Educators explore the benefits of mistakes at Childcare Resources workshop

“Mistakes give us a chance to ask questions and explore a new path,” said Dr. Maleka Donaldson at a recent Childcare Resources professional development workshop. “Students need to make mistakes, because feedback has the potential to facilitate learning.”

Presenter Maleka Donaldson and Childcare Resources Executive Director Shannon McGuire Bowman.

Dr. Donaldson, Associate Professor of Education and Child Study at Smith College, was the featured presenter at ‘The Power of Mistakes,’ the third Childcare Resources Excellence in Early Education seminar this academic year. Funded by Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee and PNC Grow Up Great, the workshop enabled educators from thirty-three local schools and centers to connect and reflect on their mindset regarding mistakes in the classroom.

Center directors in attendance included (L-R): Indian River Academy Head Start's Claudia Pinyon, St. Edward's School's Louise Dunn, Roseland Christian Preschool's Stephanie Herrera, Douglas Head Start's Lenora Carter, Gloria Mosier, RCMA Robert G. Covill CDC's Ilsse Ramos, presenter Maleka Donaldson, Childcare Resources School's Tara Beard, Bridges ELC's Yehsica Folkerds, Bridges ELC's Eleim Cabrera, and Kendall Academy's Jhoanna Gomez.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Dr. Donaldson to Vero Beach,” said Shannon McGuire Bowman, Childcare Resources Executive Director. “Her valuable perspective on how our response to a child’s mistakes can provide powerful learning benefits truly resonated with the educators in the audience.”

After discussing concepts like learning, mistakes, and failure, attendees were able to share stories of how they have seen their students handle mistakes. Through discussion and reflection, a common theme of the impact of a positive classroom culture was developed.

“The way we respond really matters,” noted Dr. Donaldson. “Adult-child interactions are at the heart of creating a positive, nurturing classroom environment. Our surroundings shape our learning. They’re looking to you.”

For educators in attendance, the workshop was a valuable reminder of the power of positive feedback and its impact on learning. Noted Gilda, a teacher of infants, “There isn’t a failure unless the teacher or student gives up and doesn’t get up to try again. Regardless of how many mistakes a person makes, never give up.”