When the Spark Doesn’t Show

Today’s lesson left me quiet inside.

I had a student who, from start to finish, wore an expressionless mask. I tried everything—Blooket games, animated explanations, even my best teacher-dust to sprinkle some joy into the room. But nothing stirred. No smile, no giggle, no spark. Just quiet compliance as she worked through the maths exercises I gave her.

I walked away wondering: Did she find it boring? Did I fail to reach her?

As educators, we carry this deep desire to ignite wonder. We want our students to feel the thrill of discovery, the joy of solving, the beauty of patterns. And when that doesn’t happen—especially after we’ve poured our hearts into the lesson—it can feel like a personal defeat.

But today, I learned something humbling: I don’t have control over how a student receives a lesson. I can only offer my best. The rest is hers to take, shape, and make her own.

Maybe she was tired. Maybe she was processing quietly. Maybe maths isn’t her love language—yet.

And that’s okay.

Because I’m not giving up. I’m here to help kids see that maths isn’t just numbers—it’s a playground of logic, creativity, and wonder. Even if the spark doesn’t show today, I’ll keep showing up tomorrow. With hope. With grace. With the belief that every child deserves a chance to fall in love with learning.