Communication skills
are very fundamental to one’s character development, but sadly, the local
school system is one that quells the freedom of expression and the confidence
to articulate your opinions in class. Which is why I am always advocating for open communications with the Bees, even if their opinions differ drastically from us. I am also thankful that the Bees
are enjoying communicative, expressive types of activities in school and
outside of school.
Debate
Big Bee is a
prolific debater. She used to be quite an introverted girl in primary school,
with teachers telling me how quiet she could be in class. So, I am thankful that
she decided to break out of her comfort zone in secondary 1 when she tried out
for debate as a CCA. She has since represented her school multiple times in
national debate competitions, and her team had even emerged as champions in an
important national debate competition.
Getting kids to get out of their comfort
zones is so fundamental in nurturing them. Because our world is a crazy world –
a world where constant changes beckon. A world that is so volatile and
unpredictable. And if our children are used to adaptability and operating out
of their comfort zones, I think they will be able to cope better in this
madness whirling all around them.
And debate allows
Big Bee to understand so much more of this insane world. Through debate, she had to
work on so much independent research on world issues. These days, her
knowledge of current affairs has surpassed that of me and my hubby. From the
intricacies of the electoral college system in the USA elections, to the plight of the Rohingya refugees, to the debt crisis in Greece, to
more general discussions on political systems, global warming, public
healthcare etc.
So, I am thankful
that her knowledge of the world has expanded, her courage to speak in front of
an audience has multiplied, and more importantly, she is able to weigh multiple
perspectives on different issues.
Drama
Of course, not
everyone is suited for debate. Little Bee will not enjoy researching
relentlessly on current affairs and world issues. But she has an expressive
soul, and she loves to perform in front of large audiences. She is the type of extrovert
who will blossom in front of huge audiences, who will shine the brightest if
surrounded by people whom she must interact at length with. Recently, she discovered her
love for drama, theatre and performing, and she had never been happier.
She is now part of
a very active show performing group for children, and had enjoyed herself
tremendously these past 4 months. She would skip and hop to the plethora of
practices required before a major concert. And is perfectly happy with the
numerous hours needed to perfect that few moments on stage.
And that is what performing arts is all about, isn't it? The manifold hours of sweat and effort, of
repeating one’s lines a thousand times, of performing those same steps a million
times, of even more work of memorizing scripts and lyrics at home. For this
is what true showmanship is all about – grit, effort and guts. And I am so grateful
that freedom-loving Little Bee has embraced all the muck and mirth that comes
with it.
Recently, she took
part in an audition for a talent showcase in USA, and was selected out of
thousands who had auditioned. Those were nerve-wrecking days for the introverts
in the family (all of us, except her!) but she breezed through her auditions
with such an immense sense of enjoyment and joy! More on this in another blog
post!
