As we start out the new year, we are eager for new growth, new opportunities to learn, and new possibilities. It is exciting to see what develops as we take advantage of these opportunities. Our middle schoolers had the opportunity to audition for the Spring drama production and to run for Student Council positions. These kinds of opportunities come with both risks and rewards. What if they don't get elected? What if they don't get the part? What if they get the part and they make a mistake? It can be a little scary, but what if they don't try? If the students don't put themselves out there, they don't have the opportunity to stretch and grow. The act of running for office or auditioning is part of the learning process.  

 

 

Another part of learning can also be the experience of not getting what they hoped for on the first try. This is where we can help the students look at the situation and evaluate what could have been done differently so next time there is an improvement. If the student stops with the initial feeling of disappointment and doesn't look at the opportunities for growth, they miss out on learning. It is our job as adults to allow the students to experience disappointment and then help them move into improvement by looking at ways of approaching things differently, working on skills, or preparing in a more effective way.