Whether they realize it or not, kids spend their days learning. School is learning and play is learning… as are all things in between. Kids are constantly learning. And they are always beginners at something.
With learning at the core of everything kids do, how can we help them become better learners?
We can help kids ‘learn how to learn’ when we encourage them to adopt a ‘beginner’s mind’.
When you first hear the term, ‘beginner’s mind‘, it might sound like a negative thing. But it’s actually quite the opposite! Having a ‘beginner’s mind’ gives you the advantage of looking at things with a fresh perspective, free of the preconceived ideas and judgements that might otherwise limit you.
‘Beginner’s mind‘ is a concept from Zen Buddhism, also known as “Shoshin”.
‘Shoshin’ suggests that we approach everything (even that which we think we already know) with the attitude of a beginner.
The attitude of a beginner is one where you admit you don’t have all the answers. A beginner is open to taking in new information and doesn’t expect high-level results right away.
This reduces ‘fear of failure’ and puts the student (child or adult) in the best possible frame of mind for learning new things.
Here are eight attitudes kids (and adults!) can adopt to become better learners by having a ‘beginner’s mind’.
Encourage your students to try a shift in their thinking in the following areas and watch what happens!
1. Be curious.
Curiosity may be one of the best drivers of learning because it’s so intrinsic. It has nothing to do with grades or impressing others, but comes entirely from a desire to know.
2. Become a ‘good noticer’.
As you develop your curiosity, you can take in a lot by simply becoming a ‘good noticer’. Try paying attention by keeping all 5 of your senses on high alert.
Notice what you see, hear, feel, touch, or taste. Then think about the things you notice. It’s amazing how much of life can slip by unnoticed if we aren’t paying attention.
3. Ask good questions, like “Why…?”, “How…?”, and “What if…?”.
Say “I wonder…” more often and see where it leads. Question why things work a certain way and how changing any part of that process might yield a different result.
4. Be open-minded.
A closed mind has trouble taking in new information or considering different options. Keep your mind open to new ideas and see where they lead.
5. Be humble.
Learning is more important than being right. Don’t be afraid to admit when you’re wrong… those may be your best opportunities for growth. Celebrate your wins, and learn from those, too.
6. Approach even what you already ‘know’ as if it’s new.
Did you know that being ‘good at’ something can actually limit your ability to improve? There is always more to learn about something if you let it in. Thinking that you know everything will quickly stifle your growth.
Having a ‘beginner’s mind‘ is the opposite of being a ‘know-it-all’… and no one likes a know-it-all! Know-it-alls are judged more harshly by others, too.
7. Be okay with imperfection.
It’s been said that “Perfect is the enemy of done.” Perfectionism can paralyze you and prevent you from taking the actions that lead to learning and growth.
Striving for perfection is not the same as having high standards. Instead of striving for perfection, strive for excellence.
8. Learn from your mistakes.
Thomas Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that don’t work.”
Great creative accomplishments are always preceded by some amount of failure. Don’t be afraid of mistakes… instead think of them as stepping stones to success. So try, fail, and try again.
When kids approach their artwork with ‘beginner’s mind‘, the skills they learn will apply broadly across many disciplines. That’s the beauty of art education for kids… they will learn so much more than just the art-related skills you teach them!
“Every expert was once a beginner.” ~ Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th President of the United States
an inspiring quote:
“Am I willing to look foolish today so I can learn something that will make me better tomorrow?” ~ James Clear
If you’ve been receiving my emails for any length of time, you know I’m a big fan of James Clear. His way of thinking makes so much sense to me.
Much of the wisdom he shares in his books and newsletters is relevant to people of any age. Kids as well as adults can benefit from taking this particular quote (above) to heart.
Kids tend to feel especially self-conscious about how they look in front of their friends. This can be one of their biggest barriers to learning. But for students who are willing to look a little ‘uncool’ right now in order to learn or develop a new skill, it’s a worthy trade-off.
Kids can go far when they embrace a beginner’s mind without fear of how they might look to their peers. And there’s no limit to how far we can go as adults when we do the same!
And one last quote, because it’s just so relevant…
“It is impossible to get better and look good at the same time.
Give yourself permission to be a beginner. By being willing to be a bad artist, you have a chance to be an artist, and perhaps, over time, a very good one.” ~ Julia Cameron, “The Artist’s Way”