I also just make mistakes because I'm human. In read alouds, I'll change or add words. When writing, I'll leave out words or make spelling mistakes. When those things happen, I try to turn them into learning opportunities.
I'll ask, "What did Mr. Wiley just do? I skipped a word when I was writing. I forgot to put the word the before dog in this sentence. Does that make it harder to read? Yes. So when you're writing, make sure you include all the words so your sentences will make sense."
I'll say, "Mr. Wiley put in some extra words while reading. Great readers will read carefully and make sure to say just the words that are there. That way, we can understand what the author meant when she wrote this book."
One boy in my class now says, "You did that on purpose, didn't you?" whenever I make a mistake. It would easy to say, "Yes!" and move on. But I don't want kids to think that I never make mistakes. It's important to know that everyone makes mistakes and that making mistakes is okay. We can recognize them and correct them. Making mistakes helps us learn.
I also don't want them to think I know everything. It's important to say "I don't know." I once had to look up a word that we were writing on a chart. "You don't know how to spell that?" the kids asked, incredulous. "I don't know how to spell all the words," I said. "But we can find the answer."
I make mistakes. And that's okay. I'm learning.
