Wishes in the 'fun classroom'

Hearing those whispered words, Ms. Pham Ngoc Tran, the teacher at the "fun class," felt a lump in her throat.

The class aims to give the children more "vitamins of smiles," so that they can be happier and more optimistic.

From the beginning of January 2024, two special classes called "fun classes" were opened in the Nephrology-Endocrinology and Infectious Diseases-Neurology departments of Children's Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to help young patients of primary school age review their knowledge, find more joy, and forget the pain of long-term treatment.

He was still trying to hold a pen while the IV needle was still in his hand.

During a visit to the "fun classroom," the image that moved us all was that of the students, with IV tubes still in their arms, their faces pale, yet eagerly awaiting their teacher. They tried their best to complete every assignment she gave them, and some even asked for extra homework to continue working on when they returned to their hospital rooms.

Young patients attentively learn in the "fun classroom".

Minh Thu, a girl about 10 years old, is very bright and constantly volunteers to answer questions. After a week of attending the "fun class," Minh Thu has become familiar with the environment and even helps her classmates understand the lessons. Recently, she was discharged from the hospital and returned home. Before saying goodbye to the class, Minh Thu made greeting cards with wishes for her teacher and classmates. "Minh Thu might have to come back for a follow-up examination in two weeks. She will come back to class then. Honestly, the teachers and doctors here only hope that the young patients will recover completely soon, so that they can return home, go to school, and play in the playground like other children their age," shared Ms. Pham Ngoc Tran, a staff member of the Social Work Department at Children's Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, and the teacher of the "fun class."

Watching his child listen to the teacher's lesson, Mr. Toan (39 years old, a parent in Ho Chi Minh City) said that his child is being monitored and treated in the Infectious Diseases - Neurology department because the child's legs suddenly start twitching, each twitch lasting about 10 seconds, making the child prone to falling. The child has to take medication regularly and he doesn't know when he will be discharged from the hospital. Mr. Toan said he's lucky to have this class, where his child can sit and learn with other children and teachers, helping to ease the longing for school and friends, and lessen the fear of long-term treatment in the hospital.

One child confided in me, "Right now, my classmates are taking their semester exams at school. I'm still in the hospital, so I can't take them. I'm trying my best to study well, so when I go back to school, I won't have to worry about not understanding the lessons, okay, teacher?" Or another child said, "I want to go home, I miss my grandparents, my home, and my friends." It's so heartbreaking to hear... I just hope the children recover soon so we can see each other again, but not in the hospital.

Ms. Pham Ngoc Tran, staff member of the Social Work Department at Children's Hospital 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

" VITAMIN FOR A SMILE"

Both 24 years old, both graduates of the Social Work program at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, and both working at the Social Work Department of Children's Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, Pham Ngoc Tran and Nguyen Hoang Chi Tram were assigned to be teachers in the "fun class." Tasked with helping young children review math, Vietnamese, and English from grades 1 to 5, Tran, Tram, and their colleagues at the Social Work Department prepared carefully.

In addition to compiling class lists and checking students' current skill levels, the members also support each other in researching the curriculum of subjects according to current textbooks to prepare lesson plans for each day. At the same time, to ensure effective teaching, Ms. Tran and Ms. Tram also seek advice from lecturers and students at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education.

"Previously, when we were social work students, we participated in many volunteer activities and taught underprivileged children in several localities. Therefore, accompanying child patients in the 'fun classroom' is not too unfamiliar to us," Ms. Tran said.

"The 'Fun Class' is held in the mornings on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The class size varies, sometimes with 6 students, but other times with 10 or 12, depending on the health of the young patients. Classes start at 9 a.m., but from around 8 a.m., Ms. Tran, Ms. Tram, and their colleagues prepare the classroom and divide themselves up to go to each ward to bring the children to class, as not all parents are aware of this class."

The children were provided with textbooks, notebooks, and learning materials. Besides reviewing and supplementing their academic knowledge, the teachers also provided lively lessons on life skills, taught them dance and singing, and encouraged them to draw and play games. True to its name, the class primarily aims to give the children "vitamin smiles," so they can be happy and optimistic, thus recovering from illness more quickly.

The illness will eventually pass, and the children will be able to go back to school, spending a long, long time with their friends – just like the dreams they are hoping for…

SPRING WISH

Ms. Ngoc Tran shared that her time accompanying the young patients has given her many memorable experiences. "One child confided in me, 'Right now at school, my friends are taking their semester exams. I'm still in the hospital, so I can't take them. I'll try my best to study well, so when I go back to school, I won't have to worry about not understanding the lessons, okay, teacher?' Or another child said, 'I want to go home, I miss my grandparents, my home, and my friends.' It was so touching. We prepared snacks and candies to give to them, encouraging them when they finished their homework or studied well. We just hope the children recover soon so we can see each other again, but not in the hospital."

Meanwhile, Ms. Chi Tram said that to ensure effective teaching and playing with child patients, she and her colleagues have to read many materials, not only to gain knowledge but also to understand children's psychology, making it easier to talk to, play with, and encourage the children.

As Tet (Lunar New Year) approaches, the atmosphere at Children's Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City becomes more bustling. Flower-lined paths and "check-in" spots are decorated along the "spring flower street" within the hospital. The faces of the young patients and their parents also relax, easing some of their worries. Tet is coming, and the children long to return home to celebrate a warm and joyful Tet with their families and loved ones. Illness will eventually pass, and they will be able to return to their schools, spending a long, long time with their friends – fulfilling their dreams…

More volunteers will be available to tutor the children right at their hospital beds.

Mr. Chu Van Thanh, Deputy Head of the Social Work Department at Children's Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, said that the "fun class" is one of the activities aimed at making the time children spend in the hospital more comfortable. Children learn while playing, and play while learning, reviewing knowledge while also feeling happy and optimistic, thus increasing the effectiveness of their treatment. In the future, Mr. Thanh said that more volunteers, including students from teacher training colleges, will be added, and the "fun class" may be expanded to other departments. For children who cannot travel to the class, tutoring will be provided right in their hospital beds.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/dieu-uoc-o-lop-hoc-vui-ve-185240204182153467.htm