Geoffrey Canada, in his TED talk, suggests schools change their business model. Quote one statement or choose one story from this video that struck a chord or a nerve with you. Write about why these words of his are important to you.
His comments about the timing of testing and the timing of getting results. We always have these DATA retreats at the beginning of the school year where we look at results from surveys and tests that were done in the spring like he talked about. Most educators are not focused on last year when we do these retreats. We are focused on preparing for the first day of classes. We try and use data from a previous class to help the current class. Classes are different, and you have to do things differently for each class. Testing them earlier May give teachers a better chance to adjust for the current class.
His comment "When kids know that you refuse to let them fail, it puts a different pressure on them, and they don't give up as easy." really spoke to me. I needed to be reminded that what I do does matter. Having a student correct a behavior is not always easy, but if we remind ourself to not let them fail or to not accept incomplete work, they will realize that you care about their future and they won't give up as easily.
One line from Geoffrey Canada’s TED talk that really struck me was: “When kids know that you refuse to let them fail, it puts a different pressure on them, and they don't give up as easy.” This resonates with me because it captures what I believe students need most, an adult who is consistent, firm, and deeply invested in their success. When students feel that we’re not going anywhere, that we fully expect them to rise, it changes their mindset. They begin to push harder, take risks, and trust the process more. These words remind me that my belief in them often becomes the foundation of their belief in themselves.
One part from this TED Talk that really struck a chord with me was when he talked about how schools often wait until students fail before offering support, instead of building systems that prevent failure in the first place. I truly do believe the education system needs to be revamped in more ways than one. Being proactive is so much better for kids than being reactive. I believe that the elementary school teachers truly have a special place in this world. They take these tiny humans and transform them into people. They are not only teaching them the most basic academic skills like reading, writing and everyday math concepts, but they are also making sure kids can tie their shoes, put on their own coats and boots and so many more daily skills we take for granted. I tried to teach my kids how to tie their shoes and let me tell you, they did not learn from me, but from their elementary school teacher! We need to support these schools and teachers at an early age and help them catch kids that are not catching on BEFORE they get to middle school, because by then these kids have given up on themselves! His message reinforces the idea that changes in education require thinking differently about how schools are structured, not just changing curriculum or how we take standardized tests.
Geoffrey Canada, in his TED talk, suggests schools change their business model. Quote one statement or choose one story from this video that struck a chord or a nerve with you. Write about why these words of his are important to you.
Towards the end he talks about grit and hounding students about grades and not letting them fail. I have high expectations for all my students and I would say I'm a hounder. Since I'm a middle school teacher, I tend to hound because I have to get these students ready for high school when grades matter! However, he mentioned that we need to be like 'parents' and hound about getting their work done, studying, asking about test grades, etc. This kind of struck a nerve with me ... the current parent poplulation that we are dealing with now are NOT hounders. They do not hound or model perserverance/grit at home and leave everything up to the school and when it doesn't go right put the blame on teachers, counselors and administrators. I feel like teachers are caring more than parents are and this is the frustrating and exhausting part. This is the part that struck a nerve with me - I think after 28 years of teaching I'm over wanting more than what the actual student wants. It's so exhausting. I will still have high expectations for every student - must contribute to class discussions - homework complete etc. But, I think it's time that parents start to parent and keep track of students grades and tests scores and maybe do their part in helping too.
The message that really stood out to me is letting students know that I am not going to let them fail. I care so much about what my students are learning and gaining out of each rehearsal/lesson. It is very easy for them to just think that it is them against the world, so I need to be better about communicating that I am there with them and will not give up on them.
In his TED Talk, Geoffrey Canada says, “When kids know that you refuse to let them fail, it puts a different pressure on them, and they don't give up as easy.” This quote stood out to me because it shows that when an adult believes in a child and lets the child know it, the child is more likely to put in the effort to succeed. If an adult refuses to let failure be an option, students may begin to see themselves differently and commit to reaching the higher standard being set. Using pressure like this is a positive way to motivate students. Showing them someone cares and believes in them helps them to believe in themselves.
"Wealthy people know. Educated people know. And their kids have and advantage." While many that have an advantage in life this means we should still give all kids the same opportunities that people not born in those circumstances have. A child should not be penalized for not being born in the right place or by the wrong people. There should be ways to give kids with no advantage in life some help so they have the opportunities to succeed in life the way anyone else can.
The statement, " You can do it. It is going to be hard, but we refuse to let you fail." This statement is so important and every student should have at least one person in their life that will push them, encourage them, or just be their cheer leader. When a student knows that someone cares about them and will be there for them. Even if there are bumps along the way it will give them that drive to keep working towards the student goal. Just having someone that believes in you and changes your whole mind set. Especially when something gets too hard and the student just wants to quit. That one positive person telling the student that they can do it. The student will more likely start to think the same way and eventually meet that goal. This one person helped them, guide them, and push them to be the very best that the student can be. Which everyone should have at least one person who encourage them and believe that they can fulfill their dreams.
