I took a bunch of 10-11 year old kids on a two-day outdoor, nature camp. The group was a mix of girls and boys of same grade but different divisions. The kids worked out well with each other. Some did cooking and others explored the outdoors. We had discussion on changing climate and importance of learning skills. When things got wild, pillow-fights broke-out. As you can see the camp went-off well.
Throughout the camp, I listened to their gossips. And I was surprised to hear how much of their talk was about their teachers and how they taught in the class. Teachers weren't trashed or discussed with any bitterness. The talk was mostly giggling about their peculiar manners and happenings in the class. Who were the crazy teachers and mimicking those. Surprisingly bad teachers weren't discussed much but good and peculiar ones were.
I was made aware of the large role teachers have in children's lives today. The gossips and talk was rarely about their own parents or hobbies. It was rarely about the gadgets they buy or the money they spend. It wasn't even about what teachers teach. It was mostly about how the teachers teach and about teachers personal lives when they cross with children's own. Listen to what children are talking amongst themselves. Its seems teachers, especially the good-cranky ones, are the binding thread for these kids.
While the role of parents has become more and more of that of a provider, teachers roles has grown. They are the people around whom children's social interaction happens. I hope teachers realize the strong influence they have on children's social life and so do parents.
Throughout the camp, I listened to their gossips. And I was surprised to hear how much of their talk was about their teachers and how they taught in the class. Teachers weren't trashed or discussed with any bitterness. The talk was mostly giggling about their peculiar manners and happenings in the class. Who were the crazy teachers and mimicking those. Surprisingly bad teachers weren't discussed much but good and peculiar ones were.
I was made aware of the large role teachers have in children's lives today. The gossips and talk was rarely about their own parents or hobbies. It was rarely about the gadgets they buy or the money they spend. It wasn't even about what teachers teach. It was mostly about how the teachers teach and about teachers personal lives when they cross with children's own. Listen to what children are talking amongst themselves. Its seems teachers, especially the good-cranky ones, are the binding thread for these kids.
While the role of parents has become more and more of that of a provider, teachers roles has grown. They are the people around whom children's social interaction happens. I hope teachers realize the strong influence they have on children's social life and so do parents.
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