We all make mistakes. Some big, some small, but we all make them. Daily.

So why do they have such a negative connotation? My mum used to say, “Well, you won’t make that mistake again!” if ever I did something I shouldn’t have. And she was absolutely right! Once I had made a mistake and realised the consequences, I wouldn’t do it again.

So what does that tell us?

It tells us that we learn from our mistakes. A good thing, right?

I remember when I was at school, I had a mental block about 8 x 6. The teacher was spot checking times tables and lo and behold, my turn came and it was 8 x 6. I froze. I gave every answer under the sun apart from the right one. I could hear sniggering, I could feel the heat rising through my body and I wanted the world to swallow me up. But, from that experience, I learnt 8 x 6. It’s now the one times table I will NEVER forget! Of course, not all situations are quiet as dramatic as this, but it proves a point. I learnt from my mistake.

We try to encourage our children to see the positives of making mistakes. It’s how we grow, both academically and personally. That’s where marvellous mistakes come in! I first heard of marvellous mistakes when I was observing one of our lovely tutors, Katrina. It’s been a staple in my teaching ever since. I loved the way that by giving the word mistake a positive description, we were suddenly looking at it with a completely different mindset.

How can we encourage marvellous mistakes?

It’s inevitable that you will witness your child making a mistake, probably with their homework! When the opportunity arises, greet it with enthusiasm and kindness. Explain to them how making a mistake should be viewed as an opportunity and go with it. Your child will begin to understand the beauty in mistakes.