Letting kids make mistakes

Making mistakes is okay

It is important to let children know that making mistakes is okay and that lots of learning comes from mistakes.

Therefore, to support children to understand that it is okay to make a mistake we need to demonstrate that to them.

Here are some ideas on how we can support this:

Model having a go, making a mistake, and taking risks.

Share your feelings by verbalising what is going on for us during frustrating moments, this shows children that it is okay to get frustrated and cross.

Use this situation to model what to do – walk away and come back with fresh eyes, or try it a different way.

Share any failures that you have made in the past.

Encourage children to work through problems, using encouraging words and support.

Good luck and remember that it is okay for us all to make mistakes, it’s the learning that comes from it that is important.