“This is so hard! I can’t do this, Teacher!”

In a real progressive school, children are bound to make mistakes more often. It’s because they are not spoon-fed. Teachers are not experts who deliver information. Teachers are only facilitators of learning and designers of fun, challenging experiences. They are mentors who give feedback and assist students on reflecting from their errors. Children are provided with learning experiences that make them undergo the whole process of discovering things, which involves failing.

At first, though, children would react negatively whenever they keep committing errors. Some would shout or even cry. Some would easily give up and quit trying. As soon as teachers start establishing a positive relationship with them, they would feel more comfortable taking risks and failing. Then, they would learn that it is okay. They would understand that failing is not the result of learning, but part of the process of getting better.

It’s definitely one of the most fulfilling parts of my job — to watch a student’s transformation right before my eyes. At the beginning, they would complain several times. Then, as time goes by, they could just laugh it over and say, “It’s okay. I’ll just keep practicing, Teacher. I’ll try to do it better next time.”

Sometimes, it makes me wonder. If only we were all taught this way, then we wouldn’t be so hard on ourselves. Our society has trained us to be perfectionists. I think it’s because in our schools, we were punished or criticized for making mistakes. It’s probably the reason why sometimes it’s difficult for us to forgive ourselves. It’s hard for us to try something new and different.

I remember sharing one of my personal struggles with my students. I honestly told them that until now, I still remind myself that it’s okay to make mistakes. That before, I kept rewinding my mistakes in my head and not forgive myself for doing it. There would always be a long silence and compassionate eyes whenever I chose to be vulnerable. I never regret it, though. I realized that it’s a part of establishing a good relationship with kids — to show them that I’m also human.

Because of this, they could also easily forgive me when I make mistakes. There were times I get confused with something. What’s surprising was I wouldn’t see them get frustrated at me. They would always say, “It’s okay, Teacher. We all make mistakes.” Then, I’d ask for their help to figure out how I could avoid my error.

It certainly builds an open and accepting environment in our class. What’s funny was the daily reminder that I give to my students has become my daily self-talk as well.

“I don’t want you to be perfect, I want you to learn. To get better. To never give up.”

It’s really amazing how teaching children can help us, teachers, become a better version of ourselves...

…only if we are fearless enough to be vulnerable, embrace failures, and know that it’s perfectly okay.