I got my first appointment in place of a kindergarten teacher who was on maternity leave. I was little confused to take the job as I never handled small kids ( so many together). I have read somewhere that kindergarten students are like naughty frogs.It is difficult to handle them all at one place and I was not sure whether they will accept me or not as they might be attached with their previous teacher.
I told my father that I am not interested in teaching small kids .But He convinced me to take this as an experience to enhance my teaching skills and to understand kids' behaviour. He was sure that I can win their heart with love and affection.
Anyhow,I accepted the offer. Surprisingly Kids welcomed me with wide arms.. They were naughty but were very curious. Within two days ,I found myself settled in their small world.I guess kids understand the vibes... Interestingly they made me fall in love with my job.
Sajal ,a girl was not doing well in academics in comparison to others. I returned her notebook without giving any emojis or fancy stickers after checking in first two -three days. On fourth day she completed her work fastly and asked me to check her notebook first. I asked her to keep it on table as I wanted to check them in the snack time. She said ," Ma'am promise me ,you will check my notebook first"
"Ok.. I will.." I assured her.
She came in between also to remind me.
This made me curious to know about the reason behind her eagerneness.
She replied with innocence " Ma'am when you check my notebook at last ,your treasure of smilies and stars becomes empty.. you distribute all appreciation words to other students and nothing left in your treasure at the end when my turn comes. So today I want something from your treasure before it lasts.."
I was speechless at her reply..
I felt like "Ohh my God..Will my treasure of appreciation really become empty if I say or give any thing positive to her.What is wrong in it if my small gesture of appreciation makes someone feels special "
That day I gave her appreciation remarks with a beautiful butterfly with stars on it's wings..

"You are my little caterpillar.. will love to see your steady transformation into a butterfly🦋. Keep trying" .

I knew her focus was only on butterfly..she couldn't read my remark,but as a teacher I tried to be fair regarding her performance.
The elated face of Sajal made me realise that it is not difficult to spread happiness, we just need to make sure that our treasure of appreciation for other's work should not be empty.

© Geeta Dhulia