Nothing Is Wrong or Right

A GREAT LEARNING FROM A 7-YEAR-OLD

that can be followed till 70 years.

One day in my Maths class I asked a simple question to a 7-year-old kid as an ice-breaking which I usually do to get the attention of my students.

My question was “If I give you one pencil, one pencil, and one pencil, how many pencils will you have?

After 1 minute of silence, one of my student Shuban replied confidently “four”. I was immediately disappointed to get an incorrect answer as I was expecting an effortless correct answer(three). I thought maybe the child did not listen properly and repeated the question “Shuban listen carefully, It is very simple. You will be able to do it right if you listen carefully. If I give you 1 pencil, 1 pencil, and one more pencil then how many pencils will you have?

Many children raised their hands to answer the question but I said only Shuban will answer. He calculated again on his fingers, as he has seen the disappointment on my face and was searching for the answer that will make his teacher happy. This time hesitantly he replied “four”. I could not hide my disappointment and my facial expression clearly disclosed my messiness and dissatisfaction. I suddenly remembered that Shuban loved drawing and is fond of crayons. I consoled myself that maybe he does not like writing and that is making him lose his focus. This time with a lot of expectation, excitement and twinkling eyes I asked the same question but instead of pencils, I used crayons. Seeing me happy, young Shuban calculated on his fingers again. There was no pressure on him, but a little on me as I wanted my new approach to succeed.. With a hesitating smile young Shuban enquired ‘Three’? I now was delighted and had a victorious smile as I was successful in getting the correct answer. I congratulated myself.

Once again I asked “Now If I give you one pencil, one pencil and one more pencil how many pencils will you have? Promptly Shuban answered “four”

I got annoyed and asked “How Shuban? How? In a little irritating voice hesitating young Shuban replied: “Because I already have one in my pencil box”. I was quiet for a moment then I smiled and hugged him.

He made me understand “When someone gives an answer that is different from what are expecting they are not necessarily wrong. There may be a different approach, an angle that we have not understood at all.

Nothing is wrong or right. There is always a different perspective or situation. We, teachers, need to understand kids, listen to them, come down to their level and love, respect and trust them to build their confidence and personality.