Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Happy Birthday Singapore!
This is truly one day where I completely felt patriotic, especially when we all sang the Majulah Singapura, recite the national pledge and goosebumps instantaneously stood up when the kiddos sang along to a familiar national day song. Plus the fact that I do get a holiday - two days to be exact - for this special occasion.
Many people will no doubt have many misgivings and complaints about this sunny island. Firstly, what is with the fuss of the pronunciation of 'Espla-nard' and 'Espla -nade'? Or about the white elephant LRT station Buangkok, conveniently located near the IMH? Or about the increase in GST? Or the increasing power of netizens declaring their stands and takes on matters of the nation? Or (okie, this one really gets to me) the tagline for our dear Tourism Board's promotion for the nation titled 'Uniquely Singapore'? Shouldn't it be "Uniquely SingaporEAN'? Or if you insist, 'Unique Singapore' and drop the 'ly' at the end. What happened to the 4 master teachers who evade our papers every weekend to complain about falling standards of English and the common errors we Singaporeans make daily? Shouldn't they stand up to say something about such a glaring mistake?
However, whenever I consider the relatively clean and non-potholed roads we have, the natural shelter from sunny weather planted almost every two three steps apart along the roads, the regular workers in neon vests digging or resurfacing roads which I remember to have perfectly no problems, free tissue packets given as advertisement flyers, free music from buskers awaiting you as you waltz into the train stations, free newspapers to entertain you on your almost seamless train rides, people scrambling for National Day tickets and even offering high bids for them, donating a few coins in exchange for a sticker to avoid pesky flag students...the list goes on, I thank God for this little red dot where we really have been immensely blessed.
Yes, I belong to the group of people who feel the fireworks is the best and only worthy item of the entire parade. That tearing down the National Stadium is really a sad but inevitable end - who can forget the ammonia scented walkways in the labyrinth of steps and stairs? That the older national day songs like Stand Up for Singapore, We are Singapore etc are still the best songs ever composed to stir up national pride. I wouldn't want to be in another place, though I have not seen much of the world out there but enough for me to feel at home right here.
Hmm..on second thoughts, if only we start to pay teachers more since it is the most overworked and underpaid profession around, and start appreciating and showing them respect. Now that will be really ho seh!
A rainbow appeared at9:00 PM***
Friday, May 11, 2007
Sometimes on a mundane and tiring day, something simple can really make your day. I've noticed how the lower primary kids always greet with such sweetness and sincerity, when you meet them along the corridor. So endearing!
You will feel it is your 'lucky' day that one student will greet and actually bow. It is quite sad that somehow this school or this generation of students has lost that. I remember when I was in school, it was basic courtesy and protocol to bow to our teachers or visitors as we greet them. Even though it started out as a 'rule', eventually we realised that as we bowed, we give them the kind of respect they deserve and it also speaks about our own attitude - being humble and teachable.
I am not talking about the Japanese-style 90 degrees kind of bow, but a slight bent of the body is good enough for me. Hence yesterday, when this upper primary student did that and greeted me, I could not help but smile broadly and greet him back. He really made my day just by that simple act.
A rainbow appeared at6:38 PM***
Thursday, May 10, 2007
As much as you are relieved that the SA1 is over, so am I! To tell the truth, I will rather teach a class than go into one just to distribute papers and patrol around in the hot sweltering weather!
Talking about the weather, it has really been so humid and scorching. It is indeed an irony when it starts to rain in the late afternoon. Why can't it rain in the mornings during invigilation? Sigh.
It's back to the usual tomorrow after the listening examinations in the morning. I still have 2 piles of composition to clear. Do I hear anyone complaining about homework?=)
A rainbow appeared at7:21 AM***
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Decided to blog about the joys and frustrations of teaching after much thought. I also created a link in the class blog so if the kiddos want to read about the humane side of me, they can do so, at their own risk!=)
It is getting increasing difficult to go into the class with joy. Seems as if every time I try to do something with them, they are always so busy chatting with their friends in between the lesson. It is rather tough to do much activities now since SA1 is looming around the corner, yet as I set aside time for them to try out certain activities, it seemed to be time wasted.
The saddest and most upsetting thing is that they do not seem to be bothered about their exams. Maybe I am worrying too much on their behalf. As much as I try not to be affected by their nonchalant attitude, it does get to me, especially if they choose to disrespect me by their incessant chatter. It may not be as bad as what I viewed it to be, since I admit I do have a low level of tolerance for noise, but I just cannot figure out why there is a need to exchange information and communicate there and then.
My form class is rather sweet though, even though troubles come when the boys are getting reprimanded most of the time. I need so much more time with them! How I wish I can do all the activities with them but my hands are tied.
Going with class with a straight face definitely does not reflect my true self. But, I sense I may have to do that quite often now. It is rather sad, isn't it?
Will be positive and start afresh on Mon. Remembering this quote...You are not teaching if they are not learning!
A rainbow appeared at7:26 PM***
