January 10, 2007
Here is a fun way to help students overcome 'I can't do it' thinking. While students are sitting at their desks, tell them to: 1) Lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles. 2) Now, while doing this, draw the number 6 in the air with your right hand. 3) Your foot will change directions and there is nothing you can do about it. 4) Let them try it a few times and see if anyone finds the solution. 5) Then tell them, 'You CAN do something about it.' 6) Lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles. Now, while doing this, draw the number 6 beginning with the lower circle, progressing clockwise and finishing at the top. 7) It CAN be done and opens valuable discussion with a little humor.