Failing and liking it... almost

Being in a new role, in a new school, with an existing staff and student cohort that don't know you is like most new jobs - exciting, confusing and likely to end some days with you questioning what you are doing.

Like today. I had to think about why what I was trying to do was not working. And I came to the realisation that I, leading others, need to do a few things before we get students onboard with making.  Let me explain. 

I wanted to work with Year 7 & 8 girls outside the curriculum to introduce them to making - exploring new technology and fabrication connected to projects that are real world, interesting to them and will push their thinking and collaboration skills.  So I bought 2 succulents. 

I had the idea that I could have a series of communications with the students in their learning space on brown paper, introducing my plants, allowing them to name them and then inviting them to build them a home. So I placed up the first banner and 2 days later I went to check on it. 

Winning! We had names. So up went the next poster naming the succulents inviting them to join me the following week to build them a home - the plan being to get onto Pinterest and to find a skill or two to hack and to get started making. In theory it was so simple and I was hoping the unique brown paper conversations would draw some attention. This was the turnout to my first session. 

You could call it a fail. It was. But this is not a bad thing. Upon reflection these students have no idea who I am, what I planned to do and even if this is something they would be interested in. I misread my audience and neglected to bring them along through actual interaction, rapport and sharing what is possible. It was too soon to try something as obscure and enigmatic with students who may not be used to taking risks like this, being provoked like this. And I'm glad I got to experience this. Just like when I ask my students, my colleagues to take a risk and try something new it's good to be reminded how it feels when it does not work and to take stock of what needs to change next time - what I need to change next time. Because there will be a next time.