ANAK ANAK BAIK BAIK (The Kids Are Allright)

My English students here are roughly 9 to 18 years old, and some of my classes have ten or so students in the 9-10 age group.

I certainly did not plan things that way. First of all, I have never taught anyone anything at that age. My students in the US have all been mature adults. Secondly, I must be honest enough to say that I am not a person who is initially drawn to all children all the time. John is not the guy running up to kids in public places to engage them or cooing at toddlers in stores. Up to now I would say that for me, the connection happens or not on a case-by-case basis. It depends on the child and my mood. Lastly, as I get older I notice an increasing desire for quiet and perhaps a decreasing amount of patience in my reserves each year compared to the year before.

To be fair, when I came to Surabaya, my job description certainly included the possibility of teaching youngsters. But I thought that given my own age, background and experience, I would probably be charged with other duties. I was wrong.

Now here’s the surprise: I really like the kids, and I am absolutely fine with teaching them. In the great majority of cases, Indonesian children are polite, smart, receptive to learning, and ready to engage. Of course they have high energy. They get excited and bubble over sometimes like all kids do, but they respect the teachers and will calm down with “settling activities” --- like drawing--- which we teachers carry in our bag of tricks. The kids are very often adorable and sweet, and they want to teach you about Indonesia and their world. Sure, there may be one or two exceptions I can think of, where a kid is often disruptive (due to over-indulgent parents, perhaps). But truly, these are very rare instances, and they can be managed.

Last week I substituted for another teacher who was on holiday. The class was young, maybe eight students aged10-12. The lesson was about local customs for holidays and birthdays, and the children could not wait to tell me about theirs. When we played a team game, they supported their teammates, and showed natural sportsmanship. At the end of the class, each of the students came up to me on the way out, said “Thank you, Mr. John,” took my hand and pressed it briefly to his forehead. I was touched, as you can imagine.

Outside the classroom, I notice that Indonesian kids from all walks of life are naturally curious about me as different from what they usually see. If they stare at me I wink at them. And because they are not inhibited adults,  they will often approach me for a brief interaction. These moments are usually lots of fun.

Last week in a department store I was paying for an item at the checkout counter when a young man, about 9 or 10 ran up to the counter and said “Hi, mister.” When this happens I usually bend down so we can be at the same height. “Hey, buddy. How are you today?” We chatted for a minute, and then his father came over with his other, younger son. “He wants to practice his English with you.” I told him his boy had great energy and personality. Turns out he is an aspiring drummer. I turned to my new friend, told him I played the guitar, and maybe we could play sometime. The younger boy didn’t want to be left out, and followed me as I was leaving his father and brother. I stopped again and we talked a minute also. Then smiles and waves all around. It wasn’t a big deal, but they were all so pleasant and made me feel like a celebrity. Just a nice moment.

Obviously there’s a lesson in all of this. Keeping an open mind and not pre-judging the work of teaching children gave me the opportunity to discover something new about myself. It opened up the possibility of enjoying an experience I did not naturally relish. In a way, it sort of “jump started” or renewed my relationship with a segment of the population I don’t interact with often. And it broadened my work world and ESL resume.

All in all, another small gift from my time in mondo Indo.

As I finish this post, outside dusk is falling under a soft rain, and the call to prayer from the local mosque is being chanted over its loudspeakers. Thanks for visiting here, and please check back soon.