Unexpected Kindness and Insight from Students: A School Teacher's Reflection
As a school teacher, I often find myself reflecting on the moments that truly stand out. Two specific instances with students still resonate with me, both with their unique insights and profound kindness.
From Shy to Star: Jyoti's Unexpected Reading
During my student teaching stint, I was placed in a Grade 2 classroom. The students were all lovely, but there was one particular student, Jyoti, who consistently refused to engage in class activities. She would never raise her hand, barely interacted with the teacher, and seemed to have no desire to participate in group work. The teacher and I decided to conduct a reading assessment to see if Jyoti's performance was truly reflecting her potential.
One day, I was asked to work with Jyoti outside the classroom, specifically to assess her reading level. I began by chatting with her and sharing stories, stepping out of my formal teaching role to create a more comfortable atmosphere. I eventually encouraged her to read a story to me. To my surprise, Jyoti not only chose a book a grade above her level but also started reading to me without hesitation. Her pronunciation was excellent, and it was clear she was much more capable in reading than her peers had believed.
Upon asking why she had never participated in class, Jyoti shared that she simply liked me and was shy. This insight was eye-opening for the teacher, who immediately recognized Jyoti's potential and began to adapt her teaching methods to better support the student. In subsequent tests, Jyoti's performance showed her to be advanced and gifted, not below grade level as initially assessed.
Support in Solidarity: The Scarred Heroes
Another unexpected moment happened when I was self-conscious about a burn scar on my hand from an unintended hot honey spill. Though the scar was not in my ring hand, I still felt insecure about it, especially considering the engagement pictures were coming up. One of my students, without my prompting, pointed out the scar during class. He asked me what had happened and, after a laugh, I shared the story. The next day, I noticed this student had a scar on his hand that was identical to mine. Upon inquiring, he smiled and explained that he had drawn the scar for days as a solidarity gesture. He wanted me to know that we all make mistakes sometimes, and it's wonderful to have support from others.
Embracing Truth in Kindness
These two stories remind me of the profound impact that teachers and students can have on each other. Jyoti's silent embrace of challenge and the courage to show strength despite shyness are lessons in resilience. The student who drew the scar on his hand for solidarity is a clear testament to the power of kindness and understanding. Both instances highlight the importance of recognizing and nurturing the unique qualities within every student, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
In conclusion, whether through unexpected acts of kindness or insightful contributions, students can teach us invaluable lessons about resilience, empathy, and the importance of trust in the relationship between teachers and students.
Conclusion
As an educator, it is my responsibility to inspire and nurture the talents within my students. These stories, among others, have shown me the immense value in believing in my students and giving them the support they need to grow. Both Jyoti and the unnamed student taught me that true kindness and understanding can bridge the gap between teacher and student, leading to a more profound and fulfilling education for all.