For some reason, whenever I tell someone that I am a teacher, they always assume that I'm a primary school teacher. Is it because I look too amiable? (If so, thanks!) Or is it because I don't look "mature/experienced" enough to be teaching teens?
Those who know me will know that I actually have very little to zero tolerance/ affection towards toddlers and young children. In fact, I'm so relieved that my school doesn't give me any lower form classes this year! I'm so done with listening to stuff such as "Teacher, do we write this in pen or pencil?" or "Teacher, my friend took my pen!"
However, upon reflection, I also know for a fact that one of the many reasons why I hate teaching lower form classes is because I simply don't know how to expose/educate the kids on life. And it frustrates me. Let me give you a concrete example.
Last year, I was tasked with teaching a Form 1 "back class". The kids were definitely rowdier and slower learners, but they were sweet in nature. One day, the boys giggled while I was teaching and later when asked, the girls claimed that the boys were reading pornographic magazine. I questioned the boys and they showed me the pictures they were ogling at. It was pictures of girls in very healthy tank tops and knee-length shorts.
My first internal reaction was "Where's the porn? Let me grab my magnifying glass and maybe I will find it." My second internal reaction was "Should I show these kids what real porn looks like? Sigh."
After a long monologue, I asked them, "What do you feel when you look at these pictures?" They simply giggled, shrugged, and said, "Teacher, these pictures are not good."
There were so many things I wanted to tell the kids.
"Boys, it doesn't matter how the women are dressed. It has something to do with how you perceive them."
"Boys, it's normal for teens to show interest in the opposite sex. You don't have to sweep these feelings under the rug."
"Girls, why do you assume that the boys are reading porn? Is it because of their lewd gazes? Or is it because you think these pictures are seductive? If it's the latter, what do you actually think of girls who dress differently than you? "
In the end, I said nothing and just passed the case to their class teacher, who was a male, with a slim hope that the teacher would have a bro talk with these boys.
To be honest, I often "feel too deep" too fast. This trait of mine bring little benefits to both me and my students. I can tell them what I think/know for hours, but it doesn't matter if the knowledge/wisdom doesn't "hit the spot."
(Extracted from my Facebook post, written on March 5.)
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