The wisdom of a child

"I was telling him to give others a chance too." That was the reply a primary one pupil gave when she was asked why she was talking to a talkative boy sitting behind her. "Give others a chance." What profound words from a seven-year-old. The children have some things to teach us too, if you bother to listen. This became a motto in the class. I make use of it. I included it when we discussed our first rule: Respect others. Now, even my weaker pupils could say it and I believe, understand what it means. "Mr Chua, XXX don't give others chance to talk." I can't help but ask myself the question. Do I give the children equal chances? I like to think that I do. But, honestly, not always. It is probably impossible to give them equal chances. But I try. Some may lag behind but no one left behind. Do I give them enough chances? I hope I do. In a recent article I read on noise in the classroom, it was mentioned that noise (disruptive, not constructive noise) may be generated by an imbalance in activity between the teacher and the pupils. This means that the duration of a teacher's speech should not exceed that of his or her pupils'. Let them talk, please! I must consciously remind myself not to go into a mode of endless ramblings. Give others a chance, including your pupils. Sometimes, the words of a child can have an unexpected influence. Listen...

P/S: If you are interested in the article on "Noise in the classroom, obstacle or opportunity?" click on this link http://www.reading.org/downloads/publications/journals/TC-3-3-Zagashev.pdf