Happiness Journal 23/07/25

Today was Spelling Day, so I wrote “katalist” and showed it on the visualiser and challenged my fifth graders to spell it correctly.

Of course, none of them could spell “catalyst”. It was after all a word meant for their older counterparts, 16-year-olds who were to sit for the “O” levels exam. But I didn’t want to confine their horizons, so I taught them how to break it down and arrive at “catalyst”. I’m a Chemistry major, so it delighted me to teach them a word that I’m fond of.

Later today, I wrote words to the effect of “tai chi is the catalyst to developing good mental well-being” for two of my better-progress students. I have faith that under my expert tutelage, they would be able to internalise it sooner or later.