I could feel butterflies in my stomach. Understandably so. After all, this was my first time presenting to an audience of this size and nature. The message had to be simple, clear, and crisp for the slightest chance of holding their attention. I prepared as best as I could. I researched, took notes, and came up with a couple of ideas that would foster discussion. I wanted to do good from the bottom of my heart.
They trickled in one after the other. I said a small prayer, and distributed the materials. It was a mixed audience ranging from those that were bursting with enthusiasm to participate to those that couldn’t stop yawning. I have wanted to do this for a long time. Now that I had the opportunity, I decided to be in the moment, and give it my all. That’s exactly what I did, and before I knew it, it was time to disperse. I heaved a sigh of contentment, and thought to myself – not bad, huh?
As I drove back home with Hari in the backseat, I asked my usual question, “How was class today Hari? how did you find it? boring? fun? what did you think?” And he replied, “Mama, you were good!” You see my audience today was Hari and his friends at culture class in his Sunday school where I have been assisting since the start of the academic year.
Thoughts Unlimited 
Hey Congratulations. Getting approval from kids is the hardest.
…and the most valued too LG.
Excellent effort…Maha. You have done it. we are the Proud parents…..
Hari’s applaud of your maiden speech in which he was a spectator is note-worthy.
Appa, it was really not a huge thing as such, but it meant much to me and I am thankful for the opportunity.
congratulations . it is your dream come true.
Rama.
Thanks amma. The experience sure meant much.
oh wow girl..you stunned the kids! way to go ..way to go..
very very happy for you. And very very happy for those lucky kids for the opportunity to learn from you. I, as your friend always think( and told you few times) that you speak pearls of wisdom. I continue to benefit from it..
Every time i see your parents’ comment, i feel very happy
Shy, stunned wouldn’t be the term that I would describe how the kids reacted. More like, OK, this was one more class we had to attend. But I love teaching, and I love to see the different personalities interact and intersect. I would love to get better at it if given the opportunity.
Thank you for your kind words Shy. You always have good things to say about people.
Its much difficult to capture kids attention, than adults. Adults may pretend as if they are interested in the talk, whereas kids have no pretense, so it is really difficult to keep them engrossed. Congrats!
One useful lesson I am learning from volunteering is that the best way to hold children’s attention is to have them engaged. Kids are always eager to talk and share stories. The trick is having their engagement steered in a certain direction.
I agree with that last comment from Naan and your response Maha – it is very difficult to capture kids attention(when compared to adults) and keep it there teaching kids and keeping their attention is a talent, congrats you have it. And you have the right answer, listening is key when it comes to kids, they need someone to pay attention to them, to make them feel like they’re the most important people in the world…and when you give them that and steer their minds to possibilities, they will be back for more…those are the kinds of teachers we always remember from our childhood days right? well done, Maha…
Thanks UL. The best part about teaching is how much you are learning from them.
So sweet! Sounds lovely, Maha!
Thank you Shuba!