Something must have gone wrong cos the whole lot of words I typed out yesterday just didn't come out.. I wonder why...
In any case, what I wanted to say in short is that I'm thankful the weekend's here, and that I've been blessed. I'd like to say thanks to my Sec 2 class that made me smile cos they kept the classroom clean (the teacher's desk was spotless for once!), and that Eileen from my Sec 3 class showed a level of maturity beyond her age. I think what she's experiencing now has made that difference in her, and in the deepest of my hearts, I pray that come 11 August, a kind sentence will be passed on her.
Looking forward to the National Day weekend!! :) Now, I'll just enjoy my weekend with Wendy and my piles of books to be marked!
Checkin' out...
30 July 2004
29 July 2004
In response...
I would love to blog more than I do now, but time is a factor to consider. And considering matters in order of priority, blogging unfortunately doesn't come in top on the list now. But once a love, always a love. And I can't deny my love for writing, or expressing my views and thoughts for that matter! An opinionated lady indeed! :)
Some of the students from my form class annoyed me today - talking when I was explaining how they could better improve on their compositions. Perhaps, I wouldn't be half as mad if there were just one or two particular students I could pick out. Glancing across the classroom, I realised almost half the class were engaged in their little conference sessions. I felt exasperated as I tried to raise my voice to counter theirs. As we all teachers now know - that doesn't work. Silence begets silence. Soon I got their attention, but I would rather have a fun-filled lesson without scolding any one of my kids. But I had to.
Frankly, I thank the good one above for blessing me with these kids that brighten up my life on some days. It's indeed ironical and almost paradoxical that the very same kids that make me angry are the ones that make me smile, and laugh - and realise that my journey is worth every single step.
Yesterday, a friend of mine gave me a starfish carved out of stone. It was beautiful. Very intricate. It came accompanied with a card with a starfish on it. It seems I have begun to be stuck with the starfish icon, thanks to my dear brother! But I don't really mind. Being a starfish is a contant reminder to me to stretch out as far as my five hands (right?) can handle. It also reminds me of the starfish story all we teachers know - that it's OK if we don't throw all the starfish back at sea all at once. As long as we continue doing it, we ARE making that difference. The shape of the starfish also reminds me that I am in a position to be guiding star to lead and guide - to motivate and inspire.
My brother once wrote in a card to me that I am the light of the family, always brightening people's lives. I never really did notice that, but I'd like to live up to that expectation, and spread the light not only to my family, but to all I am in touch with as well - and yes, that includes all my students.
That's a little too much light needed to be spread among so many people, you may say. Yes, I do admit that on some days, the light grows dim, and energies are low. But I have learnt to pick myself up, and spend some quite time alone with Big guy above to rejuvenate, and re-energize. And of course, synergy with friends help too! Thanks, Wendy for always listening to all my stories... Maybe you should start writing a book! :)
My eyes are hardly open with only an hour of sleep, having stayed up late last night on a design project that kept me going, I didn't realise it was so late! (or early!) My mum was worried for me and urged me to drink up a bottle of chicken essence before leaving for school.. (NAH!). Just stole three chocolate chip cookies from my fellow teacher - now that's what I call food! Haa... the chocoholic in me has set in - I really need to get back to therapy. Anyone knows when the next meeting of chocoholic anonymous will take place? :P
Alright, I'd better get back to more marking now. I've been "loafing" for half an hour typing this blog! To my students who have been visiting my blog - thanks for dropping by and leaving your little notes. I truly appreciate them... Keep coming back! :)
Starfish.. out!
Some of the students from my form class annoyed me today - talking when I was explaining how they could better improve on their compositions. Perhaps, I wouldn't be half as mad if there were just one or two particular students I could pick out. Glancing across the classroom, I realised almost half the class were engaged in their little conference sessions. I felt exasperated as I tried to raise my voice to counter theirs. As we all teachers now know - that doesn't work. Silence begets silence. Soon I got their attention, but I would rather have a fun-filled lesson without scolding any one of my kids. But I had to.
Frankly, I thank the good one above for blessing me with these kids that brighten up my life on some days. It's indeed ironical and almost paradoxical that the very same kids that make me angry are the ones that make me smile, and laugh - and realise that my journey is worth every single step.
