To a Taiwanese person, this would likely seem completely innocuous, but, to my American brain, the idea of two children walking around unsupervised with complete trust that they would be responsible and safe at just nine years old was crazy. Can you imagine elementary school students wandering around outside their school in the middle of the day in the U.S. with no concern that they might be harmed or irresponsible? Students here also experience very little supervision during the 10-20 minutes of play time they get between each 40 minute class, with the freedom to run and play how they choose. They are given a two minute warning bell when they need to go to class, where they walk to on their own. This freedom, independence and trust encourages students here to respond by being responsible and punctual (most of the time).
As a student in the U.S., I remember everything being incredibly regulated and orderly, with lines to go to classes, lunch and recess. It is freeing to teach in Taiwan and see the potential of young people when they are treated with respect and trust. It is also a wonderful feeling to work in a country where student lives are protected and valued, and where students can play and exist without fear.
