#ClassInActionSeries

#AnEggPoweringEncounter

Three young ladies were given an early introduction to motherhood recently. Though initially riddled with trepidation and anxiety, all three summarised that it was an “egg”powering, “egg”riching and “egg”opening experience. Here are their stories.

“When Mr Mohan handed me my ‘baby” I was a little scared. But then I thought, how difficult could it be to be a mother,” said Kyra Keziah Netto who soon discovered that the next two weeks would be frazzled ones.

“It is not as easy as it looks to take care of a “baby” all day. My thoughts, amongst a million others, were “do not drop the baby”, “I hope the baby is okay,” said an exasperated Kyra who shared that this gave her a whole new dimension to how necessary it was to acknowledge the fears that parents go through.

Lim Shang Yi on the other hand had prior knowledge on what to expect because she had read about similar experiences. However, when it came to receiving her “baby”, things took quite a different turn. “When I held my “baby” for the first time, my hands were trembling. I was suddenly overcome with fear and anxiety,” said Lim who very quickly realised the huge responsibility that lay in front of her.

“I became over protective, swaddling my “baby” with layers of protection and fearing the worst,” said Lim. “I began to reflect on how I used to wonder why my parents were being over protective.”

Another “mother”, Wong Hui Xian knew that it would be challenging taking care of a child. “I knew it was not going to be easy, especially so because I use public transportation,” said Wong. “I needed to be vigilant at all times and ensure that my “baby” was not injured.”  Wong realised that she had to continuously remind herself that she had to check on her “baby” and to work her daily routines and tasks around the well-being of her “child”.

At the end of the two week period, exhausted but empowered;  Kyra, Lim and Wong bade a fond farewell to their “babies”. Whilst they were glad that life would return to normal, the experience gave them a deep insight into parenting. It also helped them understand why their parents behaved in the way they do.  “We realise now that as educators, we must help parents let go of their fears and enjoy their children for the unique and special individuals they are,” concurred the ladies.

#Social “Egg”xperiment

The above experience was a result of a social experiment conducted by Mr Mohan Dallumal with his Classroom and Behaviour Management class.  Hailed “The Egg Challenge” the experiment began on 1 April and concluded on 15 April 2019.

Thirty six students were involved in this experiment, with each given an egg that symbolised a child. They were tasked with caring for this “child” in the next fourteen days, ensuring that the “child” remains with them the entire time and that no harm would come to it. To up the ante, each egg bears Mr Mohan’s initials, ensuring that they could not be swapped with new ones. The progress of the challenge was monitored periodically. At the end of the fourteen days, the experiment registered a success rate of 83.7 percent .

“Some “mothers” did not have their  “babies” with them, and some others failed to provide sufficient protection for the “infants”,” enthused Mr Mohan who said that this had resulted in neglect and physical harm such as fractures. “It is a simple experiment but it impressed upon the students that there is no margin for error when one is entrusted with the care and wellbeing of a child.”

“Like eggs, children are fragile and break easily. They require constant and consistent supervision,” explained Mohan. “It is impossible to repair a cracked egg. In the same vein, it is difficult to repair a broken child,” said Mohan who shared that as parents and educators, we are responsible to ensure that children under our care grow up in a loving, secure and conducive environment.

#CreativeEngagement

“At Dika, our industry benchmarked programmes are complemented by an energetic and passionate academic team who are constantly seeking creative ways to engage our students,” said Pua Chee Ling, Chief Executive of Dika College. “This enhances the learning outcomes and nurtures educators who are in tune with the dynamics that surround early childhood education,” added Pua.

Dika’s vision #InspireToAspire is pioneering 21st century programmes that instil resourcefulness and resilience, alongside paving the way to global career opportunities. To learn more about Dika College and its range of programmes, please log on to www.dika.edu.my or call 03-80706223.

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