Often when we hear about successful individuals we hear about their final product- the record they broke, the award they won, or the new position they attained. Their success sometimes seems automatic and inevitable, especially to children. What we don’t hear enough about is the process- the the ups and downs, the wins and losses, the perseverance and effort it took to achieve that success. The process for many things can be frustrating, … [Read more...]
The Importance of Challenging All Students
Years ago challenging work was something teachers saved for only their top students. It was an extension activity or something to keep those early finishers busy while they waited for their classmates to catch up. It wasn’t for everyone, it was saved for the “talented and gifted” students. Fortunately, times have changed and teachers are now encouraged to ensure that students of all levels are appropriately challenged. Thank goodness for … [Read more...]
Turning Mistakes into Opportunities for Learning
As September approaches and students return to the classroom many teachers will ask students to set goals for what they’d like to achieve this year. On the list you’re likely to see things like, “make new friends”, “get good grades,” and “learn new things”. One you are less likely to see is, “make mistakes”. I guess that’s no surprise. Students often feel shame when they make a mistake. Too often success in the classroom is determined … [Read more...]
Teaching Goal Setting using Picture Books
Read alouds in the growth oriented classroom are a powerful way for students to learn how to set goals and create a plan for achieving them. Teaching by way of a mentor text helps learners to see how people who set and achieve goals demonstrate perseverance and grit through the process. Goal setting is not easy for everyone. In addition, our friends may feel defeated or overwhelmed when they set goals and think of the stamina and grit … [Read more...]
Goal Setting With Elementary Students
Hello Friend! In my growth minded classroom student goal setting and reflection is routine practice. Prior planning, achievement, and reflection of goals make new challenges even more achievable since students have a clear understanding that their continued efforts will lead to success. Goals come in many forms; they may be purely academic, social, or goals even may have to do with character building. All students need to be explicitly … [Read more...]
The Best Growth Mindset Picture Books
Hello Friend! Growth Mindset! When students believe that dedication and hard work can change their performance in school, they grow to become resilient, successful students. Even at such a young age, it is essential for us to teach our students that their intelligence can be grown or developed with persistence and effort. Last year I saw a huge shift in my student's determination and effort as I worked hard to build a growth mindset … [Read more...]