Yesterday, a friend of mine gave me a starfish carved out of stone. It was beautiful. Very intricate. It came accompanied with a card with a starfish on it. It seems I have begun to be stuck with the starfish icon, thanks to my dear brother! But I don't really mind. Being a starfish is a contant reminder to me to stretch out as far as my five hands (right?) can handle. It also reminds me of the starfish story all we teachers know - that it's OK if we don't throw all the starfish back at sea all at once. As long as we continue doing it, we ARE making that difference. The shape of the starfish also reminds me that I am in a position to be guiding star to lead and guide - to motivate and inspire.
My brother once wrote in a card to me that I am the light of the family, always brightening people's lives. I never really did notice that, but I'd like to live up to that expectation, and spread the light not only to my family, but to all I am in touch with as well - and yes, that includes all my students.
That's a little too much light needed to be spread among so many people, you may say. Yes, I do admit that on some days, the light grows dim, and energies are low. But I have learnt to pick myself up, and spend some quite time alone with Big guy above to rejuvenate, and re-energize. And of course, synergy with friends help too! Thanks, Wendy for always listening to all my stories... Maybe you should start writing a book! :)
My eyes are hardly open with only an hour of sleep, having stayed up late last night on a design project that kept me going, I didn't realise it was so late! (or early!) My mum was worried for me and urged me to drink up a bottle of chicken essence before leaving for school.. (NAH!). Just stole three chocolate chip cookies from my fellow teacher - now that's what I call food! Haa... the chocoholic in me has set in - I really need to get back to therapy. Anyone knows when the next meeting of chocoholic anonymous will take place? :P
Alright, I'd better get back to more marking now. I've been "loafing" for half an hour typing this blog! To my students who have been visiting my blog - thanks for dropping by and leaving your little notes. I truly appreciate them... Keep coming back! :)
Starfish.. out!
24 July 2004
Occupation Hazard
Ever since I started my journey as a full-fledged teacher, I have realised the side-effects of being one. Occupation hazard, you may call it. Before long, I realised I could compile a list of....
"Top Ten Signs You Know You Are a Teacher"
1. You can't seem to find any other coloured pens except red.
2. The other crucial stationery you can find is the whiteboard marker.
3. You know what a Risograph machine is.
4. You become an expert with acronyms.
5. The P and the VP are common terms to you.
6. You begin to correct your friend's English.
7. You look for grammatical errors in everything you read.
8. When you hear "Cher", you know it's not about the singer.
9. You carry a stack of marking to do wherever you go.
10. You hate the word "CONTACT TIME"!
I'm sure there's much more, and I'll come to it as the days go by. Feel free to log your contributions into the comments link or the chatter box. I'd love to compile a whole listing of it, and maybe publish it as a book! :)
Hope my NIE mates are hanging in there well... Now as I see NIE trainees in my school, I think to myself - wasn't it just a while ago I was in their shoes. Now, we're teachers. Qualified teachers. And although teaching may bring its fare share of stress, anxieties, frustrations and lots of hard work, at the end of the day, I think it's a fulfilling path that we all have chosen to journey in. And since we have chosen to walk this path, let's do it well, come what may.
Perhaps, it wasn't as we have envisioned when we signed on that dotted line to commit three years of our lives moulding the next generation. Perhaps we have realised that it isn't a bed of roses. Perhaps we have been discouraged, or disillusioned, or things are not working out as well as we have planned. But ultimately, we have a choice - a choice to look at things positively or negatively. Begin to ask ourselves - what can we do with what we have, rather than what I could do if I have.
I have with me a pool of young minds who need guidance of a strong leader, a role model as they go through their journeys in life. We are in that position to be that guiding light, that role model. We are in that position to create a difference in their lives. In a large way, our position as teachers have empowered us to a degree we may not even realise. Rise up to the occasion, and realise the lifelong effects we have on the kids we teach. What do we want them to learn? If they are strong academically already, then how well can we further develop other intelligences? Or how can we tap onto the multiple intelligences of each child? Is it all about academics? Or is moulding of a child's character more important?
My school had the first night of their annual concert last night. After weeks and consecutive days of training, we have finally seen the fruits of our labour. And as I was stationed backstage to cue my drama club kids throughout the night, I realised that the very students who are restless and disinterested in the academics are the very ones being the stage hands and handling the AV logistics. It dawned on me that I shouldn't judge every student based on the yardstick the academic system has created. Maybe it's time to create a new yardstick?
Think about what you can do to make that difference....
