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What to say when a child says,
"I'm not good at this."
A quick classroom guide for PreK–2 teachers
You've heard this before...
A child tries something new: Reading a word, solving a problem, drawing something unfamiliar.
It doesn’t work the first time.
Then they say:
“I can’t do this.”
“I’m bad at this.”
“I’m not good at this.”
In that moment, learning can quietly shut down.
But it can also become an opening for curiosity.
This short classroom guide shows how a few small responses can help students stay engaged instead of judging themselves.
Why this idea matters
Many children begin to judge themselves when something feels difficult.
But learning starts in the moment we don’t know something yet.
Curiosity keeps that moment open.
Because when children stay curious, they keep learning.
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Feel free to print, copy, and share this guide with other teachers or staff who may find it helpful.
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