‘Out of the book’ learning
A
place that imparts knowledge, a place that offers education, a place that takes
us through a planned curriculum, a place that evaluates our step-wise learning –
besides polishing us with knowledge from the books, a school teaches us a lot
more.
Though course taught in the classroom tests our skills in examination,
our school blesses us with several opportunities of ‘out of the book’ learning.
Not included in any subject or printed in any book, this valuable knowledge
takes us a long way in real life.
While seated on
the benches of classroom, in front of the blackboard; as we focused on our subjects
and stayed engrossed in books, the child in us was unable to appreciate this
precious knowledge. Only after we leave school forever and walk ahead on the
path of future, we understand those pieces of essential learning.
As memories of
school, we understand the meaning of every single experience, be it strict
discipline of our Principal or light moments with teachers, be it random talks
with friends or any group activity with classmates. Every moment spent in school
decodes itself to reveal its true significance. As puzzles that never made sense
back then, we come closer to the real purpose of school education. Molding young
minds, preparing them for the world ahead, guiding them at every step, encouraging
them for trials and errors; school certainly does a lot more.
Complaining about
every single aspect of school, it takes years and years of separation to
appreciate all that it offered. As we sit back and think about our progress,
school dominates every single sphere of life. From bookish knowledge to
extra-curricular activities, from sharing with friends to communication with
elders; school was nothing less than a finishing academy, bringing out the best
in each of its students. Treating every student equally, its goal was to
transform little kids into strong individuals.
Though schools differ, generations change and cities vary, school life is always same for each one. Memories, moments, learning and experiences unite everyone under the same banner.
So what are these ‘out
of the book’ lessons that school taught us? Are they same for you and me?
Chapter 1: Treat every
individual equally
Just as the school uniform dresses everyone with the same attire and unites all; it is essential to avoid discrimination and treat each one equally with
same amount of respect.
Chapter 2: Participate in every activity
One may not ace in sports or be an expert in dance, one many not
enjoy singing or look forward to fitness exercises; yet school motivates each one
to try out every activity. It is more about enjoying oneself and less about winning
that brings happiness in a monotonous life.
Chapter 3: Make
new friends, meet new people
Not restricting to a comfort
zone or set of same friends right from the nursery class, school encouraged us
to make new friends and talk to different people. Shuffling of classes and
creating new groups during activities imparted this necessary confidence.
Chapter 4: Share and care in a team
Offering the experience of team right from junior classes, the entire
class strength worked as one single unit. Providing equal opportunities to
answer, read, discuss or participate during every event in class, it taught us the
meaning of team spirit besides sharing and caring with those around.
Chapter 5: Discipline and punctuality take you a
long way
While
punctuality of school bell and discipline within school premises pushed us away from it over and over again, we realize the melody of its sound during
independent phase of life. Sincerity in work, discipline in approach and
punctuality in every task were our unwanted guests back then, while today they
are the only keys to open the doors of success.
Chapter 6: Comparisons and jealousy fill your life
with negativity
Discouraging feelings of
jealously and acts of comparison, school taught us the need to be satisfied
with our own things. Demanding, fighting, complaining or crying could lead us
nowhere as their job was nothing else besides spreading dark negativity.
Chapter 7: Practice till you master
Innumerable efforts,
consistent hard work and determination are routes to master any single job. Unless
one practices with complete dedication, it is impossible to be an expert at
anything and everything under the sun.
Chapter 8: Honesty is the best policy
School teaches each one to adopt the policy of honesty. Lies, cheating,
misconduct may take one towards success through a short-cut , only to realize it
was a wrong location in an opposite direction.
Chapter 9: Habits and manners accessorize our appearance
Good habits and manners give identity to our
existence. These seeds sown right from school shall remain with our character
forever.
Chapter 10: March ahead with pride but never forget the
roots
As the first ever training place that prepares us for the future, our
school contributes to a great extent. Memories of school always remind us to
appreciate our roots. While we walk towards success, we must never forget the
role of our parents, siblings, friends, college as they make us what we are
today.
This ‘out
of the book’ learning course has been interesting in every way. Nostalgic walk
on the school memory lane has taken me back to its premises – forcibly pushed as
a student, longing to enter as an adult!
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