Primary School,
Queensland
I taught a boy who arrived in my class completely disengaged. I needed to find his little spark. One morning he was singing I Want It That Way by the Backstreet Boys. I began humming the tune until he noticed and shared with me that this was his favourite song.
From that small spark, a huge fire grew. He blossomed – he began seeing himself as a learner and a valued member of our team. The song became our class anthem – used to celebrate successes and lift us in low moments. On the last day, my kiddies excitedly gifted me with tickets to the Backstreet Boys. The memories of this concert, and our special song, continually remind me of the individual impact I had on him, as well as the joy and pride I felt witnessing my class grow into a learning community who loved and encouraged him, and each other, to let their lights shine!
