Embracing Mistakes: A Synaptic Brain Activity Experience

1. Crumpled Paper Mistake 9/4 Objective: You will participate in an experiential activity that simulates the synaptic brain activity of making a “mistake”.

2. First step • Take out 2 clean pieces of paper. • On the first one write about a mistake you made this week and how it made you feel. You do not need to write in complete sentences, nor do you need to discuss it with anyone.

3. Second & Third steps: • Take the second piece of paper (clean)-write your name on it, crumple it up and throw it at the front board – use all the feelings you had when you made the mistake. • Go get your paper-un-crumple it-see all the lines and creases? Color them-these represent all the synaptic activity that happens when you make a “mistake”.

4. Fourth step: Ponder this: • How do you feel when you make a mistake? Why? • How do you think other people see you when you make a mistake? • Have you ever discovered something new from making a mistake? • Have you ever felt proud of making a mistake? • Has a mistake ever made you think more deeply about a problem? • Now ….

5. Lastly • View failure in a different light: see failure as an opportunity to learn from your experiences and apply what you have learned next time around. • Place the crumpled-synaptic paper in your notebook as a reminder of how much your brain GROWS and LEARNS every time you make a “mistake”-how will you view this experience? • Hand out: 8 principles of growth mindset/25 suggestions to build yours!