Expressions

Yes, that's the title of the weekly journals my students write for English. I thought 'journal' would turn the kids off and remind them of yet another weekend chore, so I changed the name for novelty's sake.

Do you remember all the rantings and problems that you wrote down on your journals for catharsis? I remember not letting my guard off even I wrote the journal, fearing that it might cause disagreement amongst others who peep into my book.

Thankfully, the kids have written wonderful stuff. What they write really touch my heart and I thanked and thanked and thanked and thanked and thanked them for writing Expressions. They felt happy and special when I did that. :)

There is this Sec One kid who is training very hard to be a better basketball player for the school, so he plays during every break and even after school. He honestly and sincerely admitted this problem of neglecting his studies and the dilemma of a student really comes through. He drew this big face with a droopy mouth which was crying. How many students would be so honest to himself! To admit that one is playing too much and seeks help requires much courage and maturity, especially you are admitting it to a teacher. :)

Then there's this other kid who writes about her family background. She comes from a single-parent family and feels uneasy about making her uncle's financial burden greater as she is living in his house now. Then she goes on to tell how she would sometimes question her lot in life, why others have a mother but not her. She envies her friends who can enjoy the love a mother has to offer. Am I able to offer sisterly love that can hopefully make her happier?

Then there's this other kid who has come from PRC with his mother. It seems as if he is always trying to seek attention. When I cared for him personally, I think I could see the sincerity in his eyes which was usually replaced by indifference. Am I able to offer some sort of maternal love for him too?

There's this other adorable kid who, in his entry, thanked God for every single member of his family. He understands the rationale behind the his parents' actions and loved being in the same primary school as his sister. I hope he will remain like this even as he grows up to be an adolescent.

On a lighter note, I also have the conventional ones that inform me about the details of celebrities such as Rain and Show Luo Zhi Xiang. It's back to the time where kids idolise Chinese music culture so I feel a bit weird but it's okay. Now I know that the Taiwanese pop singer, Show, is going to be at Bugis Junction for an autograph session at 2pm tomorrow. Haha.

Kids are so innocent and aren't defensive of themselves -at least most of them are. What an admirable spirit to learn from! I feel very encouraged to be equally honest and sincere when I treat people too, which is something I hope to do more of. This reminds me of what Jesus said, 'Let children come unto Me', because we must be as innocent as children on evil things to be fit for heaven. Start regretting if you are or have not become a teacher. You learn a lot from kids!