Today I was doing science activities with a student and we were mixing paints like Di Vinci. We completed our second practice run before we attempt the final project, a "Mona Goose.' As we practiced with the plaster of paris mixing it, we made some mistakes. We spilled it, colored the table and our fingers, and had colors turn out incorrectly. Regardless, each time we learned something new.
As I keep doing more science experiments, I'm reminded of how often they fail. In lab the experiments did not turn out correctly most of the time, and those were tested experiments. When we try something new the likelihood of it not working correctly is even higher.
So what's our attitude when it fails? Do we complain and stop trying? or Do we learn from our mistakes and try again hoping it will change the next time.
As teachers we are taught to reflect on our lessons each time and to adapt for the future. This reflection is so important both in teaching and in our regular life. Chances are if something did not work the first time, it probably won't work exactly the same way a second time. Try something new and see what happens. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, just learn from them.
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