ABRAHAM LINCOLN's LETTER TO HEADMASTER







A letter written by Abraham Lincoln to the Headmaster of a school in which his son was studying. It contains an advice, which is still relevant today for executives, workers, teachers, parents and students.







A WORD TO TEACHERS







"He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just and are not true. But teach him if you can, the wonder of books.. but also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on a green hillside.







In school, teach him it is far more honorable to fall than to cheat.....







Teach to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him he is wrong.







Teach him to be gentle with gentlepeople and tough with the tough.







Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone getting on the bandwagon...







Teach him to listen to all men; but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth, and take only the good that comes through.







Teach him, if you can, how to laugh when he is sad... Teach him there is no shame in tears.







Teach him to scoff at cynics and to be beware of too much sweetness.. Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to highest bidders, but never to put a price on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob.. and stand and fight if thinks he is right.







Treat him gently, but do not cuddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel. Let him have the courage to be impatient.. Let him have the patience to be brave. Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself, because then he will have faith in humankind.







This is a big order, but see what you can do. . He is such a fine little fellow my son!







- Abraham Lincoln"

Give a chance to a mediocre Student! ?



It was Miss Prema Leela, our Social Studies teacher who called out my name and asked our VIII Std. students to give a big hand to me. "P. Syamala Devi got fifty eight out of hundred in Geography Assignment. Give a clap to her! It is finest mark in this Assignment! Congrats Syamala, Keep it up!!" All my friends almost roared rejoicing for it was really stunning and exciting event for I was only eleven plus with my front teeth not erupted yet. Doctor used to rub my denture with potassium permanganate crystals to make my teeth come out slowly. So far I never got even 45/100 in any subject. I was playful, a little naughty, the youngest at home and in the Class, in two short curly plaits pet by Sisters of St. Joseph's Girls convent (Kurnool, A.P.) not for my scholastic achievement but for my Social Service, leadership, compassion for the poor, punctuality and for my ever-smiling disposition and neat maintenance of School Uniform.



Miss Prema identified my innate capacity and gave a sudden lift an impetus to me. That was the turning point to pour in me self-confidence, courage and to be studious and that was the chance, the boon given by my teacher to make me realise that nothing is impossible if we challenge and strive hard-Hard work pays! I came out flying colours in my college and professional career for I was showered with encomiums as the Best Teacher Awardee despite my mediocre intelligence. I owe much to my teacher as I oculd emulate her later as a teacher and now as the Principal of College of Education, Madanaplle. (A.P.)



So after becoming a teacher, my flash back event inspired me to experiment in many occasions by giving chance to the average or just below average students with a bonus of a few marks and by offering a thrilling joy in the class that elevates the student into higher aspirations to set certain goals to achieve for self-confidence is the trait fundamental for a student to come up in life!



Always we, teachers have to remember Napolean's words : "Ability is of little account without opportunity" As teachers and parents, we can easily espouse and bring out transformation in the attitude of students and in their behaviour by passing a compliment and by a simple applauding remark now and then. I works out almost like a miracle that creates ecstasy, joy and great satisfaction, turning the girl or boy totally good, better and even the best. See sincerely that they tap all the opportunities not that you have to ignore the students with good I.Q. Give a chance! Be an instrument in the hands of God to extend your helping hand to such mediocres!