I know I can't teach my kids swimming. It's difficult for their papa to commit to this as well. So very early on, when Zech was 4, I started him on swimming. He has been learning from Teacher Raven for 2 years now. Started individual lessons and since this year, he has been swimming with another girl. From doggy style to free style and now backstroke, I'm proud of Zech's progress and this is not without challenges. Zech is very comfortable with his teacher, who gives marbles as a reward. These marbles are Zech's prized possession. Recently, I realized he really likes his swimming teacher. A lot. Thanks to Teacher Raven's gentle nature and his patience, Zech is really swimming now.
After Zech turned 5, I started to plan and search for a suitable piano teacher. I wanted an experienced, dynamic teacher who organizes recitals for her students annually. I thought I've found one but it didn't work out. Then I began to give up my initial pre-requisites for a piano teacher and simply asked a reliable friend for recommendation. Since mid-April, Zech started learning the piano from Miss Chin. Zech likes his piano teacher very much too. He often looks forward to her lessons. In mid- June, Miss Chin organized a concert for her students. Was surprised as I didn't expect it. And of course, Mummy was overjoyed! In late June, Zech had the privilege to perform 2 simple pieces in front of a small audience. One of the pieces was 'Praise God from whom all blessings flow'. Indeed, praise the Lord for the opportunity! We sure were very proud of him. Recently, Miss Chin taught Zech how to play chords. Another bonus for us! Isn't it true when we give up all our expectations to the Lord and trust in Him, He will bring it to fulfillment if it's in His will?
Teachers are really a gift from God. And those who touch our hearts aren't many.
Nathanael has always been a crybaby. Starting from this year, we decided to let Nathanael try out Sunday School. The challenge naturally is his separation anxiety.
I had no expectations of the teachers, which is a very good thing I soon realized. As expected, Nathanael cried a lot. There were times when I had to harden my heart to just drop him off and go for service upstairs, knowing he's still crying. During worship, I felt like crying and almost cried just thinking of how dependent Nathanael is on me and how hard we struggle to get through church. There were several times I scuttled down to check on how he was doing. What made me more assured was the commitment of the teachers in Sunday School.
Teacher Sharlyn is usually the one taking Nathanael and she's not afraid of crybabies. Thank God for her gentle and loving approach. Nathanael takes to her and even calls her his mama. :) I've seen for myself how Teacher Sharlyn carried an upset Nathanael for almost the entire Sunday School time. I've also seen how she sat down with him and talked to him in the classroom while the rest were away in the room next door for worship time. It meant a lot to me to see how dedicated some of the teachers are in helping Nathanael to settle down in Sunday School. Especially since we are new in the church, words are not enough to express my gratefulness to Teacher Sharlyn and other teachers who have played a part in Nathanael's first year in Sunday School.
Time is but fleeting moments. I know many kids don't remember who and what their P1 teachers have done for them, let alone preschool or kindergarten. We all have fading memories. I've posted this up and hopefully one day, somehow, my boys will read this and remember who their first teachers were in their life. Teachers who have cared, taught and inspired them in the early formative years of their life.
'Teaching takes time and energy, paying attention to all the children, helping them, encouraging them, reaching out to the quiet one, and sometimes simply being there.'
Caroline Blauwkamp
'A teacher effects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.'
Henry B. Adams
Thank you teachers for lighting the fire and being there for my boys.
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