Copy - The Kindergarten Teacher

the

kindergarten teacher

a true story

pre-reading

do you still remember your kindergarten teacher?

what is your memory like?

Vocabulary

shriek

reluctant

gape

dame

plum

Author

Author

Aung Thinn

Author

• April 17, 1927 - October 25, 2014 (87)
• Lifetime National Literary Award- winning writer in Myanmar
• Known for his continuous encouragement of youth to become a righteous man.

Author

Author

Author

The Kindergarten Teacher - Summary

The narrator was a lecturer at the University of Yangon in the early 1960s. Before that, he served about three years as a middle school teacher in his hometown of Taung Dwin-gyi. He was considered quite a 'good teacher' at both posts. But he thought it was nothing much because one becomes known as a 'good teacher' without too much effort or talent. However, what he encountered on his trip home in 1963 shook him. He arrived just as the schools reopened for the new semester and realised that he had been way off the mark with his evaluation of ‘good teaching.’ His friend, U Nyan Sein, like him, was an art teacher, but also taught reading and writing to the newest children in school: the kindergarten. For days, he was able to pass by and catch sight of his friend teach his class of five-year-olds. He would just see him making drawings and telling stories, so he asked him why he was not teaching anything. His friend responded, “ I can teach reading and writing anytime, but right now it’s important that children enjoy school, they must love coming to school, not fear it. It's the most important step.” He reflected that it might be true so for the next few days he decided to spend more time watching his class. After days of seeing his friend at work, he was truly shaken. He started asking himself, was he a good teacher? Was he doing as much good for his students as U Nyan Sein is?

+ info

Narration

02

What point of view is used?

03

Why is he telling the story?

01

Who's telling the story?

05

What do you think if the story is told in another perspective?

04

How is the story told? What techniquse is used?

How did you feel after reading?

A great deal of admiration for teachers who spend their time and effort helping pupils realize their full potential. It was a daily struggle for them to come up with techniques to help the pupils like the learning process. Being a teacher, especially a kindergarten teacher, necessitates a great deal of effort and patience. These individuals have already dedicated and recognized themselves as teachers and are available to teach at any time and in any location.

Read the story parts that make you feel that way.

For two or three days I would just see him making drawings and telling stories so I asked him why he was not teaching anything. “I can teach reading and writing anytime,” he replied. “Yes, it’s true, I mean it, but right now children must enjoy school; they must love coming to school, not fear it. It’s the most important step.”

What are in these lines that make you feel that way?

This merely goes to show that teaching was more than a task or a profession for U Nyan Sein. He's doing all of this because he's passionate about what he's doing. He is concerned about his students.

How does the narrator feel about his kindergarten friend teacher as compared to him who is also a teacher?

The narrator recognized that U Nyan Sein's character is the best example of a good teacher, which contradicts his assessment of "excellent teaching." He observed how the students react to the activities and concluded that they are having fun. The essence of teaching was to have the pupils enjoy the learning process.

What expressions in the story tell you this is not a millennial? that it is Myanmar?

The story took place in 1963 in Taungdwin-gyi. It occurred many years ago, and according to millennials, it should have occurred between the 1980s and 2000. Myanmar was the setting of the story. The story demonstrated the people's culture and tradition. The narrator is believed to enjoy spending time at Shwe In Taung pagoda. In addition, Myanmar's alphabet was also distinct from that of the rest of the region's countries.

Can this kind of teacher still be seen in schools?

Yes, we believe there are still teachers today like U Nyan Sein who have the compassion to make their students more comfortable and make use of their creativity to cope up with their students. Back in high school, I had a teacher who made every lesson enjoyable and gives prizes to those who answer the questions correctly. It is true that learning is easier when you are enjoying the process. I hope that in the future generations, more professors will be like U Nyan Sein, who cherish and communicate real values.

Are the parents outside the classroom similar to the parents in the Philippines?

They are, indeed. When I was in kindergarten, I recall parents waiting outside the classrooms on a daily basis. However, I'm not sure if it's still permitted now because most schools ban parents from remaining in classroom corridors or halls during class hours. After all, they are a source of distraction in the classroom.

1. Does the kindergarten teacher love his pupils? What is your proof?

Valuing

Yes, the kindergarten teacher's affection for his students was clear throughout the story. It was seen in his efforts to make them enjoy going to school first for them to enjoy the learning process as well. Every meeting was interactive, allowing kids to voice their opinions. He'd do it by drawing something on the board, telling them stories, and playing.

2. What is the relevance of pupil skills of the drawing and plum lessons?

The Myanmar alphabet is built on a circle, and the letters are in that sense similar of the sweet plum, a very round small circle. It would be easier for the pupils to learn their alphabet by drawing it. They can see the plum in their imaginations by thinking about it, and this will aid their memory.

Thanks!

the

kindergarten teacher

a true story

GROUP 4

CUETO, REINIER GUTIERREZ, ALFRED MENDOZA, SHAINA RODRIGUEZ, JOHN