Finding a school for Sitab. Review on Sea, The Sea, The - Iris Murdoch

Sitab is a three year old boy. He has an I.Q. which is far above average. That means he is able to understand concepts and solve problems which most of his peers cannot. Sitab is amazingly good looking. Even at his tender age he looks very handsome. He carries off clothes with a dignity, style and aplomb. People tell his mother (that?s me) that he can become a model if not a space scientist. When people try to baby talk with Sitab, he gives them a look with his piercing black eyes which make people feel a little ridiculous. Sitab is mature beyond his years. He smiles only when there is something to smile about. He is soft spoken and polite. There is nothing frivolous abut Sitab. Here is where the problem begins.

A classroom in a preschool. Sitab is standing in his classroom with children running and playing around him, ignoring him. There is something about Sitab which make the children keep a distance from him. The teachers are not helping matters. The teachers have given up on Sitab too. When I ask Sitab about his school, I encounter a stony silence from him.

Parent-Teacher?s Meeting.

?Oh? So you are Sitab?s parents ?? A long appraising look by the teacher.

?Er? yes.? We wonder what is coming next.

?He is great at his studies. He is far ahead of all children where work is concerned. But? he does not mix around. He does not display any feelings. He has no friends. He does not even talk to his teachers. I really don?t know what he thinks he is. He has such an attitude. We are tired of him. You should do something about this.?

?What shall I do ?? I wonder aloud.

?Anything. Be a little firm with him. You have to be strict. Punish him if you have to. Tell him that this attitude will not do.?

If only it was that easy. Sigh !

Sitab has a mind of his own. When I ask him what?s wrong, all he says is ?I don?t like the teacher. She shouts at me. The children are silly. I don?t like the school.?

The school has had a great reputation over the years. It is one of the most prestigious schools around. I decide to wait it out and pray things improve with time.

Six months go by. No improvement. The same story, the same complaints.

I look at Sitab. He looks at me, his eyes silently imploring me for understanding.

ENOUGH !

I decided to throw caution to the winds. Armed with my cheque book in one hand and Sitab?s hand in the other I walk into Shemrock Green Preschool. We look around. Red and yellow décor sets the mood right away. Teddy bears, dolls and cars all over the place. A mini zoo with artificial animals in one corner. I looked at Sitab. A big smile on his face. He is excited. A receptionist welcomed us with a smile and took us to a brightly colored classroom where many tiny tots in red and yellow uniforms are sitting. Sitab is welcomed by a sweet looking teacher who has an assured air about her.

?Now don?t worry. Just leave him here and pick him up later.? She says.

Before leaving I turn back at the teacher and say ?Let me warn you that he is an introvert. He does not mix around or socialize at all. You will have a tough time with him.?

A week passes. Two weeks. I wait for the complaints. None are forthcoming.

I gather courage and go to the school to talk to his teacher one day. On seeing me, Sitab runs out to welcome me and what is this !!! He has a big grin on his face and there are about five boys with him whose appearance tells me that they were busy playing some rough and an exhilarating game. I look around for his teacher.

?How did this miracle happen ?? I ask breathlessly.

The teacher looks puzzled. ?What miracle ? Sitab is a very friendly boy and he already has made a sort of a gang of boys who are his ardent followers. He is a leader. Why did you ever feel he is an introvert ? And yes, he is absolutely great at his studies !?

I quiz Sitab about his new school. ?It?s great ! I love it !? he laughs happily.

So now you know what to look for when you are going about hunting the right school for your child. No hard and fast rules here. Every child is different. And if you are a mother, your instincts will tell you what is right for your baby.

P.S. Sitab smiles more often now.