LEAven Blog
I Think I Can
One of the true joys in my career is getting to teach study skills. It sounds like a nerdy passion, but I love introducing students to their brains and teaching them how to make them work even better. After 20 plus years of doing this, I have found a universal truth: attitude is everything. The old adage, “If you think you can’t, you’re probably right,” is absolutely true. Students who don’t think they can do math, struggle with math. If they hate reading, they will continue to struggle with it all the more. I have gotten into the habit of reading “The Little Engine That Could,” to classes at the beginning of every year. It gives us the opportunity to talk about shifting attitudes from negative to positive.
This is true for students, but it is also true for teachers. If you believe that a student can’t learn or you can’t teach him, you’re probably right. If you believe that a student doesn’t belong in your room or in your school, you may actually be speaking this into existence. Your mood and your attitude have a direct affect on your students’ mood and attitude.
When was the last time you read “The Little Engine That Could,” to yourself? How is your attitude? Do you think you can?
One of the mindset shifts that we can make for ourselves is to allow our students to be who they are and where they are right now. Don’t look for a place to lay blame for how far behind a child is or how she behaves. Even if there is someone or a situation that is to blame, it doesn’t matter. How we got here is in the past. These children are loved by the Father and forgiven by the Son. We need to give them our best effort.
Next, we need to add the word “yet” to the phrase “He can’t …” He can’t read at grade level yet. We can’t walk quietly down the hall yet. She doesn’t know her multiplication facts yet. This tiny three letter word wields a lot of power. It allows you to lift the burden of the way you think things should be off of your shoulders. It is forgiving, pours grace on you and your students, and gives you a way to set goals and find a path forward.
Finally, set goals; small, attainable goals; goals that you can achieve one little bit at a time. We can read this sentence together. We can walk from here to the bathroom without talking. We can practice skip counting by 3’s. Baby steps are a good thing. Even if they are a little wobbly, there is movement. The important thing is to believe you can (with the help of God, of course).
