📘 How We Use The Learning Pit at Whelan Elementary School
At Whelan Elementary School, we believe that real learning happens when students are challenged, not when work feels easy. To support this belief, our teachers use The Learning Pit, a learning model developed by educational researcher James Nottingham.
The Learning Pit helps students understand that feeling confused, stuck, or challenged is a normal and important part of learning. When students enter the “pit,” it means they are working through new ideas, making mistakes, asking questions, and trying different strategies , all essential steps toward deeper understanding.
What the Learning Pit Looks Like in Our Classrooms: -Teachers intentionally design lessons that encourage productive struggle -Students are taught to stay in the pit instead of giving up -Classrooms use common language like “I’m in the pit” or “What strategy can I try next?” -Teachers model thinking, perseverance, and reflection
At AC Whelan, our Monthly Morning Meeting (MMM) Team brings our school community together each month to highlight a core value such as Friendship, Respect, Kindness, and Growth Mindset. Each month begins with a Zoom lesson shared with all classrooms to introduce the value and its meaning. Throughout the month, staff members observe students who consistently model the look-fors and nominate them to be honored at our celebration.
Today, we proudly celebrated 21 outstanding students from Kindergarten through Grade 5 who were nominated by staff for embodying a Growth Mindset. These students demonstrated perseverance, positive self-talk, willingness to try challenging tasks, and the ability to learn from mistakes.
To honor their efforts, students participated in a Growth Mindset Relay Race in our gym. This fun and engaging activity reinforced the idea that effort, teamwork, and perseverance help us grow—both in learning and in life.
Our Growth Mindset Celebration highlighted what makes AC Whelan special: students who embrace challenges, support one another, and keep trying even when things feel hard.
We are so proud of our students for being role models of Growth Mindset and for showing what it means to keep learning and growing as Whelan Whales! 🐋💙
Enjoy the photos below and help us congratulate this wonderful group of students! 📸✨
📘 How We Use The Learning Pit at Whelan Elementary School
At Whelan Elementary School, we believe that real learning happens when students are challenged, not when work feels easy. To support this belief, our teachers use The Learning Pit, a learning model developed by educational researcher James Nottingham.
The Learning Pit helps students understand that feeling confused, stuck, or challenged is a normal and important part of learning. When students enter the “pit,” it means they are working through new ideas, making mistakes, asking questions, and trying different strategies , all essential steps toward deeper understanding.
What the Learning Pit Looks Like in Our Classrooms: -Teachers intentionally design lessons that encourage productive struggle -Students are taught to stay in the pit instead of giving up -Classrooms use common language like “I’m in the pit” or “What strategy can I try next?” -Teachers model thinking, perseverance, and reflection
At AC Whelan, our Monthly Morning Meeting (MMM) Team brings our school community together each month to highlight a core value such as Friendship, Respect, Kindness, and Growth Mindset. Each month begins with a Zoom lesson shared with all classrooms to introduce the value and its meaning. Throughout the month, staff members observe students who consistently model the look-fors and nominate them to be honored at our celebration.
Today, we proudly celebrated 21 outstanding students from Kindergarten through Grade 5 who were nominated by staff for embodying a Growth Mindset. These students demonstrated perseverance, positive self-talk, willingness to try challenging tasks, and the ability to learn from mistakes.
To honor their efforts, students participated in a Growth Mindset Relay Race in our gym. This fun and engaging activity reinforced the idea that effort, teamwork, and perseverance help us grow—both in learning and in life.
Our Growth Mindset Celebration highlighted what makes AC Whelan special: students who embrace challenges, support one another, and keep trying even when things feel hard.
We are so proud of our students for being role models of Growth Mindset and for showing what it means to keep learning and growing as Whelan Whales! 🐋💙
Enjoy the photos below and help us congratulate this wonderful group of students! 📸✨