The importance of birth to 3. The first three years! I'm such an advocate for birth to 3 programs! Birth to 3 needs to full of reading, playing, touching and exploring the environment. Very little screen time. Learning through doing! I believe programs like Head Start should be incorporated into every school district.
As an Early Childhood Special Education teacher, Geoffrey Canada’s statement, "When kids know that you refuse to let them fail, it puts a different pressure on them, and they don't give up as easy," really resonates with me.
These words are important because so many of my students come to school with challenges—developmental, emotional, or social—that make learning feel intimidating. By creating a classroom environment where failure is seen as a stepping stone rather than a final outcome, I can help students build resilience, confidence, and a willingness to try again. Knowing that I will support them, guide them, and celebrate their small successes encourages them to persist, explore, and engage in learning—even when it’s hard.
In my practice, this means offering scaffolded support, celebrating effort as much as achievement, and consistently reinforcing that mistakes are part of the learning journey, not a reason to give up.
"When kids know that you refuse to let them fail, it puts a different pressure on them, and they don't give up as easy." I don't want my students to think that failing is something that is wrong. There is not a day goes by that I don't make a mistake and feel like I am constantly doing something wrong. But that doesn't mean that I give up and never continue trying. Making sure that my students know that a small "failure" isn't the end of the world is something that I want to establish in my classroom. It is strictly a stepping stone in life.
Geoffrey Canada, in his TED talk, suggests schools change their business model. Quote one statement or choose one story from this video that struck a chord or a nerve with you. Write about why these words of his are important to you.
I liked the end part when he was talking with John Legend. He mentioned designing a good support system that mimics good parenting like harassing the students, calling them, and refusing to them fail. I totally agree! I love teaching my content but my favorite part of the day is hanging outside of my classroom in the hallway before/after school and during passing. In the morning I "harass" kids about missing work, remind them of upcoming assignments, talk to them about behaviors, activities, current events, and joke around with them. I think it builds a safe community where students feel comfortable as I have some who go out of there way just to say hi, do a weird handshake or high five, or even harass me about the Vikings.
His comments about the timing of testing and the timing of getting results. We always have these DATA retreats at the beginning of the school year where we look at results from surveys and tests that were done in the spring like he talked about. Most educators are not focused on last year when we do these retreats. We are focused on preparing for the first day of classes. We try and use data from a previous class to help the current class. Classes are different, and you have to do things differently for each class. Testing them earlier May give teachers a better chance to adjust for the current class.
ReplyDeleteHis comment "When kids know that you refuse to let them fail, it puts a different pressure on them, and they don't give up as easy." really spoke to me. I needed to be reminded that what I do does matter. Having a student correct a behavior is not always easy, but if we remind ourself to not let them fail or to not accept incomplete work, they will realize that you care about their future and they won't give up as easily.
ReplyDeleteOne line from Geoffrey Canada’s TED talk that really struck me was: “When kids know that you refuse to let them fail, it puts a different pressure on them, and they don't give up as easy.” This resonates with me because it captures what I believe students need most, an adult who is consistent, firm, and deeply invested in their success. When students feel that we’re not going anywhere, that we fully expect them to rise, it changes their mindset. They begin to push harder, take risks, and trust the process more. These words remind me that my belief in them often becomes the foundation of their belief in themselves.
ReplyDeleteOne part from this TED Talk that really struck a chord with me was when he talked about how schools often wait until students fail before offering support, instead of building systems that prevent failure in the first place. I truly do believe the education system needs to be revamped in more ways than one. Being proactive is so much better for kids than being reactive. I believe that the elementary school teachers truly have a special place in this world. They take these tiny humans and transform them into people. They are not only teaching them the most basic academic skills like reading, writing and everyday math concepts, but they are also making sure kids can tie their shoes, put on their own coats and boots and so many more daily skills we take for granted. I tried to teach my kids how to tie their shoes and let me tell you, they did not learn from me, but from their elementary school teacher! We need to support these schools and teachers at an early age and help them catch kids that are not catching on BEFORE they get to middle school, because by then these kids have given up on themselves! His message reinforces the idea that changes in education require thinking differently about how schools are structured, not just changing curriculum or how we take standardized tests.
ReplyDeleteGeoffrey Canada, in his TED talk, suggests schools change their business model. Quote one statement or choose one story from this video that struck a chord or a nerve with you. Write about why these words of his are important to you.
