When my students feel like this I make a point of thanking them for letting me know what I need to be teaching them. I'll frequently write it down and and tell them that when they tell me what is tricky for them, it helps me learn how to be a better teacher. They usually seem to feel quite a bit better, because it takes the emphasis off of *them* not knowing something to what the teacher can work on. I teach first grade. Sonja from www.gradeonesnapshots.blogspot.ca
Great tip Sonja! I like how you take it off your students, especially since they are the little guys. Thank you for helping us to lift up our students!
Right now I'm teaching 4/5th Gifted Students. Normally they loved to be challenged and to learn new things. However, I have some students who don't pick up on things quite as quickly as others. We talk about making mistakes means that we're trying. If you don't try then you'll never grow. We often read about politicians, authors, scientists & inventors that have tried many things and failed at some and achieved at some.
After all, isn't that the point of school - to learn something new?
I love how you talk about mistakes as trying and learning from them. It is a great idea to read about how others tried and failed at times and were successful at times. Excellent point! We should all be learning something new.
I try to remind students that no one is perfect, and I give them an example from my life. Usually, a time I thought I failed, or made a mistake, and then what happened afterward. Did I learn a lesson? I think it's so important for kids to know that adults make mistakes too. It's all a part of the learning process.
So true Theresa! I also allow my students to see when I make a mistake in class. They always seem to be surprised that the teacher makes mistakes too. We need to show our students that we all make mistakes.
When my students feel like this I make a point of thanking them for letting me know what I need to be teaching them. I'll frequently write it down and and tell them that when they tell me what is tricky for them, it helps me learn how to be a better teacher. They usually seem to feel quite a bit better, because it takes the emphasis off of *them* not knowing something to what the teacher can work on. I teach first grade. Sonja from www.gradeonesnapshots.blogspot.ca
ReplyDeleteGreat tip Sonja! I like how you take it off your students, especially since they are the little guys. Thank you for helping us to lift up our students!
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm teaching 4/5th Gifted Students. Normally they loved to be challenged and to learn new things. However, I have some students who don't pick up on things quite as quickly as others. We talk about making mistakes means that we're trying. If you don't try then you'll never grow. We often read about politicians, authors, scientists & inventors that have tried many things and failed at some and achieved at some.
ReplyDeleteAfter all, isn't that the point of school - to learn something new?
Deniece
I love how you talk about mistakes as trying and learning from them. It is a great idea to read about how others tried and failed at times and were successful at times. Excellent point! We should all be learning something new.
DeleteThanks Deniece!
I try to remind students that no one is perfect, and I give them an example from my life. Usually, a time I thought I failed, or made a mistake, and then what happened afterward. Did I learn a lesson? I think it's so important for kids to know that adults make mistakes too. It's all a part of the learning process.
ReplyDeleteTheresa @ True Life I'm a Teacher!
So true Theresa! I also allow my students to see when I make a mistake in class. They always seem to be surprised that the teacher makes mistakes too. We need to show our students that we all make mistakes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!