I could tell there was no way her three year old fingers would be able to get the glue out, and my fingers were itching to do it myself. She was struggling with it and getting more and more frustrated as the glue refused to drip it's pink sparkles onto the paper. In my mind all I could think was, "just let me do it!" Her struggle was taking forever and I could so quickly do it myself.
"Let me try my best."
Ever since she's said it those words have played over and over again in my head.
"Let me try my best."
Not 'let me do it,' but 'let me try.' Almost as though she knows she may not accomplish her goal but she appreciates the act of trying.
How many times do I jump in and do something for a student because I can do it faster? How many times do I take over for a student without thinking? What kind of opportunities are we denying pour students when we assume they aren't capable? What message are we sending to them? We don't believe you can do it? My time is more valuable than your effort?
There was no way my daughter was going to get the glue out. But that didn't mean she shouldn't try, as painful as it was to watch the struggle. I had no where to be and no reason to jump in. Sometimes as an adult we need a reminder that it is OK to try and fail.
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