I know you can handle it.
posted by Sarah @ 5:49 AM
6 Comments
Monday, October 27, 2008
Previous Posts
- Sounds like you have a problem.
- Why did you do that?
- Thank you for sharing that. It's not a choice.
- Please make a different choice
- Choose, decide, and pick
- If I were you...
- I don't want to hear any more tattling!
- Stop that noise and sit down.
- Where were you when I explained this?
- You're Late
Subscribe to
Posts [Atom]
6 Comments:
I am a rescuer by training (my mother), if there were a twelve step program I would join it! I have to consciously work to be silent while children are problem solving. I can add this for when they ask for help on something that is within their grasp. I do think it is helpful to give little bits of support when a child is becoming overwhelmed, at least in the beginning of the relationship, to help them get started.
I truly believe that students can handle virtually any situation. We have a saying in my room - I can't control the wind, but I can adjust my sails. Giving the situation back to the student in this manner provides wonderful validation to the student. We all need to be validated!
When I stay out of it, and let students solve the problem or tackle the challenge, I am often floored by their creativity, flexibility, and ability to change course. Taking the sideline and letting them take the field can be very enlightening!
The younger students sometimes get emotionally frustrated when they can't express their point clearly. Building their confidence to keep trying is an ongoing process for us. They want me to come in and "fix it". It will be a maturing process I think as the year goes on for some students. I am impressed at how they do handle many situations. It's fun to listen to them take a stand on something they feel strongly about without "losing it" and getting angry.
I say, "I know you can handle it" if it's a situation I truly believe they can handle. "What" they can handle is different for each child. Foss Science is a good example of letting them experience discovery learning with very little guidance. You would think Honor's kids "could handle" this, but it is usually most frustrating to them!
I often use the phrase "practice makes perfect" and if you work on something long enough you will be able to get it, and that our work in class is just our practice time, time to work on getting something. I also emphasize that we're not looking for perfection but improvement - that helps take the pressure off. Most students quickly see that they can accomplish quite a bit if they "practice".
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home