WHY THE BUMPS ARE GOOD FOR OUR STUDENTS

I’m sitting on an airplane right now and bouncing almost rhythmically  as the pilots attempt to find smoother air. This used to be quite disconcerting for me, feeling a bit out of control.  But, every time I safely land on the ground I am reminded that bumps are not a certain sign of impending doom!

As teachers, we need to remember the same.  Our students WILL hit bumps. 

They need to know they are going to be okay on the other side.  Being uncomfortable is often part of the learning process.  Moving outside our comfort zone and taking risks allows us to find new horizons.  But, it often comes with its fair share of mistakes and failures. 

If our students don’t learn this and early on, they will lose the gift of resilience, built by surviving and then thriving after challenges. 

So, the next time you are tempted to jump in to save your learners, be comfortable with the long pause.   Thinking takes time.  Learning sometimes requires struggle, a productive struggle. Not knowing an answer can be a beautiful thing.  So, let your students wrestle with uncertainty and even celebrate it.

As Frederick Douglas once said, “Without struggle, there is no progress.”

If you are interested in exploring this further, you might want to check out these: My Favorite No, and Letting Your Learners Experience Productive Struggle.

:) Brandy