![8th or Ninth grade femaile student, smiling, pencil in hand, at her desk in school and looking up.](https://mylearninglink.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Untitled-design-16-1024x1024.png)
Empower your learner so they begin to take ownership over their education. When they are in the driver’s seat, they will learn from their mistakes. They will also feel the pride and accomplishment that comes from setting and accomplishing a goal.
- Allow them to be in charge, i.e. to be in the driver’s seat. More specifically, give them opportuities to be in charge. Allow them to work independently. Wait for them to ask for help. Encourage them to make mistakes.
- When they start to get overwhelmed or worry, remind them they have a plan. (If you’re in this library, you’ve probably aced planning and prioritization! Way to go!) And, if they don’t have a plan, it is the perfect moment to teach them how to create one.
- Look at their school grading program to see where they glow and where they need to grow. Keep the discussion strengths-based and ask alot of questions that help them connect the dots and think for themself. For instance, “when you did a project that was similar, what was the easiest part for you?”
- Keep an eye on their emotions. They can’t learn if they aren’t emotionally regulated. (It’s always a balance between getting things done and staying in a healthy emotion.) If they start to get frustrated or upset, ask them how they’re feeling. That helps them learn to be aware of, and name, their emotions. Then, ask them what they think they should do in that moment. You can give them healthy options if they don’t have ideas … go for a walk, have a snack, play a game.