"Top Ten Signs You Know You Are a Teacher"
1. You can't seem to find any other coloured pens except red.
2. The other crucial stationery you can find is the whiteboard marker.
3. You know what a Risograph machine is.
4. You become an expert with acronyms.
5. The P and the VP are common terms to you.
6. You begin to correct your friend's English.
7. You look for grammatical errors in everything you read.
8. When you hear "Cher", you know it's not about the singer.
9. You carry a stack of marking to do wherever you go.
10. You hate the word "CONTACT TIME"!
I'm sure there's much more, and I'll come to it as the days go by. Feel free to log your contributions into the comments link or the chatter box. I'd love to compile a whole listing of it, and maybe publish it as a book! :)
Hope my NIE mates are hanging in there well... Now as I see NIE trainees in my school, I think to myself - wasn't it just a while ago I was in their shoes. Now, we're teachers. Qualified teachers. And although teaching may bring its fare share of stress, anxieties, frustrations and lots of hard work, at the end of the day, I think it's a fulfilling path that we all have chosen to journey in. And since we have chosen to walk this path, let's do it well, come what may.
Perhaps, it wasn't as we have envisioned when we signed on that dotted line to commit three years of our lives moulding the next generation. Perhaps we have realised that it isn't a bed of roses. Perhaps we have been discouraged, or disillusioned, or things are not working out as well as we have planned. But ultimately, we have a choice - a choice to look at things positively or negatively. Begin to ask ourselves - what can we do with what we have, rather than what I could do if I have.
I have with me a pool of young minds who need guidance of a strong leader, a role model as they go through their journeys in life. We are in that position to be that guiding light, that role model. We are in that position to create a difference in their lives. In a large way, our position as teachers have empowered us to a degree we may not even realise. Rise up to the occasion, and realise the lifelong effects we have on the kids we teach. What do we want them to learn? If they are strong academically already, then how well can we further develop other intelligences? Or how can we tap onto the multiple intelligences of each child? Is it all about academics? Or is moulding of a child's character more important?
My school had the first night of their annual concert last night. After weeks and consecutive days of training, we have finally seen the fruits of our labour. And as I was stationed backstage to cue my drama club kids throughout the night, I realised that the very students who are restless and disinterested in the academics are the very ones being the stage hands and handling the AV logistics. It dawned on me that I shouldn't judge every student based on the yardstick the academic system has created. Maybe it's time to create a new yardstick?
Think about what you can do to make that difference....
23 July 2004
Moments in Life
One thing I enjoy in my school is the Values Inculcation Programme on Tuesdays and Thursdays where teachers share with the students, and fellow teachers little anecdotes, poems, stories and activities to inculcate values into our students. For this month, our focus is People Our Focus. And I'd just like to share with you this poem that was shared. Reflect on it... Maybe, sometimes it's important to take time and appreciate the Moments in Life...
There are moments in life when you miss someone
so much that you just want to pick them from
your dreams and hug them for real!
Don't go for looks; they can deceive.
Don't go for wealth; even that fades away.
Go for someone who makes you smile
Because it takes only a smile to
Make a dark day seem bright.
Find the one that makes your heart smile.
Dream what you want to dream;
Go where you want to go;
Be what you want to be
Because you have only one life
and one chance to do all the things
you want to do.
May you have enough happiness
to make you sweet
Enough trials to make you strong
Enough sorrow to keep you human and
Enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily
have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything
that comes along their way.
The brightest future will always
be based on a forgotten past;
You can't go forward in life until
You let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying
And everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end
You're the one who is smiling
And everyone around you is crying.
To those who have touched your life
In one way or another;
To those who make you smile
When you really need it;
To those who make you see
The brighter side of things when you are really down;
To those whose friendship you appreciate;
To those who are so meaningful in your life.
Don't count the years
Count the memories....
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take;
But by the moments that take our breath away!
Written by Donna Fulcher
There are moments in life when you miss someone
so much that you just want to pick them from
your dreams and hug them for real!
Don't go for looks; they can deceive.
Don't go for wealth; even that fades away.
Go for someone who makes you smile
Because it takes only a smile to
Make a dark day seem bright.
Find the one that makes your heart smile.
Dream what you want to dream;
Go where you want to go;
Be what you want to be
Because you have only one life
and one chance to do all the things
you want to do.
May you have enough happiness
to make you sweet
Enough trials to make you strong
Enough sorrow to keep you human and
Enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily
have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything
that comes along their way.
