In Ms. Hironaka’s classroom, mistakes are not only allowed—they’re celebrated. Her approach might surprise some students at first, but the results are transformative. 

“One thing I really encourage my students to do is take risks and make mistakes,” she explains. “If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not growing. You’re not pushing yourself to learn new things.” 

It’s more than just a motivational idea. Every time we make a mistake, our brains are actively growing. New experiences create neural pathways, and repeating these actions strengthens them, allowing deep learning to take place. In other words, mistakes are literally building the brain. 

The Life Skills Behind Mistakes 

Making mistakes isn’t just about academics—it’s about resilience, confidence, and perseverance. “Students who are perfectionists sometimes hesitate to even take the first step,” Ms. Hironaka notes. “Helping them understand that mistakes are a normal part of learning allows them to bounce back, try again, and build confidence over time.” 

Parents and teachers alike can reinforce this mindset. “We need to paint making mistakes as a positive thing,” she says. “Even as adults, we have to remind ourselves that mistakes aren’t failures—they’re opportunities to learn.” 

Reflecting on Mistakes 

This year, our school motto is “Everyone reflects,” and Ms. Hironaka’s approach perfectly embodies it. In her classroom, mistakes are treated as stepping stones. Students are encouraged to reflect on what went wrong, ask how they could do things differently, and approach problems with curiosity rather than fear. By making reflection a habit, students not only strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills, but also internalize the value of learning from every experience. 

By viewing mistakes as a natural and essential part of learning, students develop a mindset that prepares them not only for academic challenges, but for life itself. As Ms. Hironaka emphasizes, “Making mistakes helps us grow, strengthens our brains, and teaches us skills we’ll need now and in the future.” 

In her classroom, mistakes are no longer something to fear—they are keys to learning, growth, and discovery. And this year, as we live by our motto, everyone reflects on the lessons that each mistake brings.