• growth Growth Mindset Matters     

    Quarter 2

    Now that we know that Growth Mindset is the belief that a person has flexible thinking that encourages making mistakes, taking on challenges, and that effort and process are more important than the final result, our families are ready to take some next steps.

    This quarter and next quarter I will give some ideas of what you can do at home to encourage your child having a Growth Mindset.

    Meal Time Modeling - Develop a routine while eating dinner which involves dialogue about how Growth Mindset was used that day.

    Here are some examples:

    • What was the most challenging thing you did today?
    • What was the best accomplishment of the day? And how did you achieve  it?

    Then, be sure to answer the questions, too! It is always helpful to see that an adult is also going through challenges. Modeling is key in assisting development of a growth mindset.


    Post Activity Debriefs - After an activity, whether it is swim lessons, piano practice, or a taekwondo class, use this as a time to develop a Growth Mindset with your child. Ask questions and give comments that encourage framing the event with flexible thinking.

    • Comment: I could tell those extra minutes of practicing your piano really paid off.  You were able to go through the piece without stopping.
    • Question: You hit 3 out of 4 of your free throws tonight and last week you hit one. How did you prepare for this week?

     Growth Mindset Movie Night - Have a Movie Night with the family, but focus on a film that recognizes and develops a Growth Mindset.  

    • Some examples:  Zootopia, Ratatouille, Cool Runnings, and Queen of Katwe (ages 10 and older).

     

    I hope that you try one of these activities and that your “elastic, fantastic brain” continues to grow!

     Some activities are based on ideas from In Other Words, Phrases for Growth Mindset.

     

     

    Quarter 1

    The theory of Growth Mindset is becoming a common term amongst students.  The Growth Mindset believes that success is a direct result of effort put forth, rather than one’s natural ability or talent. This belief encourages students to approach challenges without a fear of failure and have a willingness to try new strategies when hitting an obstacle. The thought is that failure is an opportunity to grow, rather than shutting down when there is a mistake.

    Every quarter, I’m going to share some information and books that can lead to an understanding of the concept, as well as how to encourage it to our students.

    There is a powerful word in Growth Mindset….YET!  

    We just can’t do it….YET.

    Some great children’s books that lead to discussion of the Growth Mindset concept:

    • Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by Joan Deak, PhD (this is a great book to explain to your child what Growth Mindset is and why it matters).
    • The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein
    • The Big Life Journal
    • Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan
    • Mistakes That Worked: 40 Familiar Inventions and How They Came to Be by Charlotte Foltz Jones