Teacher’s Mind

In case you have not yet noticed, we are fresh in a new year. It is 2008. The prudent thing to say is Happy New year to all the students, teachers, and parents not forgetting all the loyal readers of this column.

Whenever a new year beckons, I try to reflect on the past years. That is how I got the idea for the first article this year for this column. Some years back when I was much smaller and still a primary school pupil, football seemed to be the only game for any healthy boy.

Many tried their best to play but to only a few got the privilege of playing as part of the cherished school team.
During those days football boots were a very rare accessory and most players used bare feet.

The interesting thing was always the way the school team was selected. I quickly noticed that apart from talent some peculiarities were considered as well. Having a pair of Adidas football boots easily propelled one to the team.

I think the games master always assumed that a pupil whose parents had taken the time and money to avail him with football boots was probably a great player.

I cannot blame him because he must have assumed that although such a player may not be the best but his preparation counted for something. The fully dressed player with shoes certainly appears ready for the task ahead than those without shoes.

To unveil my analogy I take you to the scene of a student getting ready to come to school on 7th January 2008. Some are going to show up with all the necessary scholastic materials (football boots) while others will just show up with hardly anything to aid their academic undertakings.

As we begin the New Year, we all get ready to return to our seasoned duties. The teachers get ready to teach and the learners get ready to return to class. I hope everyone comes well prepared to play their role to the best of their ability. In many cases this will require that students come with the necessary materials and the teachers/school do the same.

The first term often has a lot of introductory learning not only in class but also the general school life. Students use the first term to get used to their teachers, where to go in case of a problem and the general procedures of the school system.

A well prepared learner is one who will come with enough stationery in form of books a geometry set, a calculator, pencils and pens.

Before all this, it is crucial to have paid the school fess to avoid any disturbances from school authorities. Ensure that the fees are paid to the right bank and correct bank account.

On top of the above, it is very helpful if a child comes to school with some text books related to the subjects that he/she is to cover at school. A bible for religious studies, a atlas for geography and a dictionary among others.

My point, therefore, is that sending your child to school without what is necessary to aid them to perform as expected is actually suicidal.

It’s sending him to play football without boots yet the football pitch has stone and his tender feet are in danger of getting hurt anytime.

The role that the school can play to solve this problem is that of always reminding parents of what their children need to do the academic work well.

Schools ought to provide circulars to all parents and students, with all the necessary requirements that one should purchase before coming to school.

Schools can also buy some of the requirements like periodic tables, maps and text books to supplement or assist students from poor backgrounds.

So please make sure your child is equipped for this academic year.

Ends