The Gift of a Child; A Seed to Nurture.
I’ve always had a passion for teaching and imparting knowledge.While I was still an educator in school, we always had our clubbing and extracurricular activities on Fridays. Although, I was a science instructor in the high school, I was also a co-instructor in the board games club for the primary arm of the school.
Our club activities include training the children on board games, particularly chess and scrabble. As board games co-instructor, I was involved in training the students in the development of higher-order thinking skills — like problem-solving, decision making, critical thinking, planning, and even creative thinking.
However, there was this child in my club named Anthony (Not a real name). Since the first day he joined the club, Anthony has never shown interest in anything related to board games. He was always sneaking out to the library and classes with large bookshelves. To do what? To read novels, music books, and cartoon-filled storybooks!
I caught Anthony several times sneaking out to read. I would invite him to learn the chess techniques, he would pay attention but for a moment. I started watching closely and realized that he seems not to be involved at all. I asked him questions on why he joined the club and even called the attention of the head of school since I was accountable for my students, their welfare, and their attitudes to learning. I got to know that Anthony was not doing well in his sums and his parents were bothered, so they forced him to join the club to improve his general cognitive ability and scholastic achievement — especially in mathematics.
A child’s ability should NOT be overlooked; instead, it should be recognized and celebrated.
Anthony was not just interested! He wanted something else. His thirst was for something deeper than his parents could see. I saw this!
About 3months later, during the End of the year/Christmas party, Anthony gave a special presentation alongside his classmates. He led the “Twelve Days of Christmas song” by John Denver and The Muppets.
All eyes were on Anthony! He has one of the most pleasant and sonorous voices you can ever hear. That was my first time listening to one of the strongest vocal cords ever. it came from a child!
Such a mind-blowing soprano voice for a child of 6years. Yes, Anthony was just 6years. Anthony held the audience spell-bound. He had all the paparazzi's attention on him.
Some Educators were perplexed, I was not. I have always known Anthony had a special gift in him, waiting for expression. Anthony’s mum went to the stage to hug her son and she shed tears. Anthony’s parents wanted their son to develop creativity and cognitive skills. But they forgot that creativity is not limited to science, math, it is essential for artistic and musical expression.
Just recently, a precocious kid; Fredinard won a phenomenal chess performance. He gave an impressive run during the intense weeks of training sessions and eventually won a tournament dedicated to test the children’s understanding of chess and celebrate excellence.
Despite the fact that Fredinard can not speak a word of English and has never been to a school, he demonstrated a unique mastery of chess through pattern recognition. His achievement has earned him not only fame but also a scholarship to help him further his study.
Parents should pay attention to the child, especially during the child’s play hour. This is to help you identify what your child is attracted to and also do understand the child’s interest.
Parents should not force-feed their children with their interests at the expense of the child’s potential. Parents need to understand that it is not about them, but about the interest and passion of their child.
Just as in the case of Anthony, some parents are fond of picking out activities that interest them for their kids. What if your child does not like the so-called activity? What will you do?
Don’t be selfish. There’s nothing wrong with having lofty ambitions for your child. What is wrong, though, is forcing your child to participate in an activity in which he or she has no interest.
A child’s ability should NOT be overlooked; instead, it should be recognized and celebrated. Encourage children to maximize their talents until they feel confident and capable enough.
Pay attention!
Set your child free!
Help them start early!
Today, I celebrate every child out there
May every child find expression for their gifts!
#HappyChildren’sDay
#Children’sDay
# May 27
