13_Growth Mindset 6-8

Sometimes what we call ‘failure’ is really just that necessary struggle called learning. —Unknown Mindset: Fixed vs. Growth At Home Resources Level: Middle School (6-8) Concepts: • Personal Growth • Perspective-Taking • Goal Setting • PersistenceBig 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 a growthmindset. Growth mindset is an attitude that reflects the concept of neuroplasticity – our brains abilityto change and grow.Contrast this with a fixed mindset - the belief that intelligence and personality are fixed, that it is moreimportant 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 more suc-cessful in life. Growth mindset is a practice, and can be seen as an attitude, or an ideal, to strive for andto 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 set-backs 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, tempera-ment; our identity.© 2017 Empowering Education, Inc. PAGE 1 of 2 All rights reserved.

MINDSET: FIXED VS GROWTH | GRADES 6-8 PracticeHave a discussion with your student about areas in life where they are struggling. Try to help yourstudent approach these struggles with a growth mindset. Some questions to consider include:What can this struggle teach you? How is this an opportunity to grow and learn? How could youencourage your student to develop a growth mindset at home? At school? What are some waysyou can remind yourself and your student to approach challenges and problems with grit andoptimism?Avoiding failure also leads us to avoid success. Following the discussion, write down at least 3obstacles and then reframe these obstacles as opportunities:Example:Obstacle: My math homework is too hard.Opportunity: This is an opportunity to practice asking for help. I will ask my teacher to help meunderstand the homework. Student Resources• Any Small Goodness by Tony Johnston (Grades 3 – 6)• Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan (Grades 4 – 7)• Blackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly (Grades 5 – 8)• Ish by Peter H. Reynolds (Grades K – 6)• Someday by Eileen Spinelli• Stinkin’ Thinkin’ by Gretchen Ehle Zimmer• 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© 2017 Empowering Education, Inc. PAGE 2 of 2 All rights reserved.