When we had decided to work with the little kids from Panchakanya School, I was prepared for the worst: runny noses and running owners of the noses, fights, hair-pullings and a lot of mess-ups in general. I am happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the kids are not that bad.
In fact, they don't act like kids at all, and I sense that's going to be a problem for some time. There are a few kids who are super-excited at whatever we make them do, and they raise their hands whenever they can and win all the prizes and stuff. But most of the kids are like "Oh, yeah, sure whatever. Am I doing it right, or should I appear less bored? This good enuff for ya?". Not good, but I feel I can bring them over.
I am really worried about the third kind.
Since its a public school, there are students of all age groups in all classes. Most of the kids we work with are 9-11, so all our programs are designed for that group. But some of the students are much older-- 14, 15, and 16-- and they feel left out at most of the activities. Some often roll their ayes and yawn loudly at random times. I am worried about how we'll be able to work with them and rest of the kids without encountering some serious problems. Right now, everything's going as well as expected.