I can. Important words in the classroom. Important words in life. It is that attitude that can propel you through things that you never thought possible. It is also that attitude that can make the toughest things in the classroom seem possible. It is that attitude that I hope to instill into all my students, and today’s activity was a step in achieving that.
After a week of bringing cans into the classroom with lots of questions, but no answers, the students finally found out what the cans were for. Each and every one of them created an “eye” can, by drawing a picture of eyes on a label and placing it on the can. Each of them has created an “I Can” that we can refer to when they’re feeling otherwise. I’ve shown them it’s possible. The spark for the right attitude is there!
The Man Who Thinks He Can
by Walter Wintle
(a short poem that got me through many years of wrestling)
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost,
For out in the world we find
Success being with a fellow’s will;
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you’re outclassed, you are:
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can.