Perseverance (1 of 3) | Social Emotional Learning for kids

Summary

Katie, a mathematician with little interest in art, reluctantly joins her friend Mojo in an art class. Struggling to create her own artwork, Katie becomes frustrated, especially after learning about the big show at the end of the class. Mojo introduces her to the idea of 'The Dip,' a metaphorical phase where challenges make learning difficult, yet are essential for growth. Guided by Mojomus Edison, Katie learns that even geniuses face struggles. The story encourages perseverance through frustration, illustrating that overcoming 'The Dip' leads to personal growth and development in any endeavor.

Takeaways

• 😀 Katie is reluctant to join Ms. Clara's art class, as she considers herself a mathematician, not an artist.
• 😀 Mojo encourages Katie to join the art class, suggesting that maybe she just hasn’t discovered her artistic side yet.
• 😀 Katie struggles with her artwork, feeling like it doesn't look right, while Mojo excels and becomes more confident.
• 😀 Mojo mentions that Ms. Clara’s art classes end with a big show to showcase the students' artwork, which frightens Katie.
• 😀 Katie tries to distract herself from her art struggles by reading a book about her favorite inventor, Thomas Edison.
• 😀 Katie finds herself conversing with a fictionalized version of Thomas Edison, who introduces her to the concept of 'The Dip.'
• 😀 'The Dip' represents a difficult phase where challenges cause frustration and self-doubt, but it’s a crucial part of the learning process.
• 😀 Edison explains that even geniuses like himself go through 'The Dip,' and it’s a necessary step for personal growth and learning.
• 😀 Katie begins to realize that she might be in 'The Dip' with her art class struggles, just like Edison.
• 😀 The chapter ends with Katie contemplating how she can overcome 'The Dip' and asking the reader whether she will make it past the challenge.

Q & A

Why was Katie initially reluctant to join the art class?

Katie was initially reluctant because she identified as a mathematician and felt she wasn't an artist.

What was Mojo's attitude towards art class?

Mojo was enthusiastic about the art class and believed that Katie could become an artist too.

What did Mojo mean when he said, 'Or maybe you’re just not an artist...yet!'?

Mojo suggested that Katie might not yet be an artist but could develop artistic skills with time and practice.

How did Katie feel about her art project during the class?

Katie felt frustrated because her art project didn’t look right and she was struggling to make it work.

What surprising information did Mojo reveal about Ms. Clara's art class?

Mojo revealed that Ms. Clara’s art classes always ended with a big show to celebrate the monsters' artwork.

What was Katie’s reaction when she learned about the big art show?

Katie was terrified because she was struggling in the class, and now the entire school would see her artwork.

How did Katie try to distract herself from the art class struggles?

Katie tried to distract herself by reading a book about her favorite inventor, Thomas Mojomus Edison.

What is 'The Dip,' according to Mojomus Edison?

The Dip is a phase in any challenging journey where excitement turns to frustration, and people feel like quitting, but it's an essential part of learning and growth.

Why did Mojomus Edison say that everyone goes through The Dip?

Edison explained that The Dip is part of the process of learning things that challenge us, and it helps strengthen our minds.

What advice did Edison give about getting out of The Dip?

Edison didn't specifically mention how to get out of The Dip, but he implied that it's part of the learning process that everyone must go through.

Do you think Katie is in The Dip? Why or why not?

Yes, Katie is likely in The Dip because she is struggling with her art project, feeling frustrated, and considering quitting. However, like Edison suggests, this is a normal part of the learning process.