Handholding kids through fears, failures

BANGALORE: At a time when the pressure on children to score centums has become a norm, some students find it difficult to cope with even the basics. It takes skill to help such students overcome their fear and gain confidence to do well in studies.
Coupled with anxiety over Maths, this challenge can be a herculean task. At Lourdes High School, two counsellors work with teachers to give students much-needed support and ease their fears and anxieties.
Counselling here goes beyond the classroom, and may involve guiding parents on how to help their child do well. This is especially so for children whose home atmosphere is not very conducive for focused studying.
"As far as Maths is concerned, the first task is to find out whether it's a disability or a phobia. The two have to be dealt with differently. In extreme cases of math disability, an exemption can be got for the child," says counsellor and academic coordinator Rohini N.
Most often, the lack of home support means children are unable to understand the problem. The school first asks students to list their strengths and weaknesses, fears and anxieties. Experience has shown it's best to work in groups. Students can figure out their qualities and understand themselves better. Children are made to draw a wheel with each spoke representing a talent. They're taught to build on their strengths and add more spokes, as "the more the spokes, the stronger is the wheel".
Says teacher and counsellor Sushma N B, teenagers tend to be very distracted. The problem is compounded when they're first-generation literates or come from economically weaker background. Teachers begin each class with a deep relaxation technique and spend 5 minutes conversing with students before starting the lessons. Students are taught techniques like how to schedule their day, revising on weekends, making study plans and alternating subjects.
For younger children, field trips form a large part of their learning curriculum. "We let children bring just Rs 10 or Rs 20, but we let them make the choices on what they want to buy. They are instructed to buy 2-3 things useful to them, and to ensure they've some money left," says headmistress Bibi Aaisha.
Principal Maria Sunder says, "Since many parents are unable to spend time with kids, the responsibility to teach the children falls on teachers."
Who says teachers don't care
Studentspeak
* Thanks to all the extra efforts our teachers have put in, today I'm able to do well. The study techniques have made things easier and I now practise maths every day and also do a self-test every day so I know how well I've studied. I want to thank my teachers for this.
Sahana V | class IX
* Today, the formulae and long answers don't seem so daunting. I have also started reading books, because of my teachers. I feel more confident now.
Lalitha H | class IX