Untitled
Look at this field of dandelions. I can never fully capture on camera the beauty of a vast field that stretches as far as the eye can see. I see them every day for weeks, yet I always find a new composition, angle, or reason to photograph them.
My calm brain starts thinking of random things… How many dandelions are in the world? Who said we can tell the time with them? As a little girl, I would pick a ‘dandelion clock’ and blow out breaths that magically matched the hour! I think I only ever did this at three o’clock since it wouldn’t take twelve breaths had I done it at noon.
All these dandelions began their lives at around the same time, but some have already lost many of their fluffy white seeds to the wind, while others are trying to hold on to theirs. I love a good metaphor, and I’ve recently returned to teaching at school. Each class is made up of children from various backgrounds and cultures. No two children, aside from siblings, have the same family situations, but even then each one has their own unique emotions, thoughts, and comfort zones.
So why are they all expected to be equal in their ability to learn the same things at the same pace? Our dandelion counterparts live in the same field, but conditions play a part in how their future is shaped and yet they will all if given the chance to live, progress through life and thrive. All strong and capable, but finding these strengths and capabilities at different times of life.
Of course it is essential in formal education to monitor progress, thats what purpose it should serve though, monitoring progress checking that there are no barriers to learning that can be solved with kindness not threats and sanctions. Each beautiful dandelion will reach its full potential in good time. Maybe not by conforming and living up to the same expectations as others; but by encouragement and patience and the resources to give the individual guidance that is so needed.
Samantha Humphreys 