2 Words not allowed in my classroom

There are two words that I have never been allowed in my classroom.

Easy

The word easy is not allowed in my classroom because it is a word that can make others feel bad. I explain to my students at the start of the year that the word easy may make someone else feel bad. Then I give examples: Let’s say I can do a cartwheel. (I can, so I class my cartwheel.) Then I explain that some kids can do a cartwheel, but other kids cannot. If we say that a cartwheel is “easy” (which it is not) then the ones that can’t do it is going to feel sad because it is hard for them.

This same concept may happen in class. Some kids may already know their ABCs while others are still learning. We do not say “ABCs are easy!” because it is not easy for those that haven’t learned it yet. To learn something requires practice and if someone hears it is easy than they are quick to give up! There is no giving up. We keep going and trying till we learn.

Plus there are sometimes when things are really, really hard for someone! They could have a learning disability and may take 100x longer than the average kid to learn something. The word “easy” can hurt this child even more than just the frustration they are experiencing.

I explain this to my class… all those details. I want them to fully understand why it is not ok to say something is easy. They may think it, but not say it.

You know what?! My 5 year olds do a great job with this and when someone does say it others are quick to remind them that is not ok.

Can’t

“I can’t” shouldn’t be in anyone’s vocabulary. Cannot means they are not able to do something. Majority of the time, this is not true. (Disabilities are different, but the average person should not use cannot.) I cannot is your head telling yourself you’re not willing to try or put in effort. This again is not ok in my classroom. We are all learning.

YET! Learning takes time and effort! Too often we use “I can’t” as a way to give up. Giving up is not an option in my classroom – even with kindergartners. If I hear a child say, “I can’t!” at the start of the year, I simply respond with, “You mean, you will try.” If they repeat their give up wording, then I say, “You could say, I will try, but I need help.”

I am always happy to help when needed! I don’t want my students to fail or feel they can’t. I want them to see THEY CAN!

I am with brand new students who are expected to achieve a TON of learning in kindergarten! Kindergarten is not like what it used to be and it is far from “easy”. It can be overwhelming for little ones, so my goal as their teacher is to build their confidence in believing that they can! By allowing them to say, “I can’t” in class, I am allowing them to hurt their self-confidence rather than build it up! That’s a no go for me!

If you are interested in a fantastic book to help students see that they CAN do lots of things, then check out Self Confident Sandy! I love this book and read it at the start of every school year! (It was just published in 2020!) Details of the book here: