At Cheney High School we do something pretty cool.  We praise and recognize kids with tickets for their actions in an effort to build community and spirit.  The kids then turn in the tickets to the front office each week for a chance at winning prizes donated by local businesses, ranging from bottles of Gatorade to free burgers.

Last week, inspired by my new approach of recognizing “time wasters” (kids who don’t make any mistakes) and “helpers” (kids who make mistakes), I decided to begin utilizing the tickets to further hit home the power that mistakes provide in our daily learning experiences.  So, now, not only do we offer our thanks to time wasters and helpers, but we also hand them a ticket, making official their contributions to our learning.   See below.

Of course, some are still getting used to thanking people for making mistakes–it does kinda roll awkwardly off the tongue, but I believe we are making strides–well, baby steps–towards developing a growth-mind-set culture in room 219. Yesterday, as I shared, we began our discussion anew around this topic with the graphic I posted, talking about why it is so difficult for us to step out of our comfort zones, but we also discussed that if we don’t, we won’t grow.  And while I think some are buying it, for others, it is a harder sell.  And that’s okay.  I will be patient, for as I have mentioned before, learned behaviors are hard to unlearn, especially at this late stage in the game.  And while I may not have the time to make a difference for all, I may be able to make a difference for some. Fortunately, for now, at least, that keeps me going.

Good Wednesday, all.  If you have not had a chance to catch the Weekly Wonder, please follow this link and join the conversation.  http://www.letschangeeducation.com/?p=254