Any hard-working entrepreneur will agree that the road to success is paved by failure. But for many students, one success after another paves a way as far from failure as possible. So how do we teach students that learning often involves failing? We train them to be well-rounded, problem solvers.
We value learning over accomplishment. We nurture creativity and critical thinking. When children expect and accept failure as part of the growth process, their aptitude for knowledge increases.
Consider these questions to encourage learning in your kids.
WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD?
Do you show off report cards and A+ tests on the refrigerator? Instead of that — or in addition to it — display problems your students are proud of solving. Or even better, problems they are still trying to solve.
If you have a small white board, put a new long division problem up every day, and solve it together during breakfast. Or write a new daily vocab word for their foreign language.
By highlighting the process of learning, memorizing, or working through problems, you take the focus off of the final product.
WHAT DO YOU REWARD?
Many parents pay a flat fee for every A on a report card. Or they take a family trip to the ice cream shop after a dance recital. There’s nothing wrong with this. But consider finding ways to praise good work along the way.
For example, get that ice cream after a heartbreaking loss in a soccer game. Not as a consolation, but because your kid shook hands with his opponents, cheered on his teammates, and kept a positive attitude.
Or post a video on social media — not of a polished, practiced piano performance, but once your child finally masters the tough section that has intimidated her in Beethoven’s Sonatina in G.
Words of affirmation also go a long way. Think about specific strengths and areas of improvement for your kids. “I noticed you got a big snack after school today instead of heading straight for the TV. That’s such a great choice to set you up for a productive homework session so you can play before dinner!”
Or, “It seems like that Lego set was really frustrating you. I’m proud of you for not smashing what you’ve already built and stepping away. How about we go back to it together and see if we can figure it out?”
WHERE CAN YOU GROW AS WELL?
As we raise lifelong learners, we embrace learning for ourselves. We know that education doesn’t stop once we graduate, but sometimes we forget to be intentional about it. After all, avoiding failure plagues adults as well as children.
Let your children watch you try and fail. Show them you are below average at something. Be free to laugh at yourself and make light of new situations. Model discipline and consistency in becoming a better version of yourself. Here are some ideas:
- Pick up a new physical activity like running or weight lifting, and then show up regularly to practice.
- Try to learn a new language or join them in what language they are learning.
- Research the properties of turmeric that might help ADHD, and then experiment with recipes in the kitchen.
- Do you have a presentation at work coming up? Practice in front of your kids, and let them evaluate you.
- Next time you lose your temper, double book the calendar, or forget a promise you made, apologize quickly and explain what you’re going to do differently next time. Ask them to help keep you accountable for changing. Encouraging learning boils down to highlighting the process and not necessarily the destination.
If you are looking for a school that motivates and validates this process, check us out. Self Development Academy is recognized as one of the best K-8 charter schools nationwide. We have campuses in Phoenix and Mesa. We can’t wait to hear from you.
For more information regarding Self Development Academy, please contact us at (480) 641-2640. The Mesa school is located at 1709 N. Greenfield Road, Mesa