The Guru Within: My Path to Teaching and Learning

  Almost every day, children are brought to the principal’s office. “She didn’t do her homework.” “He hasn’t brought his notebook.” “He never listens in class.” As a principal, I listen. I guide. But I also believe that  the real power to shape a child lies with the teacher —the one who knows the child’s nature, strengths, and struggles on a daily basis. Let’s be honest.  Discipline is not something to be passed on. The classroom is the teacher’s space to inspire, correct, and connect. The moment a child is sent out—or taken to the principal—it sends a message: “I can't handle this.” And the child knows it. So does the whole class. Sometimes we give punishments just for the sake of it—stand outside, write lines, sit at the back. But when it becomes routine,  children stop taking it seriously . It turns into a show, not a solution. Instead, use  natural and logical consequences . If a child hasn’t done their work, simply ask them to complete it. That’s the conseq...

 We often hear a familiar phrase echoing in classrooms: “This child lacks the basics.” But what exactly are these basics? Is it mathematical operations, grammar rules, or scientific definitions? Let’s pause and reframe this. In most cases, what teachers refer to as “the basics” is actually a lack of language fluency . We overlook the real foundation: the ability to read, comprehend, and respond confidently. Without the power to understand the medium of instruction—usually English in most schools—children are not just struggling with subjects, they are struggling to learn itself. 🔤 Language First, Then Learning Imagine a child who cannot differentiate between “bat” the animal and “bat” used in cricket. For this child, even a simple sentence in a textbook becomes a hurdle race. When a child struggles to listen, understand, read, and comprehend a question, expecting them to grasp content in science or math becomes unrealistic. This is why language is not just a subject—it i...