The brightest future will always
be based on a forgotten past;
You can't go forward in life until
You let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying
And everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end
You're the one who is smiling
And everyone around you is crying.
To those who have touched your life
In one way or another;
To those who make you smile
When you really need it;
To those who make you see
The brighter side of things when you are really down;
To those whose friendship you appreciate;
To those who are so meaningful in your life.
Don't count the years
Count the memories....
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take;
But by the moments that take our breath away!
Written by Donna Fulcher
18 July 2004
It's been a while...
It's been a while since I blogged. I feel that I need to dust the keyboard a little as I get back to the blogging habit.
No, I have not lost the love of writing, or of sharing my inspirational stories with you. It's just that I've been kept so busy with school work, I've had little time, not to mention energy to tap on my old keyboard to share my thoughts.
And so today is a treat, as I decided to take a step back, and take time for myself. Who cares if I have 160 books more to mark and 2 piles of test scripts unmarked. I took my leave from school after the concert rehearsal this afternoon and made my way to Raffles City to meet Wendy. I was in search of white masks for my drama kids - OK, that was the only work-related thing I did! I had a nice lunch of Rodeo Ribs at Cafe Cartel with Wendy after that. Yummmy! Not to mention the free flow of bread!
And I decided to treat myself with retail therapy too! Ha.. got a good buy, and I so love it! :)
But the highlight of the day, was the campfire I was supposed to go to right at the end of Singapore. To my NIE mates - if you think our campus is far, well, this is really far! It's like almost 15 minutes drive further away from NIE! And we thought Pulau Nanyang was bad!
The taxi man that brought me there was a sweetie not to complain that I made him drive so deep in. He was more concerned that he got the place wrong. I kept telling him to go on and on and on... "Yao dao hai bian le, xiao jie" "Dui, uncle... shi kao jing hai bian". Finally, I reached Camp Christine.
It was inspiring to see the kids from less privuleged backgrounds coming together for the 3-day camp, with the help and commitment of some 60 volunteers to make it all happen. Most of these kids came from broken families, or troubled and criminal backgrounds. Seriously, when you see the energy in them when they come together to cheer and shout, and dance and sing, you really wouldn't know how much they have been through. It is times like these, that make you sit back and count the blessings you have had.
It made me think, that any of the school kids I teach could be one of these kids at the camp. When we look into the faces of our students, what do we see? I see potential. I see a personality waiting to unfold if only they are given the right guidance. Some are fortunate enough to have the support of their families. What about those that don't? When a child makes a mistake once, is he marked as bad all his life? Can't we approach things differently?
Perhaps the idealist in me still exists. I have a co-teacher for one of the classes I teach. She tells me that some of the boys in the class are "ugly characters". They've had their fair share of discipline problems, and academically - well, don't even bother. I told her that maybe we should approach things differently.
On Friday, one of the problem kids in my class refused to do the work he was assigned. He stared blankly at the worksheet that I gave him. My co-teacher told me because another classmate had thrown his wallet away and that it was nowhere to be found. He had angst and anger in him. And he was demonstrating it by not doing his work. I didn't know what happened initially, and so all I did was to go up to him and said, "Derek, you look sad. Is something bothering you?" He looked up at me, then stared blankly at the paper again. I decided to leave him alone, but occasionally walk past his desk to see if he would do anything, but I didn't want to push it.
My co-teacher told me to give up. I didn't. I knew from his face that he was touched in some sense, and I think I was right. When the bell rang, he submitted his worksheet, all filled up. I smiled. My co-teacher was shocked. I wasn't.
If I could say what I believe in, then I'd say I'd believe that in every child, there is a heart to touch, a soul to groom and a mind to enrich. I believe that there's good in every child. Sometimes, they stray. But then, isn't it our duty to bring them back on course? Isn't that our role?
On Friday, one of my students from the class which I taught during the practicum rebelled against my co-teacher. She refused to do her work and stood outside of the class. When my co-teacher left the class, I asked her back in. She refused. She said she was angry, and she didn't want to do any work assigned. I asked her if she could do it for me then. She looked at me, and nodded her head. She went back to class and filled up her worksheet immediately. It touched my heart to know that I had made a difference in her life in some sense, that I had gained her respect and trust. It encouraged me to feel that there is so much more I can do for the students in my school - in the classroom, at drama club practices, for the students I used to teach during the practicum...
Stretch yourself to what you can give... Only YOU set the limits.
