Its a powerful belief once you said it out to the universe.
In my case, I said out to the universe AND my students.
I started Week 2 of Sri Aria thinking of strategies to help and guide my students to be more mindful of their surrounding, themselves, and their friends. Being mindful is one of the pillars that makes up the foundation of Sri Arians.
As we were seated down in circle that morning, as the hustle and bustle of my Sri Arians quieten down (well almost), I told each and everyone of my precious that “I trust you to be able to sit and cross your legs. I trust you will be able to keep silence for a minute while respecting your friends’ silence too. I trust you will close your eyes when you’re ready. And we will begin.”
And that morning, was a start to a powerful shift of the dynamics in Sri Aria.
Week 1 saw us Learning Facilitators trying to set boundaries while laying down the rules and routines. There were power struggles here and there which is normal when rules and routines are being established. We persisted with the rules and routines and now, with Week 2, we put more trust into our students than the first week.
As I mentioned before, with Sri Aria my role as an educator changed so much. I learned that with trust, I am not only giving my students a sense of empowerment but also a sense of accountability and respect towards their own school and their friends.
As I stepped back from the traditional teaching role, I saw more and more of my students abilities and strengths. The possibilities are truly endless. If only I can capture in film and show it to the world. If only adults would just take a step back and give trust to our younger generation.
Some of the powerful shifts that happened were:
1) Our students feeling pride over their school.
“Do we own Sri Aria?”
In a way, yes. But what do you think?
“The school is our responsibility to take care. If we don’t it will be a city dump and we won’t have a place to go anymore. There will be no school like this anymore.”
2) Our students address the issue of FREEDOM some parents so worried about.
“Miss Najmi, I would like to suggest that there should be only 4 people in the Gamer Zone. While waiting for their turn, they will have to do something creative or finish their other task..”
Do you all agree?
“Yes!”
What happens if someone do not follow this rule?
“Oh, they’ll miss a turn. Simple.”
3)…and when we had our trip to the park, some of the boys owned up to their responsibility to take care of the younger girls to the park and back.
“Eh, where did you go? Bahaya. Stay with me OK.”
Yes. Its only two weeks and its all about getting around Sri Aria and learning about their role in Sri Aria. All that can’t happen if we continue to hover over and dictate these students.
Trust : a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.
Read that one more time:
Trust : a firm belief in the reliability, truth, AND the ability of our Sri Arians to take charge of their learning and everyday activities while in school.
That’s my take for week 2. You really won’t get much from just my post. When you have the chance, meet our Sri Arians and ask them their experience and learning in school. Then you’ll see why Sri Aria School is so important for all children in Malaysia.
Our students deserve our trust and well, three steps back.
Love,
Teacher Najmi
#SriAriaJourney
For more info or to register with Sri Aria School:
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See you soon!
