A Different Kind of School

Introduction

This tutorial shows how simple things may make learning simpler and more entertaining. The best approach to learning new things is via active learning. Besides learning the basics, we also need to be aware of and concerned about the problems in our surroundings. How can we help kids become more civically engaged and responsible? Let's read the tutorial to find out more.

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Explanation

This story is about a school where kids learn to care for and help each other. The narrator had heard a lot of good things about Miss Beam's School. The school used new ways to teach in order to make the kids better people. The narrator wanted to see everything for himself and had the opportunity to visit Miss Beam's school. When the narrator arrived at the school, there was no one present other than a little girl two years old. A four-year-old boy was leading her between flower beds while her eyes were bandaged. The girl paused and inquired about the visitors and the boy described to her the visual information on the visitor and they went away.

Miss Beam was as per the narrator's expectation she was a middle-aged, domineering, but also a kind and understanding woman. She was plump and her hair was grey. The narrator asked her about the school’s unique teaching approaches. She replied that in her school, teachers only assisted students in learning basic spelling, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and writing techniques. The remaining lessons were taught by reading to them and having engaging conversations with them, during which they were expected to remain still and seated. Besides this one, there were no other lessons.

She stated that the school's goal was to educate children on thoughtfulness, make them kind and concerned, and alert them to their responsibility. She then requested him to peek out the window. The narrator described the lovely surroundings and the numerous happy kids that he could see. It made him sad to see some kids who didn't look very healthy or active. Upon entering, he saw a girl with eye problems. Then he saw two more people with the same type of impairment. He also observed a little girl with a crutch who was observing the other kids playing. She seemed to be lame. Miss Beam chuckled and clarified that she wasn't being lame; rather, she was just having a lame day. The others aren't blind even; they just have their own blind Day. He looked shocked, which made her laugh once again.

She went on to say that in order for their children to appreciate, accept, and comprehend adversity, such activities are an integral component of their system. Every student is required to observe one blind day, one deaf day, one lame day, one dumb day, and one injured day per term. Their eyes are blindfolded on "blind day," and they are not supposed to peek at all on that day. This is done overnight so that when they wake up, they resemble people who are blind and need assistance with everything. Children around them owe them a responsibility to support and mentor them. The blind and their supporters get a lot of knowledge in this manner. Miss Beam noted that even a thoughtless child learns responsibility with this activity. After introducing him to the bandaged girl, Miss Beam left.

The narrator questioned the girl whether she had ever attempted to look out. It would be cheating, the girl replied nervously. She had no idea how horrible being blind was until she had this experience. Since it was impossible to see anything and always afraid of being struck by something. It was a relief to just sit down for her. He also inquired about the kindness of her assistants. Although her response was positive, she felt that the level of attention and assistance was not as great. She could assist more effectively when it was her chance. She said that those who have experienced blind become better at helping others. As they understand the difficulty. Then he asked whether he could guide her in any direction.

She agreed and suggested that they go for a walk. She also requested him to describe certain things. She said she would be happy when the day was over because as per her even awful days are better than being blind. Other activities, in her view, were enjoyable, such as having a leg tied and leaping on support; but she felt that having an arm tied was still problematic since it was hard to eat without help. She claimed she wouldn't mind becoming deaf but being blind worried her because she thinks she might get hurt.

The narrator said they were at the playground heading to the house. Miss Beam and a tall girl were walking up and down the garden. The girl asked about the tall girl's outfit. The narrator described the outfit, including the pink blouse and blue cotton skirt. She then asked what colour her hair was. By her light hair, she assumed the tall girl was Millie, the Head Girl. Next, the narrator said an elderly man was tying flowers to which she replied that he was Peter, a gardener who was 100 years old. Later, on describing a woman on crutches who had red curly hair was identified as Anita by the girl. The narrator understood that he had become more attentive and sensitive to concerns about disabilities. He discovered that he was already 10 times more thoughtful than before. He also realised how enjoyable it is to describe objects and people. Though it was time for the narrator to leave, he felt sorry to leave. Miss Beam beamed with pride as she said if the visitors had such a good impression, then her school was so exceptional and one-of-a-kind.

Conclusion

The tutorial concludes that Miss Beam's school is a unique institution. It imparts empathy and compassion. The kids develop more empathy for other people as a result. Her unusual methods of teaching educate youngsters to be grateful.

FAQs

Q1. Why do you think the writer visited Miss Beam’s school?

Ans: The writer had heard a lot of good things about Miss Beam's School. The school used new ways to teach in order to make the kids better humans. The narrator wanted to see everything for himself.

Q2. Describe the appearance of Miss Beam.

Ans: Miss Beam was a middle-aged, domineering, but also a kind and understanding woman. She was plump and her hair was grey.

Q3. What was the game that every child in the school had to play? Which day was the hardest? Why was it the hardest?

Ans: Every student in the school was required to participate in the "game," which included having one blind day, one deaf day, one lame day, one dumb day, and one injured day per term. The toughest is the blind day because one is constantly afraid of being wounded.

Q4. What did Beam’s school aim to teach? Why?

Ans: The mission of Miss Beam's school was to develop students into responsible members of society. The goal of bookish knowledge is to understand what is good and wrong. However, Miss Beam's school tried to instill the habit of aiding the blind, the lame, and the less fortunate.

Q5. How did the little-bandaged girl make the author much more thoughtful than he ever thought?

Ans: The girl with bandages asked the author to explain things to her. The author had to describe the people and locations with great attention. He took attention to the skirt or hair colour. After a while, he realised he had developed more thoughtfulness.