The boys rejoiced whenever a teacher did not turn up in class. They knew it would be a free-format class where they could do whatever they wanted. Shirley, the class monitor, took over, acting like he was the teacher in charge.
Shirley’s command of the classroom was like a lullaby to the unruly students. He had a no-nonsense voice, and it carried an unmistakable authority. He didn’t need to shout or raise his voice to get the students’ attention. He spoke, and they listened.
On the other hand, the meek teachers were constantly struggling to control the class. They would shout and yell, but the students would ignore them. They were like a dog that barks but doesn’t bite.
Shirley, on the other hand, was like a lion. He was also powerful and confident. He knew he could handle any situation, and the students knew it too. That’s why they listened to him.
Shirley’s methods differed from meek teachers but were also more effective.
Ultimately, Shirley’s command of the classroom was more powerful than the teachers’ shouts and yells. He got the students’ attention and kept them focused on learning, and that’s what mattered.
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Jayantha, the class monitor in the next year, ruled the class with a gentle hand. He towered over his classmates in his slacks, a natural leader who earned their respect. He could tame the wildest boys with a word or a look and keep the class in order when the teachers were away. He had a way with words used to help his friends craft their excuses for skipping school. He was also passionate about penpals and shared his treasure trove of foreign contacts with the boys.
Occasionally, Basil stepped in and took charge of the class. He had a different idea of fun. He turned the chairs and desks into a daring obstacle course and performed gymnastics. The boys watched in awe as he flipped and twisted in the air. They had never witnessed such acrobatic feats before
Basil performed flips, twists, and jumps while balancing on the chairs and desks. He even did a handstand on the top of a desk. The boys cheered and clapped as he performed.
When Basil was finished, the boys were exhausted but happy. They had never had so much fun in a class before. Basil was a natural gymnast, and he acted like a seasoned performer.
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The next time a teacher did not turn up in class, the boys looked to Basil to take over. They knew that he would put on a good show.
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