:)
No, I have not lost the love of writing, or of sharing my inspirational stories with you. It's just that I've been kept so busy with school work, I've had little time, not to mention energy to tap on my old keyboard to share my thoughts.
And so today is a treat, as I decided to take a step back, and take time for myself. Who cares if I have 160 books more to mark and 2 piles of test scripts unmarked. I took my leave from school after the concert rehearsal this afternoon and made my way to Raffles City to meet Wendy. I was in search of white masks for my drama kids - OK, that was the only work-related thing I did! I had a nice lunch of Rodeo Ribs at Cafe Cartel with Wendy after that. Yummmy! Not to mention the free flow of bread!
And I decided to treat myself with retail therapy too! Ha.. got a good buy, and I so love it! :)
But the highlight of the day, was the campfire I was supposed to go to right at the end of Singapore. To my NIE mates - if you think our campus is far, well, this is really far! It's like almost 15 minutes drive further away from NIE! And we thought Pulau Nanyang was bad!
The taxi man that brought me there was a sweetie not to complain that I made him drive so deep in. He was more concerned that he got the place wrong. I kept telling him to go on and on and on... "Yao dao hai bian le, xiao jie" "Dui, uncle... shi kao jing hai bian". Finally, I reached Camp Christine.
It was inspiring to see the kids from less privuleged backgrounds coming together for the 3-day camp, with the help and commitment of some 60 volunteers to make it all happen. Most of these kids came from broken families, or troubled and criminal backgrounds. Seriously, when you see the energy in them when they come together to cheer and shout, and dance and sing, you really wouldn't know how much they have been through. It is times like these, that make you sit back and count the blessings you have had.
It made me think, that any of the school kids I teach could be one of these kids at the camp. When we look into the faces of our students, what do we see? I see potential. I see a personality waiting to unfold if only they are given the right guidance. Some are fortunate enough to have the support of their families. What about those that don't? When a child makes a mistake once, is he marked as bad all his life? Can't we approach things differently?
Perhaps the idealist in me still exists. I have a co-teacher for one of the classes I teach. She tells me that some of the boys in the class are "ugly characters". They've had their fair share of discipline problems, and academically - well, don't even bother. I told her that maybe we should approach things differently.
On Friday, one of the problem kids in my class refused to do the work he was assigned. He stared blankly at the worksheet that I gave him. My co-teacher told me because another classmate had thrown his wallet away and that it was nowhere to be found. He had angst and anger in him. And he was demonstrating it by not doing his work. I didn't know what happened initially, and so all I did was to go up to him and said, "Derek, you look sad. Is something bothering you?" He looked up at me, then stared blankly at the paper again. I decided to leave him alone, but occasionally walk past his desk to see if he would do anything, but I didn't want to push it.
My co-teacher told me to give up. I didn't. I knew from his face that he was touched in some sense, and I think I was right. When the bell rang, he submitted his worksheet, all filled up. I smiled. My co-teacher was shocked. I wasn't.
If I could say what I believe in, then I'd say I'd believe that in every child, there is a heart to touch, a soul to groom and a mind to enrich. I believe that there's good in every child. Sometimes, they stray. But then, isn't it our duty to bring them back on course? Isn't that our role?
On Friday, one of my students from the class which I taught during the practicum rebelled against my co-teacher. She refused to do her work and stood outside of the class. When my co-teacher left the class, I asked her back in. She refused. She said she was angry, and she didn't want to do any work assigned. I asked her if she could do it for me then. She looked at me, and nodded her head. She went back to class and filled up her worksheet immediately. It touched my heart to know that I had made a difference in her life in some sense, that I had gained her respect and trust. It encouraged me to feel that there is so much more I can do for the students in my school - in the classroom, at drama club practices, for the students I used to teach during the practicum...
Stretch yourself to what you can give... Only YOU set the limits.
:)
14 July 2004
Time...
Last night, I mentioned to someone that I wished I had 48 hours a day. I really do. Last night, I had two classes I had yet to plan for. Last minute work seem to be the latest trend. Thankfully, I've so far managed to get ready in time for lessons. But I don't want to make it a habit.
Yes, I have been busy. My drama club kids are keeping me busy for one. With the Harmony concert coming up next week, days after school are filled with rehearsals and costume fitting. Then it's chasing after those that don't turn up. Yesterday, my principal asked me why there wasn't full attendance from the drama club kids. I was speechless. I just inherited them. I hardly know them. Yet I knew why they weren't turning up. They felt bored. I HAVE to do something to excite them more! That's my next target. I sounded some of them out about staging a musical. They grew excited... Yes, yes, we want that.. I can picture it in my head already... A tie-up with the choir, band and modern dance group would be perfect. Now all I need is someone to write me a musical!
