Musings - The Boys'

I had the unique opportunity of teaching French at Ewart Boys’ School. I simply loved the group I worked with. The boys were vibrant, full of life and with a zest to learn French. When I started off, I was more than apprehensive. How would I manage boys (well, almost men)? Will I be able to get through to them? How can I instill in them a love for a language I am passionate about? The questions lurking in my mind were endless. And I did not have any answers to them.
I decided that no matter what I would relate to them on a one-one basis. This was an easy task because they were a small group. I soon realized that in spite of supposedly learning French for three years, these guys barely knew to write a simple sentence without a mistake. And each time they spoke (or tried to), or read French, it tore my heart to bits. This was turning out to be quite frustrating for me.
But I found in the hearts of each one of them, a profound respect and a willingness to learn. I was teaching them after regular school hours, yet they stayed back for my classes. I was mean to them and would simply strike off anything that I found inappropriate in their notebooks. Yet, they painstakingly re wrote the tons of verbs and grammar exercises I gave them. I would mercilessly ask them to repeat after me and make them individually repeat a sentence until they pronounced it right. Yet, they repeated again, again and again after me. And this in many ways kept me going.
One guy in particular, took trouble to stay back after I was done with the class in order to perfect his speaking skills. I learnt from these boys invaluable lessons. They taught me how something as simple as giving respect could make a world of difference. They taught me most of all that in any situation, your attitude is what matters. They give me a whole new perspective on learning. The endless times they’d call out saying “Miss” still rings in my ears. Now, that the job is done, I am left with the memories and the lessons (I learnt) from this new experience. And I am forever thankful to them, my boys.