101 things about teaching: Archive

#54: Been quite a while

It has been quite a while since I did some reflecting. Preparation for chapel did me some good. The last I led was in 2010. And when life keeps you busy, seemingly urgent takes over the important. Life has overwhelmed me. That said, I don’t even know why I agreed to lead worship with the boys. But I’m glad it worked out well because the kids got me excited about songs and got me...

Apr 12th

#53: Cheers in unexpected places

I had a terrible week and it didn’t help that relevant personnels are on their guard, defending their stand and not willing to hear each other out. I decided to take the arrow - after all I have seen worse, this is nothing. Decided that I shall not stay in office because dealing with adults are just energy zapping, I walked along the corridor of my “favorite class” and looked...

Apr 5th

Feb 13th

1 tag

Feb 6th

1 tag

Feb 6th

4 notes

Feb 3rd

1 tag

Dec 2nd

Nov 30th

#50: Grad Nite 2010

Tonight marks the end of their journey in a secondary school. And like all the batches I’ve taught over the years, each one of them made a delible mark in my teaching career- challenging my pedagogical abilities, questioning my point of views, helping me understand their struggles as a teenager and always reminding me that it is Him that strengthens me in my human failures. I will fondly remember...

Nov 16th

Oct 15th

2 tags

Oct 15th

#49: We DO care

So that boy approached me today before class and confess that he’d never had a teacher blew up at him in this way and was apologetic that he was wrong. It was a moment of vulnerability between us. I told him that I was really disappointed that he gave up on himself so easily after all the care and help he received for the past 2 years. I was hurt (I suppose) to know that that was the end they...

Oct 7th

#48: i lost it today

I thought that with age I will become more mellow and just let things be. But today I proved me wrong. I allowed a kid’s comment to fire up my emotions and let out the uncontrollable side of me. He said these: ‘Why you you bother so much?’ ‘Isn’t it good that you don’t have to mark extras?’ ‘I do not need your help, I can manage on my...

Oct 7th

tumblrbot asked: WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST HUMAN MEMORY?

Oct 7th

#47: Mutiny no more

I spent Thursday morning rationalizing with L why things turned out the way it had for the Award. He finally understood and we came to a common understanding. He wore his badge on Friday. Thank You!

Sep 4th

Sep 1st

“Thank you so much for the two great years of geography. Thank you so much for...”

– #45: You’ve got Mail!

Aug 30th

#44: Mutiny

4 class monitors declared mutiny 2 weeks back after they heard they were not selected for an award. They displayed their silent rebellion by not putting on their monitor badges. So my co-form and I decided to just wait and see how long this mutiny lasts. We waited for 2 weeks but resolved nothing…. Tomorrow is the day that I will speak to the monitor who instigated this rebellion. I...

Aug 30th

#43: Why I do the things I do

Need to stay true to the course and the reason for starting this journey altogether. If it comes, let it be. I need to continue to have integrity in my work and be a positive influence in my workplace. Can’t let storms weather me down, things and people may fail but He doesn’t.

Aug 26th

#42: just one

I learn something new about G today. Not everyone comes from middle-high income families. He doesn’t. And he was honest in telling us that he would need to fork out from his weekly allowance to get a new textbook. Reminds me so much of the days gone by. In those times, days were tough but the end was extremely satisfying. Keeps me rooted.

Jul 23rd

#41: my "favourite" class

my colleagues know that I refer to those bunch of monkeys as my favourite class. As all “favourite” classes do, they made lessons so overtly exciting that I used to believe that I was better off working in a zoo. this year I observe changes. yes, CHANGES. they respond to instructions and comply with the restrictions. How did that happen?!?! My rational mind thinks thus … ...

Jul 20th

#40: We are not afraid of work but...

Why don’t they tell us the reasons for doing some things? I find it more and more ridiculous that we take the onus and responsibility from the child and place it on the adult. Where is the learning? What is the purpose of educating? Why are we punishing the adult when it’s the kids who are not bothered. Honestly, teachers are not afraid of hard work. We just want to know WHY we do...

Apr 15th

#39: Task Master

It feels good checking things off my To-Do list. Question to self: Am I effective with what I do?

