Sometimes, something as simple as an old book can take us back decades in just a few seconds.
On July 29, 2025, I came across a book I hadn’t thought about in years: “Look, Listen and Learn!” by L. G. Alexander.
The moment I saw its familiar red cover, I was no longer looking at an old English textbook. I was back in my elementary school classroom, surrounded by childhood memories.
I could almost hear our teacher’s voice as she brought each lesson to life with enthusiasm and patience. I remembered the wooden desks, the chalkboard, and the excitement we felt whenever she introduced us to Sandy, Sue, and Billy — especially Billy, with his funny tricks and the laughter that followed.
Back then, we were simply children learning English. We didn’t realise that something much more meaningful was happening.
That book wasn’t just teaching us vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciation. It was encouraging us to imagine, discover, laugh, and enjoy learning.
And our teacher wasn’t simply explaining lessons. She was creating memories.
Looking back now, especially through my own experience teaching Programming and Artificial Intelligence, I understand something I couldn’t fully appreciate as a child:
A good teacher doesn’t just help students remember information. A great teacher makes them remember how learning made them feel.
Technology has changed classrooms. Books have become digital resources, chalkboards have given way to interactive screens, and artificial intelligence is opening new possibilities for education.
But I believe one thing remains unchanged: the lasting impact of a teacher who makes learning meaningful.
Nearly four decades later, I may have forgotten many of the English exercises we completed, but I still remember the characters, the laughter, and the teacher who made those lessons special.
Perhaps that’s the real magic of education.
Some books teach us lessons. Some teachers give those lessons a place in our memories forever.
And sometimes, all it takes is an old red book to remind us.
More on teaching and learning · Where my values began — Collège de la Sainte Famille
Originally shared on LinkedIn on July 29, 2025. Revisited and adapted for GORGY.ORG as part of my personal reflections on childhood, education, and lifelong learning.