Early on each school year, I teach my students about “The Dip”. The Dip is when you struggle with a task, despite the effort you are giving. When in The Dip you can quit or persevere. Research shows that the effort and reflection given when we struggle can strengthen the connections between the neurons in our brain and build our resilience. As a teacher of children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, it is extremely important to create an environment where struggles are not avoided, but where students feel equipped and supported to face them.
I began teaching this concept to my students several years ago. Soon after, I observed one of my third graders struggling with a math assignment. I saw the tension in her face and I went up to her thinking that soon tears would be coming (as they had before). Instead of crying, she looked up at me with a huge smile and said, “Ms. Wilkinson, I’m REALLY in The Dip now,” and then went right back to her work, eventually accomplishing her goal.
As I reflect on this, I see a clear comparison to our Kairos community. At Kairos, we are not encouraged to hide or avoid our struggles. Instead, we are encouraged to use the tools we have – prayer, scripture and community to face them. In facing our “Dips” as a community, we build our resilience, develop empathy for others and strengthen our faith. I am so grateful for a community I can say, “I am REALLY in the Dip now,” and am met with encouragement and support.
If you would like to teach your children and “The Dip”, I recommend these online videos.
Jane Wilkinson