13_Growth Mindset 3-5

Sometimes what we call ‘failure’ is really just that necessary struggle called learning. —Unknown Mindset: Fixed vs. Growth At Home Resources Level: Upper Elementary (3-5) Concepts: • Personal Growth • Perspective-Taking • Goal Setting • Persistence Big Ideas For This LessonChallenges, setbacks and failures are opportunities for growth. A person who values learning andpossesses character traits like persistence and perspective taking can be described as having agrowth mindset. Growth mindset is an attitude that reflects the concept of neuroplasticity – ourbrains ability to change and grow.Contrast this with a fixed mindset - the belief that intelligence and personality are fixed, that it ismore important to look smart than to learn, and that challenges and setbacks are threatening.People who adopt a growth mindset show greater motivation, earn better grades, and are moresuccessful in life. Growth mindset is a practice, and can be seen as an attitude, or an ideal, to strivefor and to work towards. Every obstacle is an opportunity for growth. Essential VocabularyGrowth Mindset: The belief that intelligence and personality can be developed.Fixed Mindset: The belief that intelligence and personality are fixed, and that challenges and setbacks are threatening.Intelligence: The ability to attain and process new information. How well we learn, apply knowledge, and gain skills.Personality: Who we are as a person: our habits, beliefs, actions, attitudes, character traits, temperament; our identity.© 2018 Empowering Education, Inc. PAGE 1 of 2 All rights reserved.

MINDSET: FIXED VS GROWTH | GRADES 3-5 PracticeGrowth minded language motivates youth to ensure they remain persistent, resilient, and focused on the process oflearning. Use these language frames in the following situations:When they struggle despite strong effort:• OK, so you didn’t do as well as you wanted to. Let’s look at this as an opportunity to learn.• What learning strategies are you using? How about trying some different ones?When they are lacking specific skills needed for improvement:• Let me add new information to help you solve this.• Here are some strategies to figure this out.When they are making progress:• Hey, do you realize how much progress you’ve made?• I see you using your strategies/tools/notes/etc. Keep it up!When they easily succeed at something:• I see that was really easy for you, let’s make it more challenging.• It looks like you’re ready to learn something more difficult! Student Resources • Any Small Goodness by Tony Johnston (Grades 3 – 6) • Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan (Grades 4 – 7) • Ish by Peter H. Reynolds (Grades K – 6) • Someday (Picture Book) by Eileen Spinelli (Grades K – 4) • Stinkin’ Thinkin’ (Picture Book) by Gretchen Ehle Zimmer (Grades 2 – 4) • Thanks for the Feedback, I Think by Julia Cook (Grades K – 5) • Growth vs Fixed Mindset (YouTube Video 1:15) • Making A Splash - Growth Mindset for Kids by Carol E. Reiley Adult Resources • Fostering Growth Mindsets (Blog) by Jason Marsh • Mindset Journal: Your Daily Guide to Change From a Fixed Mindset to a Growth Mindset and Improve Your Life (Book) by Anna L. Matthews • The Power of Believing That You Can Improve (Video) by Carol Dweck© 2018 Empowering Education, Inc. PAGE 2 of 2 All rights reserved.