Children are not confined by fear of failure

The Hatter opened his eyes very wide and asked `Do you know why a raven is like a writing desk?'

'No, I give up,' Alice replied: 'What's the answer?'

'I haven't the slightest idea,' said the Hatter.

The best thing about playing the role of a teacher is that you switch between being either Hatter, asking queries or Alice, not knowing the answers. A decade in scripting and direction makes you come across people of varied age and personalities and it is but interesting how much you have to unlearn to teach.

My drama school OPEN MINDS Productions involves all facets of dramatics, from acting and writing, to set and costume designing and finally direction. Dealing with parents who want to 'push' their child to be a good orator or a teenager who chops off his unruly locks to get into a character, drama unfolds!

I deal with old and young alike, but what do children know that adults seem to have forgotten? Children are more confident, more courageous and enjoy life far more intensely than adults. Teaching is more often than not about helping others become inquisitive and aware of their self-worth. And while doing so being open to learning from those you teach.

1) "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anais Nin.

Imagine an eight-year-old reading out a story in the class. Reading was his non-strength and the reaction of his classmates was anything but encouraging. The following week, our little hero was back again, in full swing. What I realised was that a child's life feels limitless because they are not confined by fears of failure or humiliation. They march forward with hope and determination because they don't know any better.

2) "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." - Robert Brault

It was after a hard day rehearsal when he brought a smile on my face. There he was observing caterpillars for ten minutes because, well, he wanted to draw one! Something simple that we take for granted brings immense joy and profound inspiration. When did we stop noticing the tiny miracles that surround us daily?

3) "I can't explain myself, I'm afraid, Sir, because I'm not myself you see." -Alice

They say teenagers are an arrogant, confused lot. She was accused of being indecisive. A good thing about being their theatre mentor is that they open up to you. What I understood is that it is better to be open-minded and explore possibilities, rather than jump to a conclusion out of fear.

4) "We shouldn't judge people through the prism of our own stereotypes." - Queen Rania of Jordan

Children take each situation or person they meet completely at face value. They're not concerned about visual appearance and they don't look for flaws. They don't assess and then decide if they want to engage or interact; it's just natural. We tend to be prejudiced as adults, don't we?

A teacher who loves learning earns the right and the ability to help others learn. By the way I am still to find out why the raven is like a writing desk!

(Tejaswini Patwardhan is a film director by qualification, and scriptwriter, director and teacher by passion.)