Yes, as you can see, I get excited with non-academic related issues at school. In a way, I'm glad I'm just teaching English, which gives me lots of room for creativity. On Friday, my co-teacher and I will be conducting our English lessons at the Cafe. I call it English Breakfast - how apt! And yes, I will be providing food!
The marking never ends. My mentor in school tells me to prioritise work. That helped. Otherwise, I feel like it's an endless battle with scripts and books. Now I know better...
The kids I teach can be draining sometimes. But I take it all in my stride. I should have expected this when I decided two years back to teach. Now that I am in it, it is all that I have expected and more. Sure, it's tiring when kids talk when you talk, don't hand in their work, or decide to be disruptive in class. But at the end of the day, I see them along the corridors with smiles and I see the joy on their faces. It reminds me that I was like that once. And it reminds me that I am here for a reason - to be their guiding light, their source of motivation, and their listening ear.
Last night, I told someone that actually I do love teaching. No regrets. None at all. Not now at least!
:)
Yes, I have been busy. My drama club kids are keeping me busy for one. With the Harmony concert coming up next week, days after school are filled with rehearsals and costume fitting. Then it's chasing after those that don't turn up. Yesterday, my principal asked me why there wasn't full attendance from the drama club kids. I was speechless. I just inherited them. I hardly know them. Yet I knew why they weren't turning up. They felt bored. I HAVE to do something to excite them more! That's my next target. I sounded some of them out about staging a musical. They grew excited... Yes, yes, we want that.. I can picture it in my head already... A tie-up with the choir, band and modern dance group would be perfect. Now all I need is someone to write me a musical!
Yes, as you can see, I get excited with non-academic related issues at school. In a way, I'm glad I'm just teaching English, which gives me lots of room for creativity. On Friday, my co-teacher and I will be conducting our English lessons at the Cafe. I call it English Breakfast - how apt! And yes, I will be providing food!
The marking never ends. My mentor in school tells me to prioritise work. That helped. Otherwise, I feel like it's an endless battle with scripts and books. Now I know better...
The kids I teach can be draining sometimes. But I take it all in my stride. I should have expected this when I decided two years back to teach. Now that I am in it, it is all that I have expected and more. Sure, it's tiring when kids talk when you talk, don't hand in their work, or decide to be disruptive in class. But at the end of the day, I see them along the corridors with smiles and I see the joy on their faces. It reminds me that I was like that once. And it reminds me that I am here for a reason - to be their guiding light, their source of motivation, and their listening ear.
Last night, I told someone that actually I do love teaching. No regrets. None at all. Not now at least!
:)
09 July 2004
A marathon day...
Every week, I have mixed feelings each time Friday approaches. On one hand, it marks the end of the week, on the other hand, it's the heaviest day for me with eight periods and only an hour break in between. And now as I end the day, I feel happy. I have piles of books and papers on my desk, waiting to be red-inked. It's gonna be a cycle of marking all over again - didn't I just return the books to the kids? And now I still have more to mark?
Well, it's all part and parcel of teaching. I take it all in my stride. I have to plan for new lessons and come up with new material. I feel tired at the end of the day as I leave the school at 6pm each day, only because the nice auntie nudges me nicely "Teacher, I want to go home...". And I guiltily grab all I need to continue with my work at home. And the work continues long after 6pm outside of school...
Sleepy and dizzy-eyed, I pluck myself out of bed each day. I have hardly had enough sleep, but I feel the drive in rushing the school each day. I challenge myself to get to school earlier and earlier each day. I don't know why.. Maybe it's cos I like my new desk, and find solitude in the silence of the staff room before the crowd comes in.
Did I mention I've got my brand new Toshiba lap top too? All linked up to the LAN - so I can print, surf the net, blog and do my work right in the comforts of my new desk :). And now, I've begun to bring my CD collection so I can play music on my laptop while doing my work.
Have to be in school tomorrow cos there's Drama Club rehearsal. I'm glad I've begun to connect with them.. How I wish they'll be more committed to come for practices more often. Have been spending lots of time with them.. yesterday, we had rehearsals til 5.30pm!