ReplyDeleteTowards the end he talks about grit and hounding students about grades and not letting them fail. I have high expectations for all my students and I would say I'm a hounder. Since I'm a middle school teacher, I tend to hound because I have to get these students ready for high school when grades matter! However, he mentioned that we need to be like 'parents' and hound about getting their work done, studying, asking about test grades, etc. This kind of struck a nerve with me ... the current parent poplulation that we are dealing with now are NOT hounders. They do not hound or model perserverance/grit at home and leave everything up to the school and when it doesn't go right put the blame on teachers, counselors and administrators. I feel like teachers are caring more than parents are and this is the frustrating and exhausting part. This is the part that struck a nerve with me - I think after 28 years of teaching I'm over wanting more than what the actual student wants. It's so exhausting. I will still have high expectations for every student - must contribute to class discussions - homework complete etc. But, I think it's time that parents start to parent and keep track of students grades and tests scores and maybe do their part in helping too.
The message that really stood out to me is letting students know that I am not going to let them fail. I care so much about what my students are learning and gaining out of each rehearsal/lesson. It is very easy for them to just think that it is them against the world, so I need to be better about communicating that I am there with them and will not give up on them.
ReplyDeleteIn his TED Talk, Geoffrey Canada says, “When kids know that you refuse to let them fail, it puts a different pressure on them, and they don't give up as easy.” This quote stood out to me because it shows that when an adult believes in a child and lets the child know it, the child is more likely to put in the effort to succeed. If an adult refuses to let failure be an option, students may begin to see themselves differently and commit to reaching the higher standard being set. Using pressure like this is a positive way to motivate students. Showing them someone cares and believes in them helps them to believe in themselves.
ReplyDelete"Wealthy people know. Educated people know. And their kids have an advantage."
ReplyDelete"Wealthy people know. Educated people know. And their kids have and advantage." While many that have an advantage in life this means we should still give all kids the same opportunities that people not born in those circumstances have. A child should not be penalized for not being born in the right place or by the wrong people. There should be ways to give kids with no advantage in life some help so they have the opportunities to succeed in life the way anyone else can.
ReplyDeleteThe statement, " You can do it. It is going to be hard, but we refuse to let you fail."
ReplyDeleteThis statement is so important and every student should have at least one person in their life that will push them, encourage them, or just be their cheer leader. When a student knows that someone cares about them and will be there for them. Even if there are bumps along the way it will give them that drive to keep working towards the student goal. Just having someone that believes in you and changes your whole mind set. Especially when something gets too hard and the student just wants to quit. That one positive person telling the student that they can do it. The student will more likely start to think the same way and eventually meet that goal. This one person helped them, guide them, and push them to be the very best that the student can be. Which everyone should have at least one person who encourage them and believe that they can fulfill their dreams.
The importance of birth to 3. The first three years! I'm such an advocate for birth to 3 programs! Birth to 3 needs to full of reading, playing, touching and exploring the environment. Very little screen time. Learning through doing! I believe programs like Head Start should be incorporated into every school district.
ReplyDeleteAs an Early Childhood Special Education teacher, Geoffrey Canada’s statement, "When kids know that you refuse to let them fail, it puts a different pressure on them, and they don't give up as easy," really resonates with me.
ReplyDeleteThese words are important because so many of my students come to school with challenges—developmental, emotional, or social—that make learning feel intimidating. By creating a classroom environment where failure is seen as a stepping stone rather than a final outcome, I can help students build resilience, confidence, and a willingness to try again. Knowing that I will support them, guide them, and celebrate their small successes encourages them to persist, explore, and engage in learning—even when it’s hard.
In my practice, this means offering scaffolded support, celebrating effort as much as achievement, and consistently reinforcing that mistakes are part of the learning journey, not a reason to give up.
"When kids know that you refuse to let them fail, it puts a different pressure on them, and they don't give up as easy."
ReplyDeleteI don't want my students to think that failing is something that is wrong. There is not a day goes by that I don't make a mistake and feel like I am constantly doing something wrong. But that doesn't mean that I give up and never continue trying. Making sure that my students know that a small "failure" isn't the end of the world is something that I want to establish in my classroom. It is strictly a stepping stone in life.
Geoffrey Canada, in his TED talk, suggests schools change their business model. Quote one statement or choose one story from this video that struck a chord or a nerve with you. Write about why these words of his are important to you.
ReplyDeleteI liked the end part when he was talking with John Legend. He mentioned designing a good support system that mimics good parenting like harassing the students, calling them, and refusing to them fail. I totally agree! I love teaching my content but my favorite part of the day is hanging outside of my classroom in the hallway before/after school and during passing. In the morning I "harass" kids about missing work, remind them of upcoming assignments, talk to them about behaviors, activities, current events, and joke around with them. I think it builds a safe community where students feel comfortable as I have some who go out of there way just to say hi, do a weird handshake or high five, or even harass me about the Vikings.