Danny Learns To Dig For Treasure

“Daniel hardly talks and refuses to answer questions when asked.” Mr Bature, Daniel Igein’s class teacher told his parents during the school’s open day.

“Really! That’s surprising, he talks very well at home and tells us all that goes on in school.” His father replied.

It was a new school and his first term there. His parents promised Mr Bature to find out what was going on.

At bedtime, Daniel’s Dad asked him about it.

Dan, your teacher said you don’t talk or answer questions in the class. That’s unlike you, what is going on? You were participating well in your previous school.

“Nothing Dad, it’s just that when I want to speak, I feel I might make mistake or mess up”

His Dad smiled as he stretched out beside him on the bed. “Everybody make mistakes, even parents, mistakes are not really bad.”

Daniel was surprised. “Really! How so?

“Well, you remember your book, Pat, the treasure hunter? His Daddy asked and Daniel nodded confused.

“Great! How does Pat and his crew get to the treasure?” His Daddy asked again.

“Well, they dig until they get to the treasure.” Daniel replied.

Exactly! They dig till they get to the treasure. When they dig the dirt, they pour it away and keep throwing the dirt away until they get to the treasure. Mistakes are like the dirt you dig when digging for treasure, it’s not the treasure but it gets you close to the treasure. When you make mistakes, like the dirt, you throw it away and dig again. Do you think Pat and his crew are silly for digging until they get the treasure?” Daddy paused and looked at Daniel.

“No, ” Daniel replied, fascinated with his Daddy’s explanation.

“So, why would you think you are silly for pouring the dirt you dug from finding your treasure? Your teacher is there to explain to you, so ask questions and mess up, that will get you quicker to knowing it.”

“Wow, Dad! Mistakes are really not bad after all. I like looking at it as part of finding treasure. I will start speaking up, even though I mess up, I am digging for treasure. Daniel told his father and tightly shut his eyes, he wanted to sleep fast, he was looking forward to school the next day.

Daniel hasn’t minded digging for treasure since then, now he knows mistakes are not bad after all.

Do you make mistakes too or are you scared of trying because you don’t want to make mistakes? Let’s dig for treasure!