The Joy of Children's Class

Today, I want to write on Children's Class, something I've considered as my favorite past-time. A couple of hours ago, I made a visit to a CC that I hardly go to. And I learned something really amazing. I learned that no matter what social class the children may come from, or how financially stable the teacher may be, it doesn't matter. No, it doesn't. All that matters it that, the children enjoy having you around as a teacher; they feel loved because you express love towards them; they feel wanted because you visit them even though you are so tired; they feel inspired because you do all it takes to make them a better person without yelling or hitting them. Isn't that a joy? As a teacher, you mean so much to them even without realizing it. 


Today's Children's Class, its usually taught by 3 youths (16,15 & 14 years old). And the oldest one, Ploy got sick today and she didn't manage to come. And thus, no materials were brought because she's normally in charge of making sure that the things get there. So the other two youths, Mook & Kluay came empty-handedly. Here's where I got nervous when I knew about it. How were they going do the class? What about art activity? What about story-telling? What about color pencils? How was CC supposed to take place? All these questions ran through my mind. But guess what, Mook & Kluay managed it so well. They requested the kids to pray; chant whichever prayer they wanted. And the kids chose three prayers, all in English and Thai mind you. They all prayed, having their arms folded across their chests and their eyes closed. They looked so cute; unfortunately, I didn't have a camera with me. After the prayers, they sang (Ye are drops in English) with actions. Then, we played games together. And guess what, we had no materials with us! But that didn't allow the kids to have no fun. They picked up leaves to be cloths to pass to their friends and they used dried coconuts as balls. I was so so impressed by that. Even with the "natural toys", the kids had so much fun :)


Here's what it is, my friends and I might have been there to teach the kids. But at the same time, we learned something. And not just anything but something that could change our entire perspective on life; Learning isn't a one-way process. You don't just teach someone and learn nothing. You learn even when you teach and even if they are kids from broken families, they still inspire you as much as any other individual may. And that's why I love doing CC so much. I learn something every time I'm with them. And I always want to make them happy because I feel that they deserve to be. And at the same time, they make me happy too.  


So, all they want from us is love. They learn to love, when they are loved. While I left today, I said goodbye to all of them and here's what they did, they ran to me and hugged me even though all I have spent with them was just an hour. It was such an amazing feeling and inspiration :) 

- joy -