Embracing a growth mindset is not just a mindset; it's a powerful philosophy that can transform the way we approach learning and challenges. At its core, it's the belief that learning is a journey, and with dedication and effort, our brains can expand and evolve. This mindset is particularly crucial for young minds, as instilling it early lays the foundation for a lifetime of continuous learning and resilience.

In this post we’ll not only explore what it means to develop a growth mindset, but also how we can apply this philosophy to the elementary classroom.

The Foundation of Growth Mindset

Although the phrase growth mindset has been thrown around quite a bit these days, it’s important to make sure that we’ve got the basics of what growth mindset is and its applications in the classroom.

Believing in the Possibility of Learning:

Growth mindset begins with a fundamental belief in the malleability of our intelligence. It's the belief that we have the capacity to learn and grow. Encouraging students to see their brains as dynamic, adaptable organs lays the groundwork for a mindset that thrives on the challenges of acquiring new knowledge and skills.

Starting Early for Lifelong Impact:

The impact of growth mindset is most profound when instilled at an early age. Young minds, like sponges, absorb not only academic lessons but also the attitudes and approaches to learning. By introducing growth mindset principles at an early age, we can lay a solid foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, resilience, and a positive relationship with learning.

The Gateway to Social-Emotional Skills:

Growth mindset extends beyond academics, serving as the gateway to developing crucial social-emotional skills. When students internalize the idea that challenges are opportunities for growth, they cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude towards collaboration. This holistic approach to learning equips students with tools for success in both academic and real-world situations.

What this looks like in the classroom:

When we set the foundation for growth mindset in the classroom we:

create an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn
use engaging activities that highlight the joy of discovery. They incorporate positive reinforcement to instill the belief that learning is an exciting adventure that continues throughout life
integrate collaborative activities that encourage students to work together and support one another

Building Resilience Through Growth Mindset

Perseverance in the Face of Challenges:

One of the key tenets of growth mindset is the ability to persevere in the face of challenges. Students learn that setbacks are not roadblocks but stepping stones to improvement. The process of overcoming obstacles becomes a source of empowerment, with each challenge strengthening their resolve and resilience. In short - the more we struggle and push through, the more powerful we become!

Contagious Positivity:

The growth mindset acts as a positive influence that spreads throughout your classroom and school. When educators and peers embody and encourage a growth mindset, it creates a culture of support and encouragement. Students witness the benefits of facing challenges with optimism and determination, fostering a positive cycle of motivation and achievement.

What this looks like in the classroom:

When we use growth mindset to build resilience in the classroom we:

design lessons that progressively challenge students, taking them outside their comfort zone while still providing the necessary supports to help them be successful
model a positive attitude toward challenges, creating a ripple effect in the classroom - students witness and experience the contagious positivity that comes from a collective belief in growth

Mastering the Art of "YET"

The Power of "YET":

The introduction of the word "yet" transforms limitations into opportunities. It shifts the narrative from what a student cannot do at the moment to what they can achieve with continued effort and perseverance. Embracing "yet" instills a sense of hope, encouraging students to view their current limitations as temporary roadblocks on their journey of continuous improvement.

Normalizing the Struggle:

Normalizing the struggle is a pivotal aspect of growth mindset. Students need to understand that encountering difficulties is not synonymous with failure but simply just part of the learning process. By destigmatizing challenges, educators create an environment where effort and resilience are celebrated, fostering a healthy approach to learning.

What this looks like in the classroom:

When we harness the “power of yet” in the classroom we:

help our students reframe statements like "I can't do this" to "I can't do this… yet."
create a culture where making mistakes is normalized and encourage students to share their challenges and discuss strategies for improvement openly

Navigating Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

Recognizing the Difference:

Educating students about the difference between a fixed and growth mindset empowers them to make conscious choices about their approach to learning. Recognizing that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and learning strategies encourages students to embrace challenges rather than avoid them. This awareness sets the stage for a mindset that values the learning process over fixed outcomes.

What this looks like in the classroom:

When we help students develop a growth mindset over a fixed mindset we:

conduct activities that illustrate the distinctions between fixed and growth mindsets
delve into real-life examples and help students practice recognizing and choosing a growth mindset

Resources that Teach Growth Mindset

Teaching Through Picture books

Like anything that we teach students, it’s important that we explicitly teach them how to use a new skill. Like developing math facts, Growth mindset, too, is a skill students can master over time.

Teaching growth mindset to upper elementary students through picture books can be engaging and impactful. Here are some picture books that are suitable for conveying the concept of growth mindset:

"The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds:

This book encourages students to embrace creativity and persistence. It illustrates the power of starting with a simple dot and seeing where it can lead.

"Beautiful Oops!" by Barney Saltzberg:

"Beautiful Oops!" celebrates the idea that mistakes are opportunities for creativity and problem-solving. It helps students understand that errors are part of the learning process.

"Your Fantastic Elastic Brain" by JoAnn Deak:

Explaining the neuroscience behind growth mindset, this book helps children understand that their brains are capable of growing and getting stronger with effort and learning.

"The Most Magnificent Thing" by Ashley Spires:

This book follows a young girl's journey as she tries to create the most magnificent thing. It highlights perseverance, resilience, and the importance of embracing challenges.

"Giraffes Can't Dance" by Giles Andreae:

The story of Gerald the giraffe teaches students about self-acceptance, resilience, and the idea that everyone has unique strengths that can be developed.

"Rosie Revere, Engineer" by Andrea Beaty:

Rosie's story encourages students to embrace their passion for creativity and problem-solving. It reinforces the idea that learning from failures is a crucial part of success.

"The Power of Yet" by Maryann Cocca-Leffler:

This book explicitly addresses the concept of "yet," emphasizing that even if children can't do something now, they can learn and grow with effort over time.

"What Do You Do With a Problem?" by Kobi Yamada:

Addressing the idea that problems are opportunities in disguise, this book helps students develop a positive attitude towards challenges and setbacks.

"Ish" by Peter H. Reynolds:

"Ish" encourages students to embrace the idea that perfection isn't necessary and that their efforts and creations can still be valuable, even if they're not flawless.

"The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes" by Gary Rubinstein and Mark Pett:

This book explores the fear of making mistakes and the importance of embracing imperfection. It helps students see that making errors is a natural part of learning and growing.

These picture books can serve as valuable tools for fostering a growth mindset in upper elementary students, promoting resilience, perseverance, and a positive attitude toward learning and challenges. Incorporating these books as anchor texts in your reading and writing lessons seamlessly integrates social-emotional learning with academic skills!

Hands on Learning with LINKtivities

When teaching a skill like growth mindset, it’s helpful to have some hands-on tools to isolate a new skill like growth mindset. That’s exactly why we created a Growth Mindset LINKtivity®. This LINKtivity can serve as your spring board for learning and can be used as a whole class, in small groups, or even as individual practice.

Inside the Growth Mindset LINKtivity, students learn the difference between a growth and fixed mindset, the power of "yet" and how having the right mindset can help them grow as learners. Students will learn through animated video, interactive activities, digital magnetic poetry, and more!