Three Ways to Celebrate Mistakes

Three strategies that incorporate the idea that mistakes are important and necessary for growth and learning.

March 24, 2015

1) Start school year/class with the norm that you love and want mistakes

a) From beginning of year ask students to present mistakes so everyone can learn

b) “I love mistakes the most”

2) Don’t just praise mistakes explain why they are important - Mistakes help your brain grow

3) Give work that encourages mistakes

a) Push boundaries – keep students at edge of their understanding

b) Getting all questions right does not produce learning

Grades: Any

Subjects: Math, English / Lit., Science, Social Studies, Other

Time of year: Beginning

Class period: Anytime