JAN 5 — I am writing this on the first day of school in the comfort of my own room. It is now eight in the morning and it feels a little strange not to be at school knowing it is the first day and that school is back in session.

I am no longer teaching the morning session this year. I am quite happy about that actually because being a night owl, I hate early mornings. I am also relieved I am no longer teaching Year Six classes this year. I had a great time with the ones I did and thoroughly enjoyed the experience in 2011 but the stress from teaching and making sure they perform in the UPSR is something I would rather be without.

The new year started with some happy news. I am teaching Year One this year, something I am quite excited about. This new syllabus that they are using is a little bit confusing to me since the last time I taught Year One kids was in 2008 and it has changed a lot since then.

There will be a steep learning curve for me but I am sure I will do great at it. I am quite excited by the fact that the learning and assessments will not be the typical pencil-and-paper assessment that we have been using. Instead, the pupils will be assessed in all aspects and the learning style will be a little bit more relaxed compared to the way it was before.

It is sad that due to the way our education system has been, parents still focus on the number their children get in class and the percentage they receive for each subject, oftentimes discounting the other redeeming factors their children might have like good manners and a kind heart. We have had parents of Year One pupils asking if they can see the report card so they know what number and how many As their children get at school. They were worried their children wouldn’t be able to perform in the UPSR which the kids would only be sitting for five years from now!

I am happy to see there is a shift from focusing on the As to creating more holistic individuals. From what I understand, the new syllabus includes music, arts as well as allows for a more relaxed learning environment. The training of teachers for the new syllabus still leaves a lot to be desired since it is still in its infancy. However, it is improving so I am happy about that.

I am blessed to have come from a family that values education. My siblings and I grew up being surrounded by books and seeing our parents and grandparents read. For birthdays and good exam results, we got to choose what book we would like as our present. As a result, all seven of us love to read. Even my four younger brothers enjoy reading for leisure, something most guys do not find enjoyable.

I remember while we were growing up, my father had a rule that we all hated. We were not allowed to watch any TV on weekdays, except for maybe some cartoons during afternoon tea and the news at night. Even then, my parents would still have the last say whether we could or could not. We couldn’t just switch on the TV and watch any show we wanted.

Computer games were only allowed during weekends. Since there was only one computer, my siblings and I would bargain and cut deals with each other so each of us would have a turn at the game of our choosing.

Of course, there were fights especially when someone went over the time limit and refused to give up control but threatening to bring in the big guns (read: parents) often resulted in the surrendering of the much-coveted keyboard. We all knew if the parents knew about us fighting, it would mean no more computer games for the rest of the weekend for all of us. That forced us to play nice and to honour the deals we had made earlier with each other.

Once I grew older, I realised how much wisdom there was in these decisions my parents had made. Not having the television to distract me had allowed me more time to read and focus on school. I had more time to finish my homework and looked forward to going out to play with the neighbourhood kids every afternoon. My siblings and I also spent more time at the dining table together, going through our lessons and helping each other out when needed.

Treats were rare. We couldn’t demand for something and expect it to magically appear in front of us. They need not be exorbitant but they would be something we loved and treasured. I still have the book I received as a present for getting straight As in my UPSR. It still remains one of my most prized possessions.

I have had parents expressing their frustrations to me about how their children would refuse to study once they got home. I personally do not believe that studying habits can be forced. My parents tried to do that with me but it never worked because once they were not around to enforce it, I would instantly choose to do something else like relaxing in bed reading comic books instead of studying. Of course once I grew older and matured a bit, I started studying on my own without them having to tell me to do it.

I often suggest that parents have some kind of study hour at home. Train the child to spend at least some time finishing their homework and going through lessons for the next day. It might be hard to do at first but once they are used to it, they would have no problem doing it on their own and without any supervision. Since most parents work these days, I know it can be difficult to sit with the children and go through their lessons with them. However, I also know it can be done.

At the end of the day, a child is like a piece of white cloth. Whatever they know, they learned while observing us the adults and so, we should show them good examples. If their parents never ask about their studies or actually spend some time helping them with their studies, the children are going to think that their academic performance does not matter and might slack off.

To all parents whose children are starting their first week of school, I wish all of you the best of luck. I know it can be scary letting go of your babies but do know that they will be in safe hands while they are at school.

Have a great 2012; may this year be kind to all of us.

* The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the columnist.