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The above picture is a comment from my last post – DIARY OF
A NIGERIAN TEACHER.
In this part, I will tell you about one of my favourite
memories from my days as a primary school teacher.
I’ve always been intrigued by how the mind works. To see a
child come in to a class on the first day unsure and not knowing; but on the
last day in the class, the child is sure and knows. It is always something best
experienced. It pays to be a teacher indeed. The little joys felt, the obvious
changes seen. The children come to gradually understand and love you and vice
versa. The loyalty to the class, the bond, the unity, the wins, the losses and
the ability to bounce back. Teaching is fun!
One of my favourite memories is the day my class won a
Science Quiz. This wonderful term resumed and the kids in my class were as
bubbly as ever. These children were a mix of sassy, smart, restless, caring and
noisy. At first, I resorted to
punishments but then, I thought different. I love science and little facts. I decided
to bring the kids into my world. Every day, during the time for Reading, I made
them answer science questions. Sometimes, I gave them questions to research on
and present the following day during Reading time. A number of wonderful
presentations were made. The children loved to take part in the quiz, hence
they behaved as much as they could to remain part of these moments.
One wonderful morning, a few weeks into our wonderful Science
quiz moments, the Supervisor of the Primary section reminded the teachers that the Science quiz was to
hold that day. I selected five kids to represent the class. The class we were
up against was known to have the very bright kids. However, my class shocked
the school that day. They surprised even me and won that Science quiz. To avoid
going into details, although there was no cup given, we matched with our pride
and faces shining with joy to our class. It was a moment to remember, etched in
time, in my mind and the minds of those wonderful kids whom I hope will remember
that hard work and perseverance with a sprinkle of determination will always
pay.
Every teacher has a story indeed! Please do drop your
comments below and tell me your view on this subject. If you are a teacher or
you have been a teacher, I am very much interested in what you have to say
about your teaching journey. The next part will be posted soon.
So true. Behind every lesson taught, there’s a journey of experience, sacrifice, and passion. ❤️
ReplyDeleteThe joys of being a teacher can be compared to that of parenthood. You sometimes find yourself celebrating those little wins as much as the kids do, sometimes even more! 😅 The reverse is also the case in many instances.
ReplyDeleteI once found myself seriously celebrating when my team won the inter house sports competition 😂.
PS: I'm not even a sports fan 🤣🤣
This is such a beautiful and inspiring diary, Ruth. You captured the very heartbeat of teaching, the transformation of uncertainty into confidence, of restless energy into purposeful achievement. I love how you turned what seemed like chaos into creativity by channeling your pupils’ curiosity into science. That moment of victory in the quiz wasn’t just about winning; it was about showing those children that discipline, perseverance, and teamwork can turn impossible into possible.
ReplyDeleteYour words remind me that teaching is not just a profession,it is legacy-building. The pride and joy you described will live forever in those kids, and in you too. Thank you for sharing this story, it truly reflects the hidden beauty of our calling as teachers.
Great! Keep it up
ReplyDeleteLovely piece Ruth. I wanted to read this when I first saw it but I kept procrastinating.
ReplyDeleteI think that is joy of every teacher
Meeting children who are unsure and noticing a change in them as they leave your class and move forward.
I must say, it was a delight working with you and you grew, infact we all grew.
We Leant, unlearned, built character and destroyed bad ones, we became better people with every child we taught. I am happy you are sharing this and I hope the world will read appreciate the time and dedication we gave and are still giving as teachers.
I can't wait to read more.
Every teacher has a story indeed, they're part of the foundation of any civilized society; Well done, more grease to your elbows and more graces and wins, Amen.
ReplyDelete