If at first, you don't succeed, try, try again. Honestly, I think many of us prefer to be a "do-er", not a "try-er." When we begin to learn new skills, we want to do them perfectly the first time. Trying anything new can be tough. It is hard for children to try new things these days. As an adult, phew, it can be even more difficult! Who wants to fall, or fail? I have read that to preserve one's memory, attempting new tasks the older we get makes our brain healthier. Perhaps I better add learning to crochet to my nightly omegas? I believe we need to create an environment for our children where it's okay to take risks, try new things, and even embrace failure.
Carol Dweck's book Mindset reminds us that when we teach kids, the best part of learning is in the process, not the end product. There are incredible images of brain scans depicting how much we grow when we work to solve new problems or attempt new challenges from knitting to chemistry to ballet. Yet, so many children are afraid to take a twirl, join a new sport, ask a new friend over to play, or even raise their hand in class. Feedback regarding the organization of an essay can be perceived as a personal attack, not the mechanism to help the student grow as a writer. This fixed mindset, or a fear of failure, can become crippling.
How do we help our kids gain confidence in trying something new? I think it is shifting from celebrating the final product, whether it is an art project or a final grade, to celebrating the steps it took for your child to get to the end of the process. Consider celebrating the effort, grit, and creativity your child used to accomplish his goal.
I recommend that you work to integrate attempting new and different things at home. Sample new foods, play a new game or do a riddle of the day. As adults, we carry so much power in how we model what happens when challenges arise.
For all children, especially those who learn differently, it is absolutely critical that we help them to embrace the critical elements of effort, process, and practice. At Miriam, our children have the blessings of creativity, the ability to see details many don't, to think "out of the box", and to do incredible things with their hands when given the right tools. The biggest gift we can give is to teach them to try, embrace the challenge, and persevere. The last year has taught us that we need a generation of passionate problem solvers who can be fluid and flexible in their thinking. We are grateful to be working with 163 of them right now.
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Rob Miller was inspired to open his pottery studio to people of all abilities when his grandson, Connor, was born with cerebral palsy eight years ago.
A steady stream of power tools could be heard from the woodworking class, held in the science lab. The rhythm of the Electric Slide and other slide dance songs echoed from the gym, filling the air with energy and movement.
Wishing you a very blessed and joyful holiday season. Many wonderful events have happened in our organization over the last month as we continue to foster a sense of community and belonging. I had the pleasure of hosting two Community Coffees at both campuses to introduce our strategic plan.
Students at Miriam School and Learning Center learn differently, as classes provide individualized curriculum that often includes integrated speech and occupational therapy. At the high school, which is home to 40 students, teachers and staff place a major emphasis on preparing students for life after high school.
Four high school musicians have joined an after-school club led by Travis Lewis from Jazz St. Louis. They’ve formed a rhythm section – drums, bass, guitar and keyboard – with a jazz focus but also encompassing other music that is of interest to the students.
As the 2024 election approaches, I have been fascinated observing how differently our students are processing and engaging with the election compared to those at the traditional college preparatory school where I previously worked. Our faculty and staff have noted relatively little conversation among students about the election despite the prevalence of viewpoints on TikTok and other social media sites about the election and candidates.
Miriam Learning Center, an integral part of Miriam School and Learning Center, is excited to announce the expansion of its specialized services into St. Charles County. This expansion will provide critical tutoring and testing services for students with diverse learning needs.
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Miriam School and Learning Center is proud to announce that the Rotary Club of St. Louis has generously awarded a $20,000 scholarship to support students in need of financial assistance. This year’s recipient, Remi W., a ninth grader from St. Ann, is a talented young student with a dream of becoming an artist and a passion for learning.
The group is a great way for St. Louis professionals ages 21-39 to network with one another, help local children with learning differences, and receive support and advice from others who have been in the professional world for a longer time.
Last week, Miriam High School students stretched their comfort zones at the Principia School Challenge Course. Each student selected from a variety of activities, including low and high ropes courses and a 35-foot climbing wall.
As students return to the classroom for the start of a new school year, the adjustment can sometimes be more difficult for students with learning differences.
Miriam High School 2024 graduate, Drake Wilkerson, watched his brother leave for college three years ago, and he wanted a similar experience
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly misunderstood condition that affects both children and adults. Misinformation and myths often lead to misconceptions about its nature and impact.