VietNamNet Bridge - The Education Publishing House has decided to remove the lesson on teaching students to walk on glass from the life skill textbook designed for first graders. However, the issue remains controversial.

Many parents were astonished when they saw the lesson.

Phan Quoc Viet and Nguyen Thi Thuy Duong, the authors of the reference book for first graders, in a lesson about bravery, related a story about a student named An who can walk safely on a glass-made carpet. They also gave instructions to students on how to walk on glass.

At first, An was scared when the teacher asked him to walk on glass. However, with the teacher’s encouragement and guidance, An could do it easily. Later, An persuaded his classmates to do the same, saying that walking on glass was not as dangerous as people thought.

“I cannot understand why first graders, very small children, have to experience the lesson. What will happen if they, without necessary skills, try walking on glass and hurt themselves?” said Hoang Thuy Hoa, a parent in Hanoi, on an education forum.

Hoa believes that such skills should be taught to secondary school students, for example, instead of small children who lack knowledge and courage as well.

“First graders need to learn basic skills needed for their daily life, such as having meals, washing their face and helping parents do simple work, not walking on glass,” she said.

Phan Quoc Viet, one of the two authors, said students need to learn life skills and practice activities necessary for daily life. Meanwhile, lessons cannot be taught with just theory. Practice hours will help students.

Viet said there was no need to worry about students’ safety when they practiced walking on glass. “I can carry one person on my back and walk on glass,” he said.

The educator told VnExpress that the lesson has been taught to students over the last 10 years and no accident has occurred. He said that he will take responsibility for any troubles to occur.

When designing the lesson, Viet said he wanted to convey the message that humans need to face fear. They are stronger than they think, and with necessary skills, they can overcome difficulties.

Viet consulted with parents when he compiled the lesson and received strong support from parents, who said their children were too shy and they wanted their children to become more courageous.

CV