On this teacher appreciation week, I can't thank enough the efforts of the teachers, doing everything possible to educate the kids in an online and in person class amidst covid. I have been observing my son Nimal's first grade class by Mr.Hassett. I am impressed and happy about so many aspects of the class.
As a parent, I believe, educating the kids in human values, is more important than the academic education. While there is a great focus on academics in my son's class, the focus on the values is what I like the most. The theme in International Magnetic school is to learn to be a responsible global citizen. The school's morning pledge is my favorite. Everyday, I make sure to stay around during the morning pledge that reads as follows -
"I pledge allegiance to humanity and to the world that gives us life. One people united in diversity in one world united in peace with freedom and dignity for all".
What more can we ask for the kids to expect and give when they grow up? The fact that the people are one and everyone deserves freedom and dignity is a fundamental aspect of a civilized world. This message getting registered in every IMS kid's heart and mind will make them amazing global citizens. I believe that their strife will be to help the humanity as a whole transcending national and cultural boundaries.
The first step towards learning to respect the culture, language and practices of everyone in the society is making the kids understand that there different ways of life followed across the world and not only the way they follow. Mr. Hassett, brings this understanding in the class by encouraging the kids to greet each other in the languages spoken by all the kids in the class. The first graders morning greetings can be "Guten Morgen" in German, "Shalom" in Hebrew, "Vanakkam" in Tamil, "Bonjour" in French, "Namaste" in Hindi/Telugu, "Good Morning" in English. Now, my son knows and respects when people greet differently.
I have seen Mr.Hassett discussing with the kids about social issues like how women were not treated equal and the laws that grant them equality. Such discussions enable the kids to look around and observe the society.
A genuine appreciation from a peer is sign of professionalism. I am amazed to see this quality in the first grade children. The star of the day not just by the teacher but also by the students encourage the kids to acknowledge and appreciate their fellow classmates. I have had hearty smiles, when I heard Vihan saying "I like the way Myra read", or Charlie giving a star to Leana or Nimal for completing all the activities or staying focused.
The part of communication that I personally struggled when saying No or disciplining my son is the tone that I use. I have either given up or have been rude. By observing the tone that Mr.Hassett and Ms.Maeby use, I have become better at saying a firm No, respectfully.
When I ask my son, on why he likes Mr.Hassett's class, he says, "He makes learning fun". Making learning fun is not easy and it makes one a great teacher. In Indian culture, a teacher or Guru is regarded God for providing true knowledge to their students. My sincere thanks to Mr.Hassett , Ms. Maeby and all the teachers at IMS. I can't be more satisfied knowing that my son is learning the values required to be a good human being.
