I travel to school by bus and in those seven minutes there are so many things going on in the bus that it serves as a good entertainment for me. Some of the little ones are still catching up on their lost sleep while the others are raring to go and meet the day with unbridled enthusiasm. There are so many discussions happening, which to any onlooker may seem mundane and ordinary but for the kids it is a matter of great importance. The discussions range from what grades they secured at the appraisals, baskets or goals scored during P.E period, a new pencil or story book, the trouble a class kid got into....the list is endless. Some of the kids open their books to show some new games or tricks learnt while a few studious ones try to read and prepare for an assessment.
The kids learn a lot, and I mean a lot, in the school bus. They pick up many cuss words, new ways of bullying, and also how to share. They learn to stand up for their pals and if needed they gang up on a few kids and trouble them. Their chatter goes on non-stop till the bus reaches the school and even as they walk up to their respective classes. There are arguments galore on the seating in the bus. All want the window seat and they vie for the seat next to their best pal. Numerous quarrels and fights take place during that short ride to school and back. Many a times they take the assistance of the bus assistant to solve their quarrels and fights. Sometimes the fights and bullying reach to such an extent that the teacher or parent is called as mediator. The travel by school bus is also a social learning that takes place where the kids bond and/or fight. Gangs and groups are made and broken here. Innumerable ever-lasting friendships are also formed here.
There are also some hilarious moments in the school bus. Today I took the school bus on my way back from school. I saw a few kids enjoying a lollipop. The rest who did not have the lollipop were really curious. One kid even asked the bus assistant how the rest got the lollipops and was told that they got it in school. The lucky ones with the lollipops enjoyed licking them with relish, while the others stared at them with longing. It was really fun to watch it. At times a poor kid starts the day with tears in his eyes when another points out that he/she has not brought any material for a project or not completed the assignment for the day.
On the way back the kids are dropped at their respective stops and they are picked up by their parents or grandparents. The minute they alight they start talking about the happenings in their class, their version of course! The first thing they do is hand over their school bags to their parents and some of them get hugs and kisses as if they have come back after a fortnight from a long trip somewhere.
So if you think that the school bus ride is just that, think again! It is a short journey the kids take each day during which they learn many things and build their attitude and personality. This short ride teaches them social skills and makes them deal with new situations. It excites them and gives them those few minutes with their friends to enjoy before their day at school.
So a school bus ride is much more than just a school bus ride......
The kids learn a lot, and I mean a lot, in the school bus. They pick up many cuss words, new ways of bullying, and also how to share. They learn to stand up for their pals and if needed they gang up on a few kids and trouble them. Their chatter goes on non-stop till the bus reaches the school and even as they walk up to their respective classes. There are arguments galore on the seating in the bus. All want the window seat and they vie for the seat next to their best pal. Numerous quarrels and fights take place during that short ride to school and back. Many a times they take the assistance of the bus assistant to solve their quarrels and fights. Sometimes the fights and bullying reach to such an extent that the teacher or parent is called as mediator. The travel by school bus is also a social learning that takes place where the kids bond and/or fight. Gangs and groups are made and broken here. Innumerable ever-lasting friendships are also formed here.
There are also some hilarious moments in the school bus. Today I took the school bus on my way back from school. I saw a few kids enjoying a lollipop. The rest who did not have the lollipop were really curious. One kid even asked the bus assistant how the rest got the lollipops and was told that they got it in school. The lucky ones with the lollipops enjoyed licking them with relish, while the others stared at them with longing. It was really fun to watch it. At times a poor kid starts the day with tears in his eyes when another points out that he/she has not brought any material for a project or not completed the assignment for the day.
On the way back the kids are dropped at their respective stops and they are picked up by their parents or grandparents. The minute they alight they start talking about the happenings in their class, their version of course! The first thing they do is hand over their school bags to their parents and some of them get hugs and kisses as if they have come back after a fortnight from a long trip somewhere.
So if you think that the school bus ride is just that, think again! It is a short journey the kids take each day during which they learn many things and build their attitude and personality. This short ride teaches them social skills and makes them deal with new situations. It excites them and gives them those few minutes with their friends to enjoy before their day at school.
So a school bus ride is much more than just a school bus ride......
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