When I return from winter break, not only do I review routines and procedures....but I also review the topic of growth mindset!
What is growth mindset?
Growth mindset describes a way of viewing struggles and setbacks. Individuals who have a growth mindset believe their skills and abilities aren't set in stone. Even if they find something difficult, they believe their skills can improve over time.
Carol Dweck, a leading researcher on the topic and author of Mindset, defines a growth mindset as:
"In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work--brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment." (Dweck, 2015)
In contrast, a person with a fixed mindset thinks their skills will not improve over time--no matter how hard they try. They believe their skills and abilities are set in stone and will not change. No. Matter. What.
Dweck defines a fixed mindset as:
"In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success--without effort. " (Dweck, 2015)
Why does growth mindset matter?
Whether a student has a fixed mindset or a growth mindset significantly impacts their learning.
If a student holds a fixed mindset--they give up when they can't solve a problem. Their productive struggle is non-existent. A fixed mindset is detrimental to learning and creates very limited growth.
If a student holds a growth mindset, they continually work to find a solution or improve their skills. A growth mindset student leans in to productive struggle leading to success and ultimately greater growth.
How can you encourage growth mindset in your classroom?
One way to encourage students about growth mindset is through children's literature. These growth mindset books show characters using different strategies to achieve their goals. They undesrstand they can improve their abilities if they try. Exactly what we want our students to learn.
Check out the SEVEN books below that illustrate productive struggle can be positive.
A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant
This wonderfully illustrated story tells the tale of a talented artist who grows up immersed in the joy of creating art until he is injured at war. Very patiently, and with great determination, he slowly regains some control of his right arm and is able to create art again. He goes on to become a celebrated artist.
When Sophie Thinks She Can't..... by Molly Bang
Sophie is frustrated when she can't solve a math puzzle and shouts, "I CAN'T DO IT!" Thankfully Sophie's teacher steps in and teaches the class about the power of YET. By the end of the story, Sophie uses her new technique (growth mindset) to help her prevail through struggles.
Willie is determined to learn to whistle so he can call his dog. Although learning to whistle is hard work, he doesn't give up and eventually succeeds.
Brave Irene by William Steig
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
If there is a will, there is a way. Irene Bobbin is determined to deliver a beautiful ball gown her mother made to the duchess. In order to do so, Irene must defy the the blistery cold wind, snow and feelings of wanting to give up.
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae
Giraffes can't dance....or can they? Gerald is determined to take part in the annual Jungle dance and while all of the other animals laugh he shows perseverance and determination to follow his dream.
Jabari is determined to jump off of the diving board, but as he nears the ladder his confidence shrinks. His dad reassures him that is okay to be scared. With a new sense of determination, Jabari climbs the ladder and jumps.
Rosie Revere dreams of becoming a great engineer. Rosie constructs amazing inventions from a hot dog dispenser to helium pants, but she is too afraid of failure to share them. When Rosie's great-great-aunt Rose visits, she explains to Rosie that a flop isn't something to fear--it is something to celebrate. One can only truly fail if they quit.
Are you interested in more books to encourage growth mindset? Check out this list from We Are Teachers, or this list from the Children's Library Lady.
For ideas beyond books, check out American University's 10 strategies for fostering growth mindset in your classroom.
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