A teacher’s affection can shape a child’s world, while rejection can break it. “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire,” said W.B. Yeats, and that fire burns brighter when fueled by kindness. A teacher’s love is not merely in lessons taught but in warmth shared. A gentle smile, a patient ear, or a word of encouragement can transform a hesitant child into a confident learner. A child who feels valued will dare to dream, to explore, and to grow. “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning,” says Brad Henry.
Yet, when rejection seeps into the classroom—through harsh words, indifference, or favoritism—it leaves scars. A child ignored feels invisible, hesitant to raise their hand, their heart heavy with self-doubt. “The greatest pain in life is not to be rejected, but to be ignored,” as someone once said.
No child should feel unwanted in a space meant to nurture them. Every teacher holds the power to be a beacon of light. Let that light shine through affection, not rejection—for in every child’s heart lies the potential to bloom with love, not wither in neglect.
Mizan Ali
Sunbeam Indiranagar
