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MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 20

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 20

February 3, 2003
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment Junior
Age Range: 
8-10

Story

My Math test grade is even worse than I'd imagined. My parents are going to be so mad. What am I going to do?

When the other kids go out to recess, I stay after and talk with Mr. Frederick: "I know my grade is terrible. How can I make up for it?"

"Jeff," he says, "I know you're upset about your grade. But, instead of focusing on the number at the top of your test, you need to look at what it's telling you. One of my favorite proverbs is 'Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped.' You need to figure out where you went wrong, not just look at the results. You know that you failed the test, but you need to think about why that happened. Tests aren't a punishment; they're a way of finding out what you know and what you don't. Now, instead of looking at where you fell, let's try and figure out where you slipped."

Although I still am upset about my grade, I think Mr. Frederick is right. The only way I can improve is by figuring out what went wrong. I need to know the problem before I can start working towards a solution.

Today, I learned a lot more than Math. I learned that, when something goes wrong, "Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped."

This week's maxim is "Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped." 

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped."
    African proverb

Featured character trait

  • Patience- I take the time to think through issues and make good choices; I look for lasting solutions rather than "quick fixes."

Character points (for substitution if this week's trait isn't one of your school's core values)

  • Determination - I am willing to work, to try, to fail, and to continue in my goal of doing my best.
  • Commitment- I am stay focused on my goals and work hard.
  • Effort-I work hard and try to do my best.
  • Aspiration - I have goals and hopes that I work to achieve.
  • Motivation-I am determined; I work to put forth my best effort.
  • Self-discipline- I am in control of myself and make choices that go along with my goals.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • How important do you think grades are?
  • Mr. Frederick reminds Jeff that tests are really about finding out what you've learned and what you haven't-not about punishment. Does it sometimes seem like tests are a punishment instead of a way of helping you learn?
  • What do you think is the reason that teachers give you tests?
  • When you don't do as well on a test as you wanted to, how does it make you feel? What do you do about it?
  • Jeff chooses to stay after class and talk about his test with Mr. Frederick. Why is that a good idea?
  • Solving problems in your schoolwork is like solving any kind of problem: it's important to know what the real issue is. How do you figure out what the real problem is?
  • When you're having problems (in your schoolwork or in other parts of your life), how do you solve them?
  • What's the difference between reacting to a situation and solving a problem? How are they similar? What makes them different?
  • Why is it important to think through problems, instead of just reacting?
  • Do you think that patience is an important part of being a problem solver? In what way(s)?
  • What are some other situations this week's maxim could apply to? Think of examples both and outside of school.

Related Links

Extending the Conversation

This story is really about dealing with challenging situations and learning to solve problems. Have groups of students brainstorm about the problems that they face. Then, have groups exchange papers and try to identify potential "slipping points" that led to the problem. Next, pass those papers to another group and have them work on solving the problems. Finally, as a class discuss how looking back (to find the real source of trouble) can help you look forward (to a lasting solution).