The school year is starting back up and I have been seeing many articles about how we shouldn’t focus on what children are struggling with, rather their strengths. I agree and most of these articles are around social emotional needs of children and Covid related things. However, some are also about academic gaps. While I most certainly agree that we need to focus on what students are doing and their strengths, I would argue that we should re-imagine how we think about what students are struggling with academically.
We SHOULD be focusing on what they are struggling with, but not for the reason you perhaps think when I say “struggling.” Struggling means a child is still in the game and hasn’t given up. This is when we need to get in and figure out what it is that a child is struggling with, then support that and nurture that development. We first have to know what this child is struggling with and it’s not getting the answer. She is struggling with or grappling with an idea of mathematics. We need to be looking for evidence of what big idea she is trying to wrap her head around. If you have read my previous posts, you know I have referenced Cathy Fosnot’s Landscapes of Learning and these are my go-to resources for determining where a child is in her development and figuring out what I can do next to support her.
A colleague gave me a copy of Jo Boaler’s book, “Limitless Mind.” One of the “learning keys” she indicates reads, “The times when we are struggling and making mistakes are the best times for brain growth.” (p. 47) We need to make sure we tell children that if something is hard for them right now, that is actually a good thing. Maybe say to them, “that means your brain is trying to figure this out, keep at it!” Or, “you are making some mistakes right now and this means your brain is thinking and growing. This is a good thing and you are capable of figuring this out.” Messages like this show students we value this struggle which is necessary for learning and growth. It also feels really good when we struggle with something, persevere and finally figure it out. Those moments are priceless and we need to make sure our students experience them.
I highly recommend this book for both teachers and parents. I am finding loads of inspiration as well as more knowledge about brain research and how best to support ALL children in their mathematical development.
Parents, some advice for you: When your child is struggling with something, celebrate this struggle as a positive thing and encourage them to keep trying because they will figure something out and their brain will grow. Celebrate their perseverance and risk-taking and yes their mistakes. If they are struggling with something, that means they are staying in the game. You don’t need to feel bad for them when they struggle. It means they are thinking and reasoning. Point this out to them, nurture their hard work and encourage them to keep at it.
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