Happy with every Literature lesson

(DN) - Happiness - two simple words but carrying many layers of meaning. Some people find happiness in big things, others find it in small, everyday moments. As for me, happiness comes from teaching in class, seeing students passionate about Literature - a subject that many of them used to think was difficult and boring.

When I first started my career, I heard many people say: “Students nowadays no longer like to study Literature. They only like to study Math and English.” That is not difficult to understand, but it still makes me wonder. Is it possible that in today’s hectic life, people forget that Literature is the heartbeat, the voice of emotions, the place where the human soul is illuminated and grows? And I promise myself: With love for the profession, love for literature and dedication, I will help students find that vibration again.

In the early days, I encountered many indifferent eyes in class, absentmindedly watching the clouds drifting outside the window. The most difficult thing was the homework, many of the students' essays were exactly the same. I remember when I went to school, there were no sample essays to look at because at that time there were no textbooks, the whole class was given 5 sets of textbooks by the school, and had to take turns looking at them. Now, the students have plenty of sample essays to look at and copy. When they got a score of 2, many students protested: "Teacher, which friend's essay is similar to mine?". I calmly explained: "You guys are similar to the sample's essay", making the whole class laugh. I gently reminded: "I give you a score of 2 because you copied. From now on, remember to write your own essays, good or bad, I will give you a high score. Literature needs honesty, write with your own emotions from your heart and soul."

Since then, I have taught Literature in a different way. I don't want students to just memorize the notes I give them or sample analyses. I often tell them small stories behind each work - stories about an author, a life, a feeling... Through these stories, I let students feel, understand, and express their own thoughts. The lessons gradually become more lively, with laughter mixed with debate. Some students who used to be silent the whole period now raise their hands to speak. Some students who used to be afraid of writing now run up to the teacher at the end of the period to send their writings to her for correction. And since then, almost at the end of every period, a few students ask her to correct their writings, and I feel happy and pleased about that.

Not only learning in class, I also apply the experiential method for the students. I remember one year, the school was near the ripe rice fields, I took the students there to observe, when learning descriptive writing. The students were very happy, excited, passionate as if touching something beautiful on the bright golden ripe rice fields. I want them to understand that the beauty of the homeland and country is not only through images or essays, poems, folk songs... but exists around us - in every drop of sweat, every laugh, every rhythm of life. I boldly let the students experience the scenic spots, historical sites in the old Binh Phuoc area such as: Ba Ra Mountain, Waterfall No. 4... so that they can write an essay explaining the local scenic spots.

The trips were full of excitement, joy and the love between teachers and students and friends became closer. Feeling the beauty of nature with their eyes and ears helped the students love their homeland more and their writings were full of emotions. It was in these moments that I felt my heart warm again. I understood that a teacher's happiness does not come from compliments, but from the changes in students - from eyes that shine with love, from hearts that are moved by the beauty, goodness and truth of life. When I met a former student, I confided: "Thanks to you, I love Literature more, I understand that studying Literature is learning how to live, learning how to love and I switched to taking the Literature major exam, contrary to my original plan." That statement made me so moved that I was speechless, my heart filled with happiness. Because I know that I have contributed a small part in nurturing in the students a love for Literature and beauty.

Then there were times when I received news that my students had won prizes in provincial Literature competitions. Even though I had never prepared for the Literature competitions, they all texted and called to share: “Thanks to your encouragement, I am confident in taking the exam.” I felt so happy, it was all like a priceless gift. I knew I had done what every teacher hopes for: sowing seeds of love into the hearts of children.

Happiness to me - sometimes is not something lofty, but just seeing students grow up, seeing them know how to live kindly, know how to love, know how to be moved by the beauty of life. Happiness is the late afternoons after teaching, I take the time to read each page written by my students, seeing in them a glimpse of my own image - a person who sows words with faith and love for the profession, love for literature.

I find my own happiness in each Literature lesson, happiness when I live among young souls, when my passion is kindled, when I see my students love beauty, love this life as I love teaching, love literature. That happiness is simple but profound, quiet but lasting like the small flame that still burns in the heart of the person who sows words.

Ngoc Dung

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/van-hoa/chao-nhe-yeu-thuong/202510/hanh-phuc-voi-tung-tiet-day-van-8a7208f/