It’s a cliche, long since proven wrong, that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Of course you can…it’s just not easy.
The other day I wrote about teaching computer programming to elementary students. We use a few different programming languages, but all of them are what is known as block-based programming. This form of programming relies very little on keyboarding, rather, you simply drag blocks of code into your program, eliminating the need for keyboarding (have you ever watched a 7-year-old kid type?). Wow.
I am, I can say, a fairly proficient programmer…at the elementary school level.
Now, I’ve dabbled with “real” programming before, but it’s not been easy for me. Today, though, I started to take another shot at it using a language developed by those folks with Apple. I’m finding some success, but, as with previous times, it’s not easy.
I’m learning, but it’s hard.
I listened to a teacher the other day who was complaining about a student who just wasn’t getting it. (I know I’ve complained the same way more than once over the years.) For so many of us in the education world, when was the last time we learned something that was hard to do? I don’t mean read a new book and implement a new strategy; I mean learned something that’s hard. Like multiplication is to some third-graders. I know it’s been a long time for me, but my eyes have been re-opened.
Patience. Scaffolding. More patience. We can do this.
Yet There is Method 
This is so true, and I think we need to reflect on it, as educators, more often. I just read a blog today that I think connects… https://www.kateandmaggie.com/blog-posts-all/2012/12/09/the-quantum-physics-of-main-idea
When we can remember what it is like to learn it can help us reach our students! Love your reflection here!
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Thanks for reading, and thanks for pointing me toward that blog post! It’s easy to forget, especially when there’s a schedule breathing down your neck. You’re right, of course: If we recognize how hard it is to learn, our students benefit!
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Thank you, your slice got me thinking. We have to put ourselves in the shoes of our students, it would help us teach better. This phrase will be my mantra, “Patience. Scaffolding. More patience.” We need this especially for students who need extra support. Great reminder.
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You are so right; when was the last time I was really uncomfortable, trying something new? And living with the stress that creates: Will I ever get this? Is anyone watching to see how awkward I am? I’m taking your Slice seriously. It’s time to build my empathy in an active way. Thank you. “We can do this.”
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“Build my empathy in an active way.” Yes–me too!
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