Independence is an important component in student learning. It should be nurtured to help students gain the confidence they need throughout their education and in life.

We all want children to be successful. Often, when children are faced with a situation where they struggle, it is human nature to help. We have learned, and research has shown, that the instinct to always help can impede long-term success. By always helping children in times of stress, they are not able to fully develop their problem-solving skills, learn how to not repeat the same mistake, and become fully independent later in life. 

What better time to encourage independence than in childhood?

Below are some tools that we use to help students learn to embrace their independence. Combined with parents’ support and encouragement, these tools have proven to benefit our students.

Use an Agenda.  An agenda (assignment book) is an effective tool that helps students stay organized throughout their school day. When students document their assignments, they are able to look back in their agenda at a later time to make sure they have completed their work. They do not have to try to remember everything throughout the day. They have a resource to draw on.

Set a Schedule. Some school work may be done on a weekly basis. To the extent possible, we may assign the due date on the same day each week. By having some routine in their schedule, students will generally take the lead in making sure that the assignment is still due even if it is not highlighted that week.

 Allow Mistakes. Students sometimes forget to do an assignment. We have probably all been there at some time. It is okay to forget as long as the student learns from it, even if it means a zero in the grade book. Why is a zero okay? For example, if a student is not using an agenda and relying only on memory, he/she may miss the due date or even forget the assignment altogether. After receiving a zero, the student may be motivated to consistently use an agenda. A mistake can be a short-term lesson with long-term benefits.

Trust the Teacher. When an assignment is given, it may be one that challenges students to stretch their knowledge. The process of completing the assignment may require students to research new information, understand the information, and convey their understanding in written form. We highly recommend that parents try not to edit their student’s work. Allow the student to take ownership of the work; allow the learning process to unfold.

At St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School, we understand that students vary in their levels of independence. With this in mind, we meet them where they are and help them along their path towards independence and success.

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Mr. Todd Shafer, principal, holds a BSed, Med in Educational Leadership, and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership. He has seventeen years’ teaching experience, including 4-1/2 years at SMCS, prior to being named principal. Mr. Shafer enjoys his new role as principal and is also pleased that he can continue teaching two of our quarterly 6-8 grade electives – Ted-Ed Student Talks (second quarter) and Model UN (third quarter). Whether he is visiting classrooms as principal or teaching, Mr. Shafer’s favorite part of the school day is seeing the learning process unfold for our Saints.