.
Thanks for reading,
Jesselyn Ng
posted by Jesselyn Ng @ 8:27 PM
3 Comments:
Your quote "Every teacher in the school is every student’s teacher and every student is every teacher’s student." has been ringing in my mind so many times yesterday night and today. I can't help but agree whole-heartedly. :)
Today I was invigilating a naughty class from next-door. But when I considered your quote, it just dawns upon me that those pupils were also my students and I'm equally responsible for them as much as my own form class.
With the right attitude in mind, I was then able to correct them and counsel them properly, instead of getting worked up and only concerned with solving their misbehaviour for that moment.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Thanks, Bri, for dropping by.
I know it is a hassle leaving a comment here. :)
(with the signing up requirement and all that? oh well.)
It is not easy for any teacher to see every student as hers. It can also be a very sensitive issue among colleagues.
If what I say or take time to correct and explain can help the child a little in his behavioral management, why not?
Most children do not misbehave on purpose. Within most of them, they want approval and praise. They do want to do well. Sometimes, it is a matter whether they can do it or not.
Take for example, if the environment the child is placed in is rowdy, unruly and had no law and order, how long can that child endure ? The same child may think : If I cannot beat them (other misbehaving kids), join them ?
If the teachers are not bothered, or not consistent, will their words be respected? Chances are slim.
When we help any child, we tackle the inner attitudes, not just the behaviour. The outward behaviours are manifestation of the inner attitudes and thoughts.
Children will test limits, definitely. But, they will wise up when guided and noted for making good decisions.
The basic question I always ask myself is : why does this particular child like to misbehave? or he just enjoy defying authority? What is the underlying issue? Any background to this behaviour I am seeing?
Remember Basic Life Principles? We can apply that to our teaching too.
At the end of the day, we are teaching life, not just delivering the dead subjects.
When my students are adults, I don't ask that they remember their Miss Liau / Mrs Ng, but that they remember the biblical principles in life which I hope to impart in my daily teaching.
When we can help a child to be self-discipline and be responsible for his actions or words, we are almost there already.
That child will grow up applying this basic life principle and even if he is thrown into a tough situation, he will know that he can make wise decisions for himself still.
He can still choose not to walk in the counsel of the ungodly, not to stand in the way of the of sinners and not to sit in the seat of the scornful (Psalm 1).
Amen and so be it.
Love,
Zhen
Thanks for sharing those thoughts. Truly inspiring words coming from an experienced Christian teacher.
No hassle about posting the comments as I've already signed up with Blogger before. Cheers! :)
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