-Savita Kapoor
Life is chaotic right now. It’s just not how I thought this semester would go. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, these are your primary responses as I continually ask the question, “Are you doing OK?” I’m sorry, and I know it’s not fair. I feel like I should be doing something. Along those lines, perhaps I should also be asking a second question: “What do you think you’ll learn from this?”
I’ve realized that my job as a teacher has a little to do with teaching content, and a great deal more to do with facilitating opportunities towards my students’ growth. Because to be honest, most of the content, definitions and theories can easily be retrieved in no time with a targeted Google search. Equipping yourself with self-awareness and critical thinking skills that you can carry with you into the real-world upon your coming future is what actually matters. Meeting that goal, however, hinges upon whether or not I can create an experience something that significantly alters the way you view the world and yourselves.
COVID times are testing times for both adults and children. Child psychology is to study, meet friends, share, play and grow with new experiences. During these times a child is bound at home with less physical activities. The educational curriculum has been fixed on the electronic media with classes being held on Zoom and other platforms. The schools are trying their best to engage students towards studies. The worksheets too are being uploaded by the schools and corrections done online. As these are times no one had thought of, it’s important to engage the young minds towards creativity. Apart from studies schools are conducting various online workshops of co-curricular activities, to enhance their creativity. Workshops related to various folk arts of India not only helps the child develop his skills but also brings one closer to our culture. Schools are also conducting workshops to make best out of waste, and thus helping the child to balance his studies along with other activities. The child has got an opportunity to fulfil his dream or any of his ambition which he couldn’t, during regular routine. As said by Anonymous, “ When you love what you have, you have everything you need.” Although we have social distance during COVID times, emotionally and spiritually our spirits are high and our school is playing a big role in keeping the children well engaged, thus covering up the loss of physical absence in a classroom situation.
In the end, I would like to say, if parents and teachers join hands together no one can stop our nation builders to reach their destinations.