Matching Children's Mischief and Teacher's Patience: A Teacher's Funny Experience

I have two young students in my class, one is 9 years old and the other is turning 5 tomorrow. They do not show much interest in studies during this period of puja festival. They are busy complaining against each other instead of reading. When I go to class, it's like they start this judgment phase over everything. The older one complains, the younger complains another, and a mischievous competition goes on between them.

Like every day, the little one came running to me and gave judgment in the name of the big one. Once says, "Sir, he pushed me," again says, "Sir, he hid my book." I try to convince both of them to focus on studies again. But every time a new problem comes up. As if the little ones love to keep me busy judging each other's names.

As funny as these minor complaints are, solving their problems also tests my patience. Handling such situations in the classroom is no less challenging. But this day's event was really special because it taught me how little problems are important to children.

That day, the little girl came to me again and said, "Sir, I didn't do anything, why are you scolding me?" I thought, what's new today! I asked, "Why? What happened?" He said with a slightly dirty face, "Sir, my ears are also strained. See for yourself."

I was quite surprised to hear him. How is he taking this little issue so seriously! Then I asked him, "How did your ears get pulled?" He then came straight to me and said, "You come sir, I will show you." Then he gently held my ear and pulled it a little and said, "That's how my sister pulled my ear."

I was shocked to see his work. What a strategy the little child has chosen to explain his complaint! As if he wants to make me feel his pain. I really laughed at his mock trial, but I tried to restrain myself. I explained to him that it is not a good thing to pull the ears, and to mix with everyone.

This experience pleases me as much as it shocks me. This simplicity and curiosity of children raises many questions in my mind. As a teacher, can I handle this situation properly? Sometimes I get tired of solving their mischief and petty problems. But then again, maybe this is how I learn something new as a teacher.

This work of teaching is not only limited to imparting book knowledge, but it is also my responsibility to properly understand the thoughts of children, their problems, and their curiosity. When I solve their problems, I realize that I also develop patience, empathy, and coping skills.

As a teacher, children's problems, no matter how small they may seem, are very big for them. I learn a lot myself by solving the small problems that I see in their eyes. Small experiences teach me how to understand the psychology of children and interact with them.

But, sometimes I think, maybe I should quit teaching. In the midst of this mischief and curiosity of children, I seem to lose myself somewhere. Experiences like these make me wonder—should I quit teaching? But when you remember their simplicity, fun facts, and little mischief, it seems that leaving them will not be easy.

This experience taught me that every teacher's job is not only to teach, but also to solve small incidents and problems in children's lives. Every time I solve a problem for them, the experience teaches me something new. Maybe I'm learning more by teaching than I'm giving.

So, even if I question what kind of career teaching is for me, the time I spend with the little ones, their simplicity, and mischievous fun moments make me stop and think. Maybe this is my path, where I can teach children as well as learn something new from them. In the end, maybe these little experiences are what make me a better teacher.