Lesson 3 : Why Does a Child Hate School?
Children’s right to education is widely recognized today as a fundamental human right. But that right also implies that the school they go to will have a pleasant and learning-friendly environment where everyone will have an enjoyable time. Teachers will be kind, caring and supportive and children will feel relaxed. No harsh words will be spoken to them and special care will be taken of children with learning disabilities. That, unfortunately is not the general picture in our schools.
The system of education in our part of the world does not allow children much freedom, and classrooms look more like cages where they are pent up for hours. Rabindranath Tagore found it unacceptable; so did William Blake (1757- 1857), an English poet and painter, whose favourite subjects included children. In his poem “The School Boy” Blake writes about a young boy who is unhappy with his school where dour-faced teachers give joyless leassons. He would rather like to be outdoors and enjoy the summer day. He pleads with his parents to rescue him from the drudgery of school.
A. Warm-Up Activities
Q) Think about your own school days. Did you feel like the boy in the poem, or did you have a different experience? Discuss in a group.
Q) Ask your friends to talk about their experience in school and see where you are similar, and where different.
Q) Give a 5-minute lecture in class on what you consider to be an ideal learning environment in school.
Answer:
Q) Think about your own school days. Did you feel like the boy in the poem, or did you have a different experience? Discuss in a group.
In my school days, I sometimes felt like the boy in the poem, especially during long, monotonous classes that lacked engagement and creativity. There were moments when the rigid structure and strict discipline made learning feel like a chore rather than an enjoyable experience. However, there were also instances where passionate teachers and interactive lessons sparked my curiosity and made learning enjoyable. Unlike the boy in the poem, I had a mix of both oppressive and inspiring educational experiences.
Q) Ask your friends to talk about their experience in school and see where you are similar, and where different.
Upon discussing with my friends, I found that our school experiences varied significantly. Some friends felt constantly stifled by the rigid school system, much like the boy in the poem. They struggled with anxiety and boredom in a restrictive environment. Others, however, enjoyed their school days, highlighting the positive impact of supportive teachers and engaging activities. The common similarity was that everyone experienced moments of both joy and frustration in their educational journey, shaped largely by the school environment and the approach of individual teachers.
Q) Give a 5-minute lecture in class on what you consider to be an ideal learning environment in school.
Lecture: An Ideal Learning Environment in School
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, I want to talk about what constitutes an ideal learning environment in school. An ideal learning environment is one where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn. It begins with creating a positive classroom atmosphere where respect and kindness are paramount.
In such an environment, teachers play a crucial role. They should not just impart knowledge but also motivate and engage students through interactive and dynamic teaching methods. Incorporating various learning styles, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, ensures that all students can grasp the material effectively.
Moreover, an ideal learning environment encourages critical thinking and creativity. Instead of rote memorization, students should be encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and solve problems. This can be achieved through project-based learning, group discussions, and hands-on activities that make learning both fun and meaningful.
Another vital aspect is the emotional and psychological well-being of students. Schools should provide counseling services and support systems to help students cope with stress and personal challenges. Acknowledging and addressing the individual needs of each student fosters a sense of belonging and self-worth.
Lastly, an ideal learning environment extends beyond the classroom. It includes extracurricular activities that nurture talents and interests, be it in sports, arts, or other areas. Such holistic development prepares students not only academically but also as well-rounded individuals ready to face the world.
In conclusion, an ideal learning environment is a nurturing space that balances academic rigor with emotional support, creativity, and practical engagement. It’s a place where every student can thrive and reach their full potential. Thank you.
B. Poem: ‘The Schoolboy’ by William Blake
I love to rise in a summer morn,
When the birds sing on every tree;
The distant huntsman winds his horn,
And the skylark sings with me:
O what sweet company!
But to go to school in a summer morn,
– O it drives all joy away!
Under a cruel eye outworn,
The little ones spend the day In sighing and dismay.
Ah then at times I drooping sit,
And spend many an anxious hour;
Nor in my book can I take delight,
Nor sit in learning’s bower,
Worn through with the dreary shower.
How can the bird that is born for joy Sit in a cage and sing?
How can a child, when fears annoy,
But droop his tender wing,
And forget his youthful spring!
O father and mother if buds are nipped,
And blossoms blown away;
And if the tender plants are stripped Of their joy in the springing day,
By sorrow and care’s dismay, –
How shall the summer arise in joy,
Or the summer fruits appear?
Or how shall we gather what griefs destroy,
Or bless the mellowing year,
When the blasts of winter appear?
C. Questions
1. The poem begins by invoking a bright summer morning and ends with a ‘blast of winter.’ What is the significance of this shift?
Answer:
The shift from a bright summer morning to a ‘blast of winter’ signifies the transition from the joy and freedom of childhood to the harsh and oppressive reality of school life. The bright summer morning represents innocence, happiness, and the natural joy of being a child. In contrast, the ‘blast of winter’ symbolizes the loss of this innocence and the onset of despair, restriction, and sorrow brought about by the rigid and joyless environment of the school. This shift emphasizes the stark contrast between the child’s natural inclination for freedom and the constraints imposed by formal education.
2. The poem moves between innocence (first stanza) and loss of innocence (the remaining stanzas). What is behind the loss?
