It's not his fault!

One day, one of my grade one students told me that her classmate was saying "shut up" to her. I confronted that student and asked him if his classmate's accusation is true. He admitted that he said those words. I asked him why did he say that. I also reminded him that "shut up" is a bad word. Then he looked at me firmly and said, "Teacher, 'shut up' is not a bad word because my mother is always saying that to me." At first, I don't know what will be my reaction. Will I laugh or will I be mad? As I hear those words from my seven-year old student, I got surprised. I paused for a while and thought of my reply. I just told him, "Okay, since I have told you that 'shut up' is a bad word, don't use it anymore even if your mom is always saying that to you. When we want to say something, even if we are angry, we should choose the words that are more gentle. Words that will not hurt other people's feelings. Instead of using that word, you can use 'please be quiet.' Do you get me?" He replied, "Okay, I understand now teacher."

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From this, I deeply realized how crucial the role of a teacher is. We can really influence and change our students' lives and perspectives. As an educator, I am trying my best to sympathize with my students in order for me to understand and guide them better. I am learning a lot from my students.. They are also my teachers.. We just have to be reflective and aware of the things that are happening in our surroundings..

I also realized that it's not his fault..

Amituofo!