Stepping into a classroom full of energetic students in rural Kerala was a whole new experience for me. The challenge? Keeping a room full of little “wild beasts” engaged and focused. I quickly learned that teaching here wasn’t going to be about strict lessons or sticking to a set curriculum. It was all about creativity and energy—lots of it!
Game On: My Secret Weapon for Engagement
The best way to grab their attention? Games! The kids love some healthy competition, so I often split them into teams—girls versus boys. We’d play games that let them practice English while having fun. But, like any game, even the best ones get a little stale. When that happened, I learned to go with their flow and simply join in with their natural energy.
One of the funniest parts was “breaking into” their little talking circles. The kids would form small groups around the classroom, each with its own vibe. The loudest group, naturally, was my first target. I’d sneak into their circle, trying to “break the prison” of noise from the inside! This simple trick often helped calm them down just enough to get everyone back on track.
Bright Stars and Big Dreams
Every so often, a lesson would take an unexpectedly wonderful turn. Recently, we started talking about space and astronomy—a topic that seemed way beyond what they’d learned in school. But some of the kids were so into it! They’d tell me about planets orbiting the sun, the lifecycle of stars, and even how black holes form. It was amazing to see how curious and knowledgeable they were, even without formal lessons on these topics. Their eagerness reminded me of my time teaching in Pakistan, where I built similar connections with students. It’s incredible to have your own “squad” of bright minds eager to learn.
Communication Beyond Words
Not all the students fully understand English, but every classroom has a few natural language leaders. If I had more time here, I’d love to work with these students one-on-one, building on each lesson to create a journey we’d travel together. There’s something special about guiding a small group like that. For now, though, I make the most of each lesson, knowing that even the simplest topics spark curiosity and growth.
A Teacher Turned Friend
One of the best parts of volunteering here has been watching how kind and joyful the kids are. They’re always laughing and smiling, even when roughhousing a little. They dance, sing, play football, and even have their own version of billiards. And if I’m being honest, I think I might’ve become a little too friendly with them! Somewhere along the way, they stopped seeing me as the “teacher” and started treating me as one of their own.
Volunteering in Kerala has been an adventure full of surprises and laughs. These kids, with their boundless energy and endless questions, have shown me the joy of learning and teaching in a whole new way.