The Heart of the Classroom

Reflections from My Teaching Journey – by Azra Munas

They say experience is the best teacher—and for me, that’s never felt truer than in these past two years. When I first stepped into the world of education as a coding instructor at the School of Computing in Kandy, I had no idea how much I would grow, not just as a teacher but as a person. From running STEM camps and coding classes to leading certificate programs and workshops across schools in Central Sri Lanka, it’s been a whirlwind of learning, adapting, and discovering.

From the Screen to the Classroom

Before this, I was a web developer. My days were filled with logic, structure, and silent concentration—very different from the lively chaos of a classroom full of children! I initially thought I’d simply transfer my tech knowledge to young minds, but teaching turned out to be far more than that. While my web development background definitely helped me bring real-world context to my lessons, it was the students who truly taught me what it means to communicate, connect, and be flexible.
Working with young kids (especially under 10) wasn’t as easy as I imagined—it was much harder, and much more rewarding.

Lessons I Didn’t Expect to Learn

Over time, I found myself diving into areas I never formally studied: child psychology, behavior management, classroom strategy… even how to keep a room full of curious kids focused for more than 10 minutes! I made mistakes, I learned from them, and I slowly found my rhythm. I’ve learned how to break down complex ideas into simple, fun steps. I’ve learned how to read a child’s face and know when something isn’t clicking. I’ve learned the power of a well-timed word of encouragement.
What surprised me most was how much I changed in the process. I became more patient—so much more patient! My confidence grew as I tackled new challenges and figured things out on the go. And those moments when a child finally “gets it,” when they light up with pride at something they created? Nothing compares to that.

Learning to Connect

Every child I’ve met has been different. Some are bold and loud, others are quiet observers. Some pick up concepts in a snap, while others need gentle repetition. I had to learn how to reach each of them in their own way. And sometimes—surprisingly—it was harder to work with the parents than the kids! But even those moments taught me so much: how to communicate honestly, how to build trust, and how to create a space where both children and parents felt supported.
One big takeaway for me has been this: teaching isn’t just about lessons or activities. It’s about building relationships. It’s about seeing the child in front of you as a whole person. When kids feel safe, understood, and valued, that’s when real learning happens.

The Real Reward

Sure, I’m still teaching code, but now I understand that my role is so much more. I’m guiding kids to think, to solve problems, to express themselves, and to believe in their own potential. I’m watching them grow—not just in skills, but in confidence.
These past two years have been full of challenges, yes. But also full of laughter, little triumphs, and a deep sense of fulfillment. I’ve come to believe that the human connection—the empathy, the encouragement, the genuine care—isn’t just a “bonus” in teaching. It’s the heart of it all.
And honestly, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.