The one thing that touched my heart today... One trainee teacher told me that the Maths Dept had a meeting yesterday and my name was mentioned. They mentioned that the Sec 3 class that sucked the blood out of me during the practicum actually went to the Principal to beg her that I teach them again, because they felt I was the only teacher that believed in them... I am touched. Today, I realised, my efforts were not in vain. It teaches me - never give up no matter what. It takes time, blood, tears and sweat. But someday, we may just be able to throw all the starfish back into the sea! Idealistic, you may say, but I know, I'm gonna live my dream one day! You can live your dream too!
:)
deb
Well, it's all part and parcel of teaching. I take it all in my stride. I have to plan for new lessons and come up with new material. I feel tired at the end of the day as I leave the school at 6pm each day, only because the nice auntie nudges me nicely "Teacher, I want to go home...". And I guiltily grab all I need to continue with my work at home. And the work continues long after 6pm outside of school...
Sleepy and dizzy-eyed, I pluck myself out of bed each day. I have hardly had enough sleep, but I feel the drive in rushing the school each day. I challenge myself to get to school earlier and earlier each day. I don't know why.. Maybe it's cos I like my new desk, and find solitude in the silence of the staff room before the crowd comes in.
Did I mention I've got my brand new Toshiba lap top too? All linked up to the LAN - so I can print, surf the net, blog and do my work right in the comforts of my new desk :). And now, I've begun to bring my CD collection so I can play music on my laptop while doing my work.
Have to be in school tomorrow cos there's Drama Club rehearsal. I'm glad I've begun to connect with them.. How I wish they'll be more committed to come for practices more often. Have been spending lots of time with them.. yesterday, we had rehearsals til 5.30pm!
The one thing that touched my heart today... One trainee teacher told me that the Maths Dept had a meeting yesterday and my name was mentioned. They mentioned that the Sec 3 class that sucked the blood out of me during the practicum actually went to the Principal to beg her that I teach them again, because they felt I was the only teacher that believed in them... I am touched. Today, I realised, my efforts were not in vain. It teaches me - never give up no matter what. It takes time, blood, tears and sweat. But someday, we may just be able to throw all the starfish back into the sea! Idealistic, you may say, but I know, I'm gonna live my dream one day! You can live your dream too!
:)
deb
05 July 2004
Back to the past....
Tomorrow, I will go to school in my junior college uniform. It has been 12 years since I wore that. I had to get Wendy's husband's nephew's friend to loan it to me. Thankfully, I could squeeze into it... My heart sank when Wendy said, "I hope you can wear it.. the girl looks petite."
Well, petite is something I am not associated with! Mum's kindly pressing the uniform straight for me now... I can't imagine how I'd look like tomorrow! Anyway, it's all in the name of fun as part of the HIHS Youth Day celebration, so I shall just humour my kids tomorrow! Oh - did I mention the kids get to come in their home clothes?!!
I planned to go down to school today to mark, but a sore throat in the morning made me stay at home. I could feel myself coming down with a flu. And so, I boiled a big pot of cooling tea, and downed the black broth hourly. But the throat is still sore, and my eyes slightly swollen. I really wasn't looking forward to the dinner at Long Bar Steak House with my Raffles Hotel friends, but I couldn't bring myself to cancel it either.
I felt tired the whole day. I must have taken at least three naps in between, but I couldn't sleep well. Even in my dreams, I was thinking about lesson plans!
I'm glad I've got at least one worksheet churned out for tomorrow's lesson, and I know what I'm supposed to do for Wednesday's lesson. It's just a matter of getting the worksheets all done up...
Just got back from dinner not too long ago. Food at the Long Bar Steakhouse wasn't that bad. It's just that with the open kitchen, I left the place smelling like steak. Hmmmm...
I'd better get to bed now. Tomorrow will be a long day with my kids again. Have to get my drama kids prepared for the upcoming school concert. And there's yet more to mark, more lesson plans, and more worksheets!
Happy Youth Day! Chuppa chops for my kids tomorrow!
:)
Well, petite is something I am not associated with! Mum's kindly pressing the uniform straight for me now... I can't imagine how I'd look like tomorrow! Anyway, it's all in the name of fun as part of the HIHS Youth Day celebration, so I shall just humour my kids tomorrow! Oh - did I mention the kids get to come in their home clothes?!!
