Get Unstuck
Stuck? Start with what’s happening.
Getting stuck is part of learning. The goal isn’t to never get stuck. The goal is to know what to do next.
What sounds like you?
I read it… but I don’t get it.
You finished the words, but you’re not really sure what they meant. Stop, notice where understanding broke down, and choose a strategy that can help.
I’m stuck on this math problem.
You don’t need somebody to immediately tell you the answer. First figure out where you’re stuck. Then choose your next move.
I don’t know what to write.
Blank page? Don’t wait for the perfect first sentence. Find something worth saying and get your thinking moving.
I don’t understand the directions.
Break the directions apart and figure out what the task is asking you to do.
I don’t know where to start.
Don’t solve the whole thing at once. Find the first doable move.
I tried it and I’m still stuck.
Trying gave you information. Change something and choose your next move.
I need help. What do I say?
Explain what you understand, what you tried, and exactly where you need help.
The Funky Learning Playbook
NOTICE → NAME → CHOOSE → TRY → CHECK → ADJUST → ASK
Strong learners build a collection of moves they can use again and again.
I need a next move right now
- Stop. Don’t keep doing something that isn’t working.
- Name it. Finish: “I’m stuck because…”
- Pick one move. Break it down, draw it, try an example, explain what you know, check your work, or ask a specific question.
- Try. Then check whether it moved you forward.
I can do hard things.
Doing hard things doesn’t mean doing them without help.
Take it with you
Being stuck isn’t the end. Your next move matters.