Answer:
The loss of innocence in the poem is caused by the oppressive nature of the school environment. In the first stanza, the boy experiences joy and freedom in nature, representing his innocence and natural happiness. However, as he goes to school, this innocence is lost due to the strict discipline, lack of emotional support, and joyless routine imposed by the education system. The ‘cruel eye outworn’ and the ‘dreary shower’ of school symbolize the harsh and unkind treatment that stifles the boy’s spirit, causing him to lose his natural joy and curiosity.
3. What does the boy do in school? How does he endure his joyless lessons?
Answer:
In school, the boy spends his time in ‘sighing and dismay,’ indicating his unhappiness and lack of engagement with his lessons. He sits ‘drooping,’ feeling anxious and unable to take delight in his studies or find comfort in the learning environment. The boy endures his joyless lessons by resigning himself to the oppressive atmosphere, as he is unable to escape or change his circumstances. His comparison to a caged bird highlights his feeling of entrapment and the suppression of his natural inclinations and happiness.
4 . What does ‘a cruel eye outworn’ refer to? What does ‘dreary shower’ refer to?
Answer:
- ‘A cruel eye outworn’ refers to the harsh and unkind gaze of the teachers or authority figures in the school. It symbolizes the oppressive and joyless environment of the school, where strict discipline and lack of empathy dominate, causing the children to feel disheartened and stifled.
- ‘Dreary shower’ refers to the monotonous and depressing atmosphere of the school. It symbolizes the continuous and overwhelming sense of gloom and boredom that the boy experiences during his lessons. This phrase highlights the negative impact of the rigid and uninspiring educational environment on the boy’s spirit.
5. What request does the boy make to his parents?
Answer:
The boy requests his parents to understand the detrimental effects of the school environment on his well-being and happiness. He asks them to allow him to enjoy his childhood and the natural joys of life, rather than subjecting him to the oppressive and joyless routine of school. He appeals to his parents to recognize that stifling his natural curiosity and happiness will prevent him from flourishing and growing into a joyful and productive individual. The boy’s plea emphasizes the need for a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters his natural inclinations and creativity.
6. Find out the meaning of the following phrases:
Answer:
a. sweet company b. drooping sit c. learning’s bower
d. fears annoy e. buds are nipped _f. mellowing year
- Sweet company: The pleasant companionship of the birds and nature.
- Drooping sit: Sitting in a dejected and dispirited manner.
- Learning’s bower: A metaphorical place where learning is enjoyable and delightful.
- Fears annoy: Fears that trouble and disturb the child’s mind.
- Buds are nipped: Early potential and joy are stifled or destroyed.
- Mellowing year: A time of ripeness and fulfillment, symbolizing the later stages of growth and development.
7. Read the excerpt ‘Nor sit in learning’s bower’ (stanza 3, line 4).
Answer:
It actually means a garden where a child can learn happily. This type of expression is called metaphor. A metaphor is a comparison of one thing to another without the use of like or as to provide a clearer description.
Now find a couple of other metaphors from the poem.
In the poem “The Schoolboy” by William Blake, several other metaphors can be found. Here are a couple of examples:
- “How can the bird that is born for joy / Sit in a cage and sing?”
- This metaphor compares the boy to a bird that is meant to be free and joyful but is instead trapped in a cage (school), unable to express his natural happiness and freedom.
- “If buds are nipped, / And blossoms blown away”
- This metaphor compares children to young plants or flowers. If their growth is hindered (buds are nipped) or their potential is destroyed (blossoms blown away), they cannot flourish and grow into healthy, happy individuals.
These metaphors vividly illustrate the negative impact of a restrictive and oppressive school environment on the natural development and joy of children.
8. What is the meaning of the following words?
a. huntsman a. dismay c. dreary
d. annoy d. blast
Answer:
- Huntsman: A person who hunts.
- Dismay: A feeling of despair or distress.
- Dreary: Dull, bleak, and depressing.
- Annoy: To irritate or disturb.
- Blast: A strong gust of wind or a sudden loud sound.
9. Write a composition in 150-200 words on the importance of joyful learning in childhood.
Answer:
The Importance of Joyful Learning in Childhood
Joyful learning during childhood is crucial for the holistic development of young minds. Children are naturally curious and eager to explore the world around them. When learning is infused with joy, it harnesses this innate curiosity, making education an engaging and fulfilling experience. Joyful learning fosters a positive attitude towards education, encouraging children to become lifelong learners.
In an environment where learning is enjoyable, children are more likely to participate actively, retain information better, and develop critical thinking skills. Activities that incorporate play, creativity, and hands-on experiences can make learning more dynamic and memorable. For instance, storytelling, art projects, and interactive games can turn abstract concepts into tangible, understandable ideas.
Moreover, joyful learning supports emotional and social development. It helps children build confidence and self-esteem, as they feel successful and valued in their educational journey. Positive interactions with peers and teachers in a joyful learning environment also promote collaboration, empathy, and communication skills.
Creating a joyful learning environment requires attentive and compassionate educators who understand the diverse needs and interests of their students. It also involves a supportive curriculum that allows flexibility and innovation in teaching methods. By prioritizing joy in learning, we can ensure that children not only acquire knowledge but also develop a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
Unit 3: Life Style : Lesson 1: Manners around the world
Lesson 1 -Unforgettable History
Unit 2: Lesson 1 What is a dream?
Unit Three: Lifestyle Lesson 4: Fitness
Lesson 1: The Storm and Stress of Adolescence
Lesson 2: Adolescence and Some (Related) Problems in Bangladesh