I planned to go down to school today to mark, but a sore throat in the morning made me stay at home. I could feel myself coming down with a flu. And so, I boiled a big pot of cooling tea, and downed the black broth hourly. But the throat is still sore, and my eyes slightly swollen. I really wasn't looking forward to the dinner at Long Bar Steak House with my Raffles Hotel friends, but I couldn't bring myself to cancel it either.
I felt tired the whole day. I must have taken at least three naps in between, but I couldn't sleep well. Even in my dreams, I was thinking about lesson plans!
I'm glad I've got at least one worksheet churned out for tomorrow's lesson, and I know what I'm supposed to do for Wednesday's lesson. It's just a matter of getting the worksheets all done up...
Just got back from dinner not too long ago. Food at the Long Bar Steakhouse wasn't that bad. It's just that with the open kitchen, I left the place smelling like steak. Hmmmm...
I'd better get to bed now. Tomorrow will be a long day with my kids again. Have to get my drama kids prepared for the upcoming school concert. And there's yet more to mark, more lesson plans, and more worksheets!
Happy Youth Day! Chuppa chops for my kids tomorrow!
:)
02 July 2004
Week one, and counting my blessings...
Wasn't it just a few days back that we beginning teachers (BTs, as we are now fondly called) were a little nervous starting out in our own respective schools as full-fledged teachers? And now, one week has passed.
A week ago, my desk was empty, almost a barren land. It was so bare I began to panic and bring in as much things as I could. I called Wendy up for fresh stationery supplies, and spent another $50 on yet more stationery... and no, I haven't got it all as yet!
But today, as I looked at my desk, I began to feel that yes, I AM a teacher. I have four stacks of books to mark. That's 160 books in total. That, plus two piles of worksheets. And what about the lesson plans and materials for the upcoming week? A little overwhelming, I must say... but yet, I think I am enjoying what I'm doing.
I'm very very strict with my Sec 1 and 2 classes, and in a way, I have begun to own them. I see the earnest look in their eyes, and I feel like I want to protect each and every one of them, to make sure that they do well in their studies and away from bad company. In the depths of my heart, I say a prayer for each one of them. I look forward to the day the graduate from the school and look back and realise that they've accomplished so much...
Yesterday was the second time in my life someone likened me to a guardian angel. I'm flattered, but in a shy way. But I am glad that I've used this gift that God has given me - the gift of giving and protecting those around me, especially those that I care and love - to enrich the lives of my friends and students.
But sometimes, it does get draining, and once in a while, I ask if there's a guardian angel out there for me too? But at the end of the day, I look at the BIG one above, and see all the blessings he's given me, and I realise that maybe, I've got the best guardian angel around? And for that, I should be thankful...
As I walk through this journey, I don't know for sure what lies ahead. But I treasure every step that I take, and relish the moment. For every step is a learning experience, whether it be joy or sadness. For this moment only comes once. And for me to experience it, I should be the one feeling special.
:)
A week ago, my desk was empty, almost a barren land. It was so bare I began to panic and bring in as much things as I could. I called Wendy up for fresh stationery supplies, and spent another $50 on yet more stationery... and no, I haven't got it all as yet!
But today, as I looked at my desk, I began to feel that yes, I AM a teacher. I have four stacks of books to mark. That's 160 books in total. That, plus two piles of worksheets. And what about the lesson plans and materials for the upcoming week? A little overwhelming, I must say... but yet, I think I am enjoying what I'm doing.
I'm very very strict with my Sec 1 and 2 classes, and in a way, I have begun to own them. I see the earnest look in their eyes, and I feel like I want to protect each and every one of them, to make sure that they do well in their studies and away from bad company. In the depths of my heart, I say a prayer for each one of them. I look forward to the day the graduate from the school and look back and realise that they've accomplished so much...
Yesterday was the second time in my life someone likened me to a guardian angel. I'm flattered, but in a shy way. But I am glad that I've used this gift that God has given me - the gift of giving and protecting those around me, especially those that I care and love - to enrich the lives of my friends and students.
But sometimes, it does get draining, and once in a while, I ask if there's a guardian angel out there for me too? But at the end of the day, I look at the BIG one above, and see all the blessings he's given me, and I realise that maybe, I've got the best guardian angel around? And for that, I should be thankful...
As I walk through this journey, I don't know for sure what lies ahead. But I treasure every step that I take, and relish the moment. For every step is a learning experience, whether it be joy or sadness. For this moment only comes once. And for me to experience it, I should be the one feeling special.
:)