Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Imperfections

Bitter are the tears of a child:
Sweeten them.
Deep are the thoughts of a child:
Quiet them.
Sharp is the grief of a child:
Take it from him.
Soft is the heart of a child:
Do not harden it.
-Pamela Glenconner

Education in the Philippines has a similar system to that of the United States. These days, Filipino children enter school at about age four, starting from Nursery up to Kindergarten. At about seven years of age, children enter a primary school.

During our time though, the pre-school is only optional. When I entered grade 1 at the age of 7, I already know the alphabet and how to write my name. I guess, my Mom is such a good teacher. I did well in school although I’m pretty shy. I remembered in grade 3, one of my teachers assigned me to teach another classmate who doesn’t know how to read. I thought that was a big responsibility. I felt sorry for my classmate because he really cannot read even a simple word. Very curious, I went to their house since we’re neighbors. His Mom asked me how her son is doing in school. I just said- he’s learning just like me. Then, she mentioned she was not able to finish high school and she doesn’t want her kids to be like her who had a problem with reading. I felt so bad to realize how could a parent teach her kids and help with all their homework when she- herself doesn’t know how to read? I certainly understand her frustrations. If only she knew how her son was being bullied in school. I can still hear my teacher or my classmates teasing him that when a letter “A” comes in, it goes out to letter “O”- meaning, a zero score. I mean, it’s sad because it’s true. I just don’t understand why my classmates and even the teacher were so rude. It’s not his fault to be born not too smart.

But well, it’s how we are being measured in our society. If only his parents were rich despite him being dumb- it would have been different.
Shawie

10 Grateful Heart's Words:

angie said...

I like the way you write. I can sense the feeling that goes with it - all coming from something deep brought about by real life experiences, and they are more than therapeutic I supposed. Keep it up and God bless!

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

Pity the children who are born mentally dull who shares the same fate with their uneducated mother. It is a tragedy in society that unschooled parents will produce children who are dull in school. They need extra attention and understanding from their teachers and classmates. Thanks for the post. God bless you always.

Yen said...

I enjoyed reading your post.It makes me think back of my childhood.So many childhood memories to reminisce.

Alicia said...

The best kind of teaching is that which the parents can offer. What the parents teach or do not teach has a profound effect on the children and eventually on society as a whole...I agree with you it makes me so sad to see children bullied or who turn out to be bullies, uneducated or have difficulty learning because it's the way they were raised and they simply don't know any better. The answer to the worlds problems starts in healing of the home and family and teaching correct principles therein. It's good to hear that your mother cared for you, what a great treasure. God bless.

Salute said...

Please stop by and get your award.

Duni said...

Education is key to a better life. I'm sad about the underprivileged kids who don't have a chance for proper education.
I'm thankful my parents got me in good schools.
I love the poem.

take care,

Duni

Joro Livelihood said...

I miss this place. I hope I can go home this xmas.

Joro Livelihood
Joro, The New Beginning
Absolutely Joro
The World Of Joro
The Tale Of A Bukidnon Lad
Baconchezjoro Multiply

Secondary Roads said...

I love that poem and your story evokes memories and emotions from school days.

Warren Baldwin said...

Was the child dumb or just untaught? So many times we unfairly label children. I had a cousin that everyone thought was a slow learner. But in high school they realized he had a reading problem, and he was actually much smarter than many of the kids who made fun of him for not doing well. In my cousins case they found out too late and he just accepted that he was dumb. Sad story.

2009 Nursing Board Exam said...

You had so much memory to keep in maam., in my age and with that long years had past i would not even remember my setmate.. I wonder what happen to the main character of your story?