We are always inspired by stories from teachers who integrate tutoring practices into their daily work. After all, tutoring is not only about knowledge of math or language. It’s first and foremost about trust, emotions, support, and personal growth. Sometimes the most important changes happen in the quiet moments of conversation — honest, warm, and unexpectedly transformative.
That’s exactly what happened in the story of Polina Taranenko — a participant of the Wave of Inspiration training and a teacher who is already actively applying tutoring tools in her classroom.
One day, together with her students, she began a conversation about talents — about what they’re good at, what brings them joy, and what they can be proud of.
Polina shares this moment in her improvised diary
Hello, my name is Polina, and I am a participant of the Wave of Inspiration training.
During one of our catch-up sessions, which we dedicated to the topic of talents, I never expected a seemingly simple discussion to turn out so difficult for the children.
The same students who usually chatter non-stop during breaks and eagerly answer questions in class suddenly fell silent.
“So, what are your talents? What brings you joy? What do others praise you for?”
Simple questions, it would seem. But they made the children pause and truly reflect.
Some admitted honestly: “I’m praised only for giving the right answers in class.”
At home — “Not really… maybe just for good grades.”
Yes, there were a few who confidently said: “I get praised often — at home and at school!”
But most quickly noted that this was more the exception than the rule.
And there it was — a revelation!
In our lessons, we often talk about emotions, experiences, and dreams. The tutoring component is designed so that every child feels valued, that each has the space to simply be themselves and to be heard.
During this particular session, the students found creative ways to capture and express their talents.
Because talents are not just about grades. They are about uniqueness, about little things that, over time, can grow into something much bigger. And whether that “something big” becomes a source of joy or pain — that depends largely on us, the adults.
So, dear adults, praise your children!
For their honesty. For their small steps. For their efforts. For simply being who they are.
So that every child knows deep down: I matter.
