Unity and Caring - Mridula Renjit & Preeti Mahajan

                                       

Unity

The children were given the task of decorating the class for Christmas. Initially, each of them was in the mood for competition. Each wanted their Santa, bell, and streamer to be in the centre. Then I told them the story of ‘one stick can be broken easily, but a bundle of sticks is difficult to break.’ It was explained to them that they should plan and see how everyone’s work can be displayed to enhance the overall look of the class.

Children really understood the beauty and strength of Unity. The scenes that followed were a treat to watch. First, they made an overall plan of the materials and how these can be placed. Then, the tallest girl stood on the chair, others passed on the material, stapler, and tape, and in a well-coordinated manner, the task was accomplished.

The students said that they enjoyed picking out things made by their classmates and putting them up for decoration. Even the ones whose work was kept in reserve for next time did not feel left out. Finally, it was a united team effort.

Then students discussed how working for one united team, they enjoyed the task, and beautiful work was displayed in the end. As the teacher there, I realised that the finer qualities are there in all the children. We have to try to bring it out in classroom situations. We innately try to be united as it gives security and brings out appreciation from the group. This innate quality sometimes needs a push to find expression.

Caring

The children were divided into three groups, each given a situation to act out.

Group 1

One child of the group forgot to carry lunch for a picnic. The children acted out as if that child was quiet and did not even tell his teacher that he was without lunch. And then, one child finds out and tells the entire group. Then they share their favourite eatables with the child, and not just that, they all ensure he does not feel left out or hungry or misses his home.

Group 2

The students find an injured puppy. The children acted out that they picked up the dog. Foremost they try to find out if its mother is around. They didn’t find it, so they took the pup to one of the child’s homes. They feed the hungry puppy. Then they make an appointment with the nearest vet and get the necessary treatment.

Group 3

There is a lonely elderly person in their lane. The children acted out how they visited the elderly lady, talked to her regularly, and asked her to act as a referee in their badminton match. They try to give her company and ensure she does not feel lonely. After the tasks the teacher tells them in each situation, they displayed an extreme sense of caring, and this is how we should behave in real-life situations.

Mridula Renjit & Preti Mahajan
Ahlcon Public School

Honesty and Respect - Harmony BHIS

Honesty stimulates respect

Since the great man’s thought is the reflection of our minds, let me cite it in the words of the greatest playwright, William Shakespeare, “Honesty is the best policy. If I lose mine honour, I lose myself.” So, honesty is the reflection of one's self.

It left an indelible impression on my mind. It happened last year.  I could see him anxiously looking at me in class. So, I called him out of the class when the period was over. He was eagerly awaiting this opportunity to open up. He insisted that I accept his opinion.

“Really, Ma’am,” he said.
At this, I gave him a stern look. “How can you be so sure about it? Do you have any proof?”
“Yes, Ma’am! I know only he had done it.” Ravi spoke with more conviction.

“Don’t blame others without any evidence, Ravi.” I retorted.

He pleaded again, “Ma’am, will you check the footage?”

Eventually, it was allowed on one condition that Ravi would not disclose the matter to anyone.

Ravi took a deep breath of relief after he had got to know my affirmation in this matter. He was scolded by his mother two days back for his careless behaviour as he had lost two hundred rupees. Sometimes, he brought enough money to treat his friend in the school canteen.  On further investigation, I was forced to concede to Ravi’s supposition. It was difficult to believe that Karan had done it.  A day was appointed to call Karan and his parents. I made a conscious effort to speak to the child with a lot of love and patience. Indeed, love and care are the most significant weapons to bring a child on the right track. I realized the pliability of the situation. I knew that every word of mine could have a lasting impact on the child's mind. It might cause abject unhappiness or a positive effect. It was like ‘saving someone from drowning’.  

In the presence of Karan’s mother, I took this child into confidence. During my conversation, I focused a lot on the constructive changes in Karan from Grade –VII to Grade-IX. All of a sudden, the boy couldn’t control his emotions and broke down. They are very well off, yet his transgression had been out of a temptation for outside food. The teacher witnessed ‘honesty’ in his confession. At once, he promised that he would not let anyone down in his life. He left the room with a broad smile on his face after receiving the assurance from his teacher that his self-respect would remain intact. It was just a first step of learning moral values for him through experiences.

Days went by, Karan exhibited noteworthy changes in his behaviour as well as in his academic prowess. He kept his promise; he never gave the teachers reason to scold him. Even Ravi showed maturity and acceptance as he did not look down upon Karan.  I continued with my teaching, with no reference to the incidents that had shaken up the youngsters. Neither was Karan reminded of this unpleasant episode, nor was he looked on with suspicion by anyone. The dark spot was wiped out entirely from Karan’s life when his name was suggested for the best student of the month.

I found ‘a new respect’ for Karan and Ravi as I fell in love with both of them.

We, the educators can simplify the term ‘honesty’ to mean care, trust, truthfulness, acceptance, tolerance etc. through our actions and by setting an example to make it understandable and achievable for the youngsters. When a learner receives appreciation, he/she immediately starts appreciating these values and gets one step closer to becoming an honest person. Honesty serves as a mirror which reflects the amount of respect for another person in one's mind.

Harmony @ Billabong High International School, Thane 
- Abira Chakraborty, Pooja Khona, Bhumika Ailsinghani, Rajshri Rane, Soniya Kuril, Poonam Choudhary, Kavita Shetty