What did I learn today?
Today our class was on a field trip and I happened to find one of my favourite quotes by Albert Einstein posted: A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.
It's so true. In my class of young scientists, I encourage making mistakes, to start the process of becoming more comfortable when they occur. I believe making mistakes promotes problem solving, peer collaboration, and helps build self-esteem. At the beginning of the year we talk a lot about why it's okay to make mistakes. It's how we learn. When someone makes a mistake we discuss it as a class, collaborate on possible solutions, and eventually arrive at a solution to try out. Those two words “try out” are important because if one solution doesn't work, we try again.
At the end of our day today when we got back to school and students reflected upon their experiences on the field trip, I was able to see a great example of the rewards that come from making mistakes. After months of hard work, making mistakes, and never giving up, a young student began to write independently for the first time. It occurred so naturally that the student was unaware of the majestical moment.
This student's self-determination and their sense of stick-to-it-ness inspires me to take on a growth mindset when I am learning how to do something new. I do not enjoy being vulnerable and admitting that I don't know how to do something. However I know that if I don't give up and I keep asking questions, I too will become more comfortable with the process of making mistakes. After all the best thing that will happen is that I will continue to stretch and grow in my skills. Thank you to my students who teach me everyday.
Kim King - Teacher of grade 1 and 2, loves nature, coffee, books, knitting and seeing the spark ignite in students.
It's so true. In my class of young scientists, I encourage making mistakes, to start the process of becoming more comfortable when they occur. I believe making mistakes promotes problem solving, peer collaboration, and helps build self-esteem. At the beginning of the year we talk a lot about why it's okay to make mistakes. It's how we learn. When someone makes a mistake we discuss it as a class, collaborate on possible solutions, and eventually arrive at a solution to try out. Those two words “try out” are important because if one solution doesn't work, we try again.
At the end of our day today when we got back to school and students reflected upon their experiences on the field trip, I was able to see a great example of the rewards that come from making mistakes. After months of hard work, making mistakes, and never giving up, a young student began to write independently for the first time. It occurred so naturally that the student was unaware of the majestical moment.
This student's self-determination and their sense of stick-to-it-ness inspires me to take on a growth mindset when I am learning how to do something new. I do not enjoy being vulnerable and admitting that I don't know how to do something. However I know that if I don't give up and I keep asking questions, I too will become more comfortable with the process of making mistakes. After all the best thing that will happen is that I will continue to stretch and grow in my skills. Thank you to my students who teach me everyday.
Kim King - Teacher of grade 1 and 2, loves nature, coffee, books, knitting and seeing the spark ignite in students.
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