#33: 5 Lessons Learned From A Trip Outside My Comfort Zone [Podcast]

[jpshare]

Last week I went to a Gymnastics class for the first time in a long time. A really long time. The last time I walked on a beam, twirled around the uneven bars, or did a somersault or cartwheel was when I was in primary school. And I found myself back at Gymnastics, super excited and a little nervous, all at the same time. I’m a big fan of learning something new every day and here was my opportunity to do just that: to get outside my comfort zone and try something new.

As I waited for the class to start (see my pic above) I felt excited to reconnect with something I used to love doing but I also felt slightly uncomfortable. Yes, I was aware that I was definitely outside my comfort zone.

As I reflect on what was an amazing gymnastics class, I have realized just how important it is for us to do things outside our comfort zone, to try something new, to be a learner and be curious about the world around us.

Here’s what I learned from a trip outside my comfort zone:

1. Being a learner improves your teaching
   Application: Intentionally do something that makes you feel slightly uncomfortable.
2. It’s the teacher’s responsibility to build rapport.
   Application: Build rapport with your students before the class even starts.
3. Building student-to-student relationships catapults learning
   Application: Help your students to build relationships with each other.
4. Excellent teachers stretch their students, a little bit at a time.
   Application: Know where your students are at, and take them that little bit further, on a regular basis.
5. Encouragement AND feedback go together.
   Application: Be specific in your encouragement AND constructive in your feedback.

Episode Resources

• Post: How To Learn Something New Every Day
• Podcast: Curiosity
• Complimentary Resource: 100 Ways To Praise A Child
  

  100 Ways To Praise A Child
  A great printable page – 100 Ways To Praise A Child. Print it out and put it somewhere prominent.

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