5 Ways to Respond to Students Who Say "I'm not good at this."

By Diana Eastman

The role of the teacher is to inspire, educate, encourage, challenge, and love their students. In classrooms across the country, great teachers walk the fine line between pushing their students to reach their potential and backing off so they don’t shut down. Students express frustration in many different ways, and it is important for students to feel safe expressing these things in their classroom. Here are 5 things you can do the next time a student wants to throw in the towel and give up.

The Power Of Yet
Yet. A little, three letter word that holds so much power. When a student says something like...
•    I’m not good at this
•    I don’t understand this
•    I don’t get this
•    I’m not fast

Adding “yet” to the end of the sentence changes the sentence and helps them see that although they aren’t getting it right now, they will. It doesn’t undermine their frustration, it validates their feelings, and shows them that what they are currently struggling with is a starting point, and with persistence, they will master the skill. “Yet” adds confidence and power to a student who feels defeated. Gently correct them by saying “You don’t understand this, YET” When they do make progress, remind them of how frustrated they were and how far they’ve come.

Get Rid Of Can’t
Ban the word "can’t" from your classroom. Let students know from the beginning that can’t is a word for the weak, and it has no place in your classroom. Brainstorm other ways to express what they are trying to say that foster encouragement and diligence. Students can say “I’m currently struggling with…” or “I’m confused about…” to take control of the situation. Teaching students to use positive and affirming phrases when they speak about themselves will help create a more positive mindset that will help them tackle issues down the road.

Create a Safe Place
Sometimes students feel overwhelmed in the classroom and just need a brain break. Even as adults, sometimes walking away from something that makes us feel frustrated is all we need to come back to the issue with a fresh perspective. Create a place in your classroom where students can take a breather or remove themselves from the problem. Make it clear that they aren’t in trouble, and that sometimes getting out of the situation helps with patience, clarity, and focus.

Don’t Rush To Save Them
As tempting as it can be to dive in and rescue your sweet little students from their despair, it’s important to validate their feeling without jumping in and solving their problem. Remind them that it is okay to feel frustrated or overwhelmed and that you’re there to help them through it. Tell them how good they will feel when they finally grasp the concept, and that you believe in them. The art of teaching is about providing students with the tools they need to feel confident and capable.

Your words matter. How you react when a student feels discouraged and frustrated will either set them on a course of persistence and confidence or leave them feeling unworthy and incapable. Using these techniques will help your students see themselves as you see them: smart, capable, and determined.