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Growth mindset became a huge phenomenon about 10 years ago, especially in school. While it can be unfortunately used negatively, when it’s used in a positive way, it can truly change a child’s school experience. A growth mindset is an important mindset to cultivate in ourselves and in our students because it allows individuals to approach challenges and obstacles with a positive attitude and the belief that they can improve and learn. This is in contrast to a fixed mindset, which is the belief that intelligence and abilities are fixed traits and cannot be changed.
Research proven
There is a wealth of research that supports the benefits of this mindset. Individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to persevere in the face of challenges, take on new tasks and learn new things, and bounce back from setbacks and failures. They are also more likely to be resilient, confident, and open to feedback.
Classroom impact
In the classroom, cultivating a growth mindset can have a number of benefits for students. Students with this mindset are more likely to engage in activities that challenge them, ask for help when they need it, and see mistakes as opportunities to learn rather than as failures. This can lead to increased academic achievement and a more positive classroom culture.
As teachers, we can help our students develop this mindset by praising their efforts and progress rather than their inherent abilities, providing opportunities for them to take on challenges and learn from their mistakes, and modeling the mindset ourselves.
Books as anchors
There are many children’s books that promote this mindset. If you have followed me for awhile, you know that children’s books are the way to my heart! I have found SO many books over the years that promote this healthy mindset. Know that if these books don’t work for you, there are SO, so many more out there, and many that are pre-publication and coming soon. Here’s just a few of my favorites that can help this mindset come to life for students:
- “The Growth Mindset Playbook” by Annie Brock and Heather Hundley: This book teaches children about the power of a growth mindset and provides practical strategies for cultivating it.
- “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck: This book, which is written for adults but also appropriate for older children, explores the concept of the growth mindset and how it can be used to achieve success.
- “Rosie Revere, Engineer” by Andrea Beaty: This picture book tells the story of a young girl who loves to invent and create, and teaches children about the importance of perseverance and the power of a growth mindset.
- “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires: This picture book tells the story of a young girl who sets out to create the most magnificent thing, but encounters many setbacks along the way. It teaches children about the importance of perseverance and the power of a growth mindset.
- “The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes” by Mark Pett: This picture book tells the story of a girl who is afraid of making mistakes, but learns the value of trying new things and embracing mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow.
Related resources
Looking for tangible, hands-on resources to reinforce this in your classroom or office setting? Here’s a few…
Growth Mindset Skill Building Toolkit
Inclusive Quote Posters (literally, so cute)
Growth Mindset Quote Posters (groovy theme)
Growth Mindset Quote Posters (sloth theme)
Growing My Mindset – Kids Growth Mindset Workbook – available on Amazon!
Growth Mindset SEL Theme Kit – clouds & rain
Growth Mindset Conversation Cards
Looking for the most comprehensive option? Try the Growth Mindset Resource Bundle!
In summary, this mindset is important because it allows individuals to approach challenges with a positive attitude, persevere in the face of setbacks, and continually improve and learn. As teachers, we can help our students develop this by praising their efforts and progress, providing opportunities for challenge, and modeling it ourselves.
