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What is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset fosters positive thinking! It begins with the belief that intelligence can change, develop, and grow. A student with a growth mindset might say: “I am not going to give up”, “I am going to keep trying”, or “I can do this”.
Why Does Having a Growth Mindset Matter?
As we develop, we experience these differences in one of two mindsets: the fixed mindset or the growth mindset. With a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities and abilities are fixed at birth—experiencing setbacks and challenges. With a growth mindset, people believe that their abilities and skills are developed through perseverance—setbacks and challenges are opportunities to grow!
How can I teach my kids (and myself) about a growth mindset?
It is important to remember that this mindset is not something that is achieved overnight. One easy way to encourage the growth mindset is to work on positive self-talk! When your kids can speak kindly to themselves, they are much more likely to keep that attitude and behavior up throughout the day.
Another way to encourage growth mindsets is to set goals as a group or as a family. The goals can be big or small, but helping your kids achieve their goals gives them practice in approaching challenges with an open mind. You will watch their self-confidence soar and their growth mindsets blossom as they crush their goals and work to set new ones.
Now what about the days when they are having a hard time being kind to themselves? First, let them know that it is normal and okay to feel the way they do. Not every day will be the best day ever. When these days come around, help them apply the growth mindset to their self-talk:
“I can’t do this…yet, I will keep trying!”
“I don’t understand this…yet, I am learning more each day!”.
“I’m afraid to try this…but trying new things helps my brain grow!”
Want to read more about growth mindsets?
Click the image below or use the link (https://sites.google.com/burke.k12.nc.us/growth-mindset/home)
Growth Mindset Statements.pdfGrowth Mindset Poster.pdfPage updated
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