The humble snail

Did you know that a snail moves only 1.3cm a minute? Perhaps that’s not too shocking – they’re not known for being speedy.

What is shocking is snails, though slow, are extremely strong, being able to lift objects ten times their own body weight. Ten times!

Even I, life-long enemy of anything slimy, cannot deny being impressed by this.

So why am I talking about snails? Because these little guys often come up in my lessons on Growth Mindset (if you’re unfamiliar… this is the learning theory developed by Dr Carol Dweck, based on the belief that intelligence, ability and performance can be improved).

With the older kids and teens, I love to get into the Neuroplasticity of it all…. but with 5 year olds, I’ve found that stories and snails just seem to work a whole lot better.

Because at the end of the day, I just want my students to know this: 

1. that  it doesn’t matter how slowly you’re moving, only that you are;

2. that not trying at all will result only in standing still;

3. and that just because someone is slow, doesn’t mean they aren’t stronger or more capable than you or they could even begin to imagine.

Personally, I think this is a good message whether you’re 5 or 55.

But what do I know? I don’t even like snails!