Rainbow Community School has always been a safe haven for introverted children. ย In a world where social aggressiveness has be glorified, especially in the competitive public education model, Rainbow has always had a way of understanding and honoring the power of the introvert.
Three insights from Rainbow on educating introverts:
1. ย Provide “in-breath and out-breath” time. ย At Rainbow, we have active and “outward” times of day; but unlike most schools, those are balanced with “inward” times. ย Every day has moments of silence, such as when we take three breaths together at morning centering, or when we watch nature, or when we decide to have a meditational lunch.
2. Provide many speaking opportunities where introverts can share about something they are passionate about in a safe space — with their classmates. ย That eventually builds up to speaking in front of the whole community. ย However, if they are actually terrified, allow them to “pass” until they are comfortable. ย It takes time to build trust.
3. Allow introverts to find a role they are comfortable with. ย Instead of forcing a terrified child to sing in a performance, a Rainbow teacher might ask them to take on another role, such as being in charge of costumes or props. ย Such a role actually makes them a leader in the eyes of their peers, and builds confidence.
How Parents And Teachers Can Nurture The ‘Quiet Power’ Of Introverts
