OUT OF THE BOX

In the month of April 2014,

28 pairs of little feet, marching into 1 A could be seen.

Bright questioning eyes searched my face and pondered,

‘What is she going to teach us?’ these little beings wondered.

I was ready with the curriculum to teach that I have taught all these years,

Glasses perched on my nose, I looked at them but to me they made something very clear.

‘Ma’am’, they said, ‘The curriculum is fascinating, but can you please make 1 A more interesting?’

For the last 27 years, I have taught from many a book,

No one said make it exciting, as they grasped the lesson that they took.

It was easy to say, ‘I am the teacher, you the student, so listen to me.’

Indeed I could not do so, that is not the TSRS anthem you see.

Role reversal was the only answer for this enchanted voyage,

The magical journey of 1 A began and together we traveled a vast mileage.

Ganadhipati inhaled the fragrance of Tagore’s ‘Champa flower’,

Jorashako, Shantiniketan, the knowledge over flowed like incessant shower.

Holding the ‘Magic Rock’ in their hand, Dheeraj and Suveer led the class to the path of peace,

28 little Zen, concentrated sitting under the imaginary Bodhi Tree.

Mandala by Sharanya proceeded the preaching of Dalai Lama,

Teaching and learning went hand in hand with out a full stop or a comma.

When Agastya spoke about Tutankhamen and the glory of the Ancient Civilization,

Gathering knowledge became infectious and a valuable realization.

Samaya took a step forward to the spiritual world of Mutt and Bastett of Egypt,

From Zunaira we learnt to write our name in Hieroglyphics script.

Amaara took us on an exotic tour,

 Gobar huts, Salt pans, Satpura, we learnt about these for sure.

Our very own Frida Anoushka Kahlo, brought in art awareness in 1 A,

Various styles, strokes, art era, the thirst grew by the day.

Creative minds, Ayaan and Raghavendra contributed to the discussion,

To name a few, Maite Delteil, Maity and the wonderful Anjolie Ela  Menon.

Dhruv said, ‘EUREKA!’ science is everywhere,

Dry ice is solid Co2 and he did experiment on hot air.

To the tune of ‘Waka Waka’ Aalya, Vanshika and Krish made my old bones dance,

Let loose, find freedom, do not wait for a special chance.

The ‘Google boy’ Vannsh Jagtiani imparted knowledge in every sphere,

Galapagos Island, mythology, history, he taught me and his peer.

The smart soldiers, Rajwansh, Rohan and Anil followed the class slogan without fail,

‘KHUSH RAHO TAGRE RAHO’ was instilled in all, that is what 1 A would hail.

 Philosophical Madhav urged to appreciate nature,

His naturopathy invention’ Bichoo Booti’ cures bites of all poisonous creature.

Eating healthy is what we learnt from Devender dear,

Sara and Bhumi taught me to be brave as there is nothing to fear.

With freedom to fly high they sang ‘Let it go’

Yashetta, Tenzin and Shreya , the musical path they did show.

Etiquettes, manners and correct pronunciation were discussed from Jaivir’s book,

Through ‘Dosa’ Rohan Atree brought in the aroma of cuisines and cook.

Indeed role reversal made true magic in 1 A,

‘Child is the father of the man’ as the great Wordsworth would say.

Always thinking out of the box, they flew high,

Know more, research they said ’Tell me why’.

As they move on to class 2 I urge them to keep their box open,

I am so proud of my children for the inquisitive path that they have chosen.