Apr 8th

Yeay, end of term!

The long awaited rest is here.

Mar 10th

#38: Technology in Education

Attended ICTLT 2010. Informative. Trend setting Anticipative. A glimpse into the future?

Mar 4th

#37: Carnival 2009

Carnival was held yesterday and I was bummed in bed. Real sick like a puppy. Thanks to Moocha who helped me managed my class, else I would have gone back to school to manage those monkeys. Yet the end of the carnival marks the end of another school year. What are my thoughts of this passing year? How have I done as a teacher? Pause and ponder.

Nov 14th

#36: This time of the year...

End of excruciating examinations! Hooray to them and myself for another academic year gone by. The most talkative and cheeky boy in class came in top for Geography- something I did not expect. We made a pact earlier that he will get a treat from me so long he gets an A1. I’m excited to see his response….

Oct 27th

Million dollar question

P: what drives me to do what I do?

Oct 6th

#35:

Ang Mo says I care too much…. Maybe.

Sep 3rd

#34:

How do I cope with indifferent kids?

Sep 2nd

Sep 1st

Surprised

 [In class]
Phoney phone: why do you look so upset today?
Teech: I'm ok. I just scolded someone and am really pissed. 
Phoney phone: *puts on a frowny face* Mdm, don't look so sad else I will feel sad too. 
 A surprising comfort from the most nonsensical boy in class brightened the day after experiencing storms of darkness. 
 [A text] 
Jooi: Though I don't know what happened to you earlier but I hope you are feeling better now.

Aug 27th

Aug 22nd

#30: Chocolate Debts

Recently I’m running short of chocolates. Have been awarding them to boys who answers my questions correctly in class. And mind you, the questions are difficult, yet they thrive on them. The most quoted statement thus far, “Mdm, I NEED those chocolates today”

Aug 22nd

Aug 17th

#27: Vapourize!

That’s my favourite phrase in class for students who doesn’t do my work and who doesn’t keep instructions. I told 3SC1 that they better else vapourize from my sight. Returning to the classroom, I found all of them hiding under the tables! I almost burst out into laughter but controlled it. A boy said they were just following instructions, haha:)

May 3rd

“I want to thank you, especially the seniors, for giving myself (& Mdm D)...”

Apr 20th

Apr 16th

#26: I thank Thee for the friendships...

I have made with these fine gentlemen, I have forged with my co-teech, They are worth more than silver And brings greater joy than mere words.

Apr 16th

“Hello miss pinch-a-lot, just dropping in to say thank you once again, for all...”

– From-my-most-troublesome-emo-member

Apr 16th

Apr 15th

#25: Thanksgiving

We got into 2nd round for NWSP!

Apr 15th

#24: Fierce

The boys said they are scared of me when I get angry. My form class made me angry today by making me an object of mockery. Always. Friday’s contact time I always end up scolding them :( Now I feel B.A.D.

Apr 3rd

#23: Sleep

I seriously lacked sleep. On average I have only slept for 4-5hrs this week! It’s all those nwsp meetings, syf practices, exam setting, etc. For 2 nights in a row, I met the boys till 10pm thereabout. I’m nodding off.

Mar 28th

#22: Self Image

 It is surprising to know that some of the boys that I interacted with over the past year have poor self image and little faith in themselves. (Excerpt from a text conversation with a boy)
W: oh mdm, u know who is gonna be captain of the team?
Mdm: (who knew that the answer) hmmm, I wonder. 
W: haha, actually I think i am, but its total pressure on me :( but i will try to lead the team. I'm afraid to disappoint the team  by letting them down with my poor leadership qualities... because to me, the team is like my family.
Mdm: U will do well, if you have a passion for the sport and heart for your people. God will guide us if we are humble:) Enjoy this season playing your butts off and don't regret any chances. Besides, few leaders have natural leadership qualities. Most leaders are shaped through circumstances and failures. We learn along the way. Have a little faith in yourself!
W: Yeah:) I feel pumped up now to win the championship for the school :) and everyone in the school :) including you madam :)

Mar 13th

#21: end of term

I always ask myself if all I do is worth anything. How can I not get affected by the subject of my work? Even after all these years, these seemingly small things matter.

Mar 11th