the art room is hot and toasty, yet kids like to hang around there, art or non-art students. maybe it's the food, maybe it's the big space, maybe it's the dirty sink or maybe just because we have this lousy big screen projection that they can use to entertain themselves with their korean drama series.
lately a bunch of kids have been chasing their korean drama series all the way from home to school. previously i've allowed them to use a period or two, at the most, during my pressence, to watch these vcds. mostly during my lessons, or recess. i understand their tiredness from the numerous mock exams and was agreeable to them taking a short while to unwind and relax. i thought they'd understand my goodwill too. apparently not. instead, this good gestures from me has been taken for granted.
the art room was locked by 12 noon today as all the art teachers were out of school to visit a student at her home. the room key was given to ONE student who had intended to come by after school to complete his prep work. he was allowed to hold on to the keys as we would be engaged in a long meeting after school and would want to avoid having him to have to come look for us later just to get the keys. so, no other student has access to the art room after that.
we returned at 1pm. the art room was already opened. one student was doing her art work; another group was chatting but doing some worksheet for science at the same time. since they were doing work, i didn't interfere. they told me the teacher is not there and they are to have self-study at the study corner. since they are already doing work, i let them stay on, as long as i'm in the room.
the noise from the next room drew me over. a group of non-art students were watching vcd in the next room. my immediate order was: "switch it off. i didn't give you permission to be here watching this. " after which, i went back to the next room to do my work. 5 to 10 mins later, the group of them stroll past. i caught the eyes of one last girl and asked if they have switched off everything. she said yes. and off they went, without saying "sorry", "thankyou teacher", "goodbye". i went over to the room, the fans were not switched off.
what were they thinking?
what right do they have to mis-use the trust i have for them?
why do they think that they can just walk in and out of art room and use the facilities without asking for permission? even the art students asked for permission to use the OHP for their work. these are non-art students.
my care and concern for all students sprang from understanding of their needs. i'd do my best to provide and take care. i'd give them certain privileges because they deserved them, not because they need them, or want them. but they took advantage of my kindness.
for this, i need to let them know that the world doesn't revolve around them.
they have spoilt all the fun, for themselves, and for the others.
reader k | 10/09/2006 11:26:00 PM |
