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Understanding that learning is a team effort and knowing when to seek guidance.
Did you know that even the smartest scientists and bravest explorers have a secret weapon? They don't do everything alone—they know exactly when to ask for help!
Learning is like building a giant tower of blocks. Sometimes, a block is too heavy or you aren't sure where it goes. That is okay! At school, you have a Learning Team. These are people who want to see you succeed. Your teacher is the captain of the team. They know how to explain things in many different ways. Your classmates are your teammates. You can learn by watching them or working together. Finally, school helpers like librarians or aides are there to guide you when you feel lost.
Quick Check
Who are three people at school you can ask for help?
Answer
Your teacher, your classmates, and school helpers (like librarians).
There is a big difference between someone doing the work for you and someone helping you learn. If a friend just tells you the answer, your brain doesn't get any stronger. That is called doing it for me. But, if a friend shows you a trick to remember a word, your brain grows! That is helping me learn. Think of it like a bicycle. If someone pushes you while you pedal, you are learning to balance. If they ride the bike for you, you aren't learning at all!
You are stuck on a math problem like . 1. A friend says: 'The answer is .' This is doing it for me. 2. A teacher says: 'Try starting at and counting forward times on your fingers.' This is helping me learn because you are doing the thinking!
Quick Check
If someone gives you the answer without explaining it, is that 'helping' or 'doing'?
Answer
That is 'doing it for me.'
Asking for help is a skill, just like reading or running. When you get stuck, don't give up! First, try it yourself one more time. If you are still stuck, use the Magic Words. A polite way to ask is: 'Excuse me, [Name], I am stuck on this part. Could you please show me how to start?' This tells the person exactly what you need. It shows you are a hard worker who just needs a little boost to keep going.
You are trying to draw a bird, but the wings are very hard to get right. 1. Stop and take a deep breath. 2. Raise your hand or walk to the teacher. 3. Say: 'Excuse me, Mr. Smith. I am stuck on the wings. Could you please show me how to draw the shape?'
You and a partner are building a robot out of paper. Your partner is doing all the gluing and not letting you try. 1. Say: 'I want to learn how to do this too!' 2. Ask: 'Can you help me learn how to glue the arms on?' 3. This turns 'doing it for me' into 'helping me learn' together.
Who is the 'captain' of your learning team at school?
Which of these is 'helping me learn'?
Asking for help means you are not smart.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to remember the 'Magic Words' you can use to ask a teacher for help.
Practice Activity
Today, find one small thing you are stuck on (like tying a shoe or a hard word) and practice asking someone: 'Could you please show me how to do this?'