By Mr. Allers, Grade 8 Homeroom Teacher and Individuals and Societies and English Language Adquisition Teacher. Extended Essay Coordinator.

What do the following issues have in common (if anything at all)?

• World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development;

• The IB attributes caring, reflection and open-mindedness;

• The case of Derek; and

• A persuasive letter addressed by students to their desk chairs?

How have I decided on the topic of this blog? Well, it was sparked off by a hilariously funny EAL-exercise with students from grades 6 to 9: During one of the now notorious ‘graveyard shift’ periods of the late afternoon, students shuffled into their classroom, only to find that all their desks’ chairs had been removed. The chairs would only ‘consider’ returning to their desks once they were sincerely apologized to, and convinced that they were extremely meaningful in and an indispensable part of the respective students’ daily lives. Even the most unresponsive students soon realised that standing up for a whole 55-minute period was no laughing matter, and quickly committed whole-heartedly to the persuasive exercise of pouring out their torments, longing, gratitude and regrets on paper. Their pleas were remarkably imaginative and beaming with both gratitude and praise!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Which brings me to the true story of Derek (courtesy of IB): Recognition of his learning strengths contributed to Derek’s success – they were identified as his willingness to keep trying, to continue to question and clarify understanding, to listen to advice and be motivated by small successes. Due to autism and ADHD, Derek experienced organization, planning, follow-through and time management skills as significant challenges; he reported to having struggled academically, emotionally and socially throughout his school years. This resulted in an unfortunate situation where he had to move learning institutions as his disability could not be accommodated at his high school of choice; instead, he attended Sturgis and got a full IB diploma instead.

Derek’s daily support was designed to increase independence, and as his independence increased, supports were removed. A collaborative approach (which included Derek, his teachers, administration and his parents), was recognized as being essential in developing his independence.

Fast forward to celebrating World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development:

This day, celebrated on 21 May 2021, involves an enormously wide variety of elements and issues, and is in no manner restricted to food, festivals, traditions, lifestyles, or beliefs. Celebrating our differences and common interests not only unite and educate us, but also assists us in understanding and appreciating other’s perspectives. It broadens our own world, and allows us to fully experience and educate ourselves. Education, an acclaimed integral element of culture, is undoubtedly deserving of celebrating.

Of course, all students are different and unique in their own right, and all have different ways of learning and requirements, e.g.

– Some prefer noise and a constant bustle around them;

– Some want quiet and no-one moving around in the classroom;

– Some want to listen to music while concentrating;

– Some need continuous translations;

– Some require very detailed explanations;

– Some need constant re-assurance for every little step of their given task;

– Some need more time for completion of tasks;

– Some need extra stimulation to prevent a pattern of boredom;

– Some need very different stimuli;

– Some need constant prompting;

– Some need to read out aloud to comprehend content…the list seems endless!

One thing is for sure though, working with young developing minds is very rewarding, and a continuous process of growth for students and teachers alike.

Connecting the dots: From the cheerfulness of the classroom, to the joyous accomplishment of an extremely dedicated young man and his ever-patient teachers, to celebrating our global education culture, the golden common thread is one of gratitude, passion and dedication.

At CISS, what we perhaps lack in expertise and skills to handle the Derek-challenges, we more than make up for with our enthusiasm, vigilance and loving care for our students.

“CISS, Come Grow with us”.