Unfolding The Canvas of Learning: Learning Step 15

Caring for children at the early days of schooling 

Unfolding The Canvas of Learning: Learning Step 15

We have observed the emotions of a child encountering new environments and new relationships. When the mother or other relatives who have brought the child into this new setting leave, the child often fears that they might abandon them or that this bond might vanish, even if only temporarily.

Upon entering the school, hearing about unfamiliar concepts can feel puzzling or even undermine the child's self-confidence. When peers grasp these concepts quickly, the child may perceive their own slower pace as a personal shortcoming or an exposure of their inability. Consequently, a question arises in their mind: "Should I come back here or not?"

Crying serves as an outlet for these feelings of fear. When teachers insist that a child "must not cry" or dictate exactly how they should behave, such restrictions often feel unpleasant or unwelcome to the child.

Children are often required to wear a uniform to school, something most of them do not enjoy. A tie around the neck, a belt at the waist, shoes on the feet, and a bag hanging on the back, all these elements challenge a child's sense of freedom. Being compelled to do things against their preferences fosters a sense of aversion toward both themselves and the school.

It is essential for all teachers to understand and implement the right approach when interacting with children facing such situations. Knowledge and concepts should be introduced indirectly. Self-confidence and happiness should be fostered through dance, song, and play; this forms the very foundation of learning.

In Western countries, a grand celebration awaits a child on their first day of school, making the experience feel like a visit to a truly joyful place. The mindset of a child visiting a zoo, filled with wonder and excitement is the kind of state of mind that should be fostered. Schools need to keep this concept in mind when operating.

What should teachers at the primary level do to create this kind of atmosphere?

1. Teachers' Body Language

It is essential for teachers' body language to convey love, compassion, and kindness. Often, a teacher's body language is the deciding factor in either building a positive relationship or jeopardizing an existing one. A gentle gaze, soothing words, a smiling face, close and balanced interaction, a lack of anger, calmness, playfulness, and a consistently cheerful expression, these make a world of difference.

2. Teachers' Communication Skills

When speaking to children, teachers should use language and concepts the children can grasp, speak at their level, and use affectionate words. A teacher's speech and body language should be easily understood by the children; once they understand, they tend to respond and behave accordingly.

Here is an incident that took place at a school years ago: A teacher dragged a UKG student into the principal's office and unleashed a torrent of complaints about the child. "You must expel this child from the school immediately; otherwise, she will be a bad influence on the other children," she declared.

When the principal asked, "What happened?" the teacher angrily replied, "She slapped me on the cheek!" I was sitting there and found it hard to suppress a smile. Following the principal's instruction, the teacher left the little girl in the room and walked out. A short while later, I approached the child and asked, "What is your name, dear?" She answered me affectionately. When asked, "Why did you slap your teacher on the cheek?" the child replied, "Sir, she is lying... she was the one who slapped my cheek first; only then did I slap hers."

The teacher had sat down next to the child and asked a question; when the child unable to answer was slapped on the cheek by the teacher, the child retaliated in kind. It was a delightful little drama illustrating Newton's Third Law: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Interacting with children without hurting their bodies or minds is an art, a skill and a wonderful lesson for teachers and parents alike to learn.