I have been a relief teacher since March and finally during this June holidays, I had the chance to interact more with the kids as a teacher. What an amazing experience I had I just simply wish I could describe in words but yet I could only try.
I still remember what I did on the first day at work. I had no teaching experience and "I had to slam the board to get the kids attention" because it was really noisy. It did work but after giving it some thoughts, I realised I shouldn't have done it this way. What if the children grows up to be abusive because of a simple action I did? There are so many ways to get the attention of kids and my first try was simply off the charts.
Teaching is a "job from one perspective, but from another, it's about making an impact in this society" and guiding the next generation on the right path and to not make the mistakes we used to make. It isn't just about helping students with their academic subjects, but also telling them right from wrong, which is an important aspect for character and personality growth. And yet, I cannot say I would have loved teaching this much if I was teaching older students. It would've definitely been a whole new experience.
There are kids who will understand when you speak nicely to them while there will be some that simply won't and scolding is a must. But at the end of the day, I believe "each kid shouldn't be given just second chances. They should be given endless", because they're still young, learning and exploring. And no one (not even the parents) should restrict their child's potential e.g. if they like drawing, then parents should let them go ahead and explore in that area. True happiness is enjoying what you do, even when you don't make big money.
"It's unbelievable that I've been that blind in the past." There's so much to love about kids. What I love most are pinky finger promises. Whenever I do that, I'll be sure to keep to my promise. It could be showing them some photos, it could be buying them sweets, it could be anything. Or even they promising you to do something with "pinky promises, chances are, they will stick to it. As simple a gesture it is, it means the world to them."
Another thing that I love about kids is that you can scold or punish them but the next day, it's almost as though nothing had happened the previous day. They can still greet you, smile at you and laugh with you. They don't hate, at least not for long. This is something you probably won't get to experience when you're a grown up.
These are situations whereby I can feel the bonds that I've built with them means a lot to them. There was playtime during the June holidays, so during this time, they will simply drag me by the hand to the office just so that I can get the games for them. (All the board/cards games are kept in the cupboards inside the office and they are not allowed to enter) As for homework, some will just come over to my class just to get help with certain questions or approach me to fix certain stuff like toys or stationary etc.
I remember there was once, this kid came back later for lunch and the rest of the kids had already eaten. The teachers were eating as well and she chose to sit alone in another spot. I told her not be shy and sit opposite me as I went on to ask about her day and what are her plans for this holidays. You could tell that she really enjoyed the company as she beamed, telling me about her upcoming overseas trip to Australia. The next thing that happened was simply amazing. She was like: "Mr Pang, give me a Hi-Five!"
And then there are those whom you have built a special bond with. You can tell that they just love you when they ask to sit on your lap. It startled me at first because I wasn't sure if that's appropriate but I read up online and it states that it's normal for kids to want to do that as they need love from the people around them and it's all part of growing up. "The bonds that you've built with them, you know for sure, it's something they'll remember for a lifetime."
And of course there are also those whom ask if I am teaching them for that particular day for every single day and that really motivates me and makes me look forward to each day at work. "Wouldn't you love it if your students are enthusiastic for class each day", looking forward to you teaching them?
And there are the kids who are mentally challenged or have learning disorders. Teaching them requires a lot of patience. A special kind of patience. It is a huge challenge when trying to teach them in a class as they are not only much slower than their peers, they can be rather disruptive. They require one to one coaching. These are the challenges I love to tackle because I believe one only grows from overcoming them, not shying away from them. And "the key to this is lots of patience and encouragement."
And I must say, "having great colleagues and bosses really make this job much more enjoyable" and it really means a lot. I've learnt so much from them and I've made progression and grown with their help and guidance. Regardless of whether it's working at Ai Tong branch or Rosyth branch, there's a lot to takeaway due to the difference in culture and environment.
These are situations whereby I can feel the bonds that I've built with them means a lot to them. There was playtime during the June holidays, so during this time, they will simply drag me by the hand to the office just so that I can get the games for them. (All the board/cards games are kept in the cupboards inside the office and they are not allowed to enter) As for homework, some will just come over to my class just to get help with certain questions or approach me to fix certain stuff like toys or stationary etc.
I remember there was once, this kid came back later for lunch and the rest of the kids had already eaten. The teachers were eating as well and she chose to sit alone in another spot. I told her not be shy and sit opposite me as I went on to ask about her day and what are her plans for this holidays. You could tell that she really enjoyed the company as she beamed, telling me about her upcoming overseas trip to Australia. The next thing that happened was simply amazing. She was like: "Mr Pang, give me a Hi-Five!"
And then there are those whom you have built a special bond with. You can tell that they just love you when they ask to sit on your lap. It startled me at first because I wasn't sure if that's appropriate but I read up online and it states that it's normal for kids to want to do that as they need love from the people around them and it's all part of growing up. "The bonds that you've built with them, you know for sure, it's something they'll remember for a lifetime."
And of course there are also those whom ask if I am teaching them for that particular day for every single day and that really motivates me and makes me look forward to each day at work. "Wouldn't you love it if your students are enthusiastic for class each day", looking forward to you teaching them?
And there are the kids who are mentally challenged or have learning disorders. Teaching them requires a lot of patience. A special kind of patience. It is a huge challenge when trying to teach them in a class as they are not only much slower than their peers, they can be rather disruptive. They require one to one coaching. These are the challenges I love to tackle because I believe one only grows from overcoming them, not shying away from them. And "the key to this is lots of patience and encouragement."
And I must say, "having great colleagues and bosses really make this job much more enjoyable" and it really means a lot. I've learnt so much from them and I've made progression and grown with their help and guidance. Regardless of whether it's working at Ai Tong branch or Rosyth branch, there's a lot to takeaway due to the difference in culture and environment.
And I'm really thankful to my boss who have gave me the chance to be able to have a balloon sculpturing session with the kids because I know they will simply love it. And you bet, they did.
A good enthusiastic learner can motivate a better teacher to bring out the best in students. You cannot teach without someone wanting to learn and therefore, everything starts from learning. "If learning never ends, then teaching never will." That's what I strongly believe in.
