Inside every child is a Rainbow waiting to Shine!

Every child has untapped potential. Even the ones who present as the most terrible storm just need the right conditions to allow their rainbows to shine through.

I've often found that one teacher's toughest and most challenging student could be another's dream and absolute favourite. It absolutely boggled my mind until I had a class and students of my own. When I started teaching my own class, I found I had the same experience. Over time I learnt that while I will always appreciate a bit of background information about my students from their previous teachers, I try to limit it to essential information only. It really does help to heave a little bit of extra insight into their family background, their average academic ability and learning style and also their general behaviou. However, I want to get to know that child as if I have never seen them before and as if they are a completely fresh face at school.

This is main for two reasons. Firstly because I don't want another teacher's perspective to influence and cloud my own judgements. I want to judge that child based on my experience with them, not someone else's. Secondly, because what may have worked and what may not have worked for that teacher with that particular student, might be the exact opposite for me. I might find that doing exactly what they told me not to do results in exactly what is needed and vice versa. Another reason is also that as children grow physically throughout their school career, they also grow mentally and emotionally. Their personalities develop and their interests and dislikes change. Last year they loved stickers and lollipops, this year they need rules and structure with long-term rewards.

The same can be said for parents with more than one child. How often do you find that what worked for you first born or second doesn't work for your other child or children. That is because not only are they each unique individuals, but even you as a parent have changed through your own experiences and your own learning.

There is no fixed recipe that is going to work for all the children in your class, just like there isn't one that works for every teacher. Every child is unique just like every rainbow we see. The conditions and circumstances that allow them to shine will always vary and take time. We need to make sure that we take the time necessary to nurture them, guide and assist them, and always allow them the opportunity to shine. They may not show their rainbows every day or even every week. But when they do, it will be the most marvelous sight.

Always look for rainbows in everyone and every child you meet.