TMVM celebrated ‘Teacher’s Day’ to commemorate the contribution of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. This was a unique event where many of the children took on the role of the teacher (and the teachers became the students!), not just for one lesson but for the entire day. Children of all ages from Standard 2 through to Standard 9 taught other children either in their own class or in other classes in all subjects including languages, maths, science. The sight of the girls dressed beautifully in saris and the boys looking and acting all grown up and pacing up and down the classroom was very entertaining and beautiful to watch, whilst some of the younger children could hardly reach the whiteboard to deliver their teaching! Although all had great fun, there was a serious learning lesson for the children which they all acknowledged.
That the role of a teacher is extremely important but difficult: it requires so many skills including not just knowledge but novel techniques to deliver the learning in an interactive manner; motivating children and maintaining classroom discipline; and spending time in preparation and marking. In fact, one child said that a 40 minute lesson can feel like 4 hours for the teacher if the children are not engaged! The children who taught on the day made a point of telling all children to make the most of this learning opportunity by paying attention in class and doing their homework. The children ended the day by saying a big thank you to their teachers and most children expressed the wish to become teachers when they grow up and continue the work of giving everyone the gift of education……..