What is A Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. It is opposed to a fixed mindset, which holds that abilities and intelligence are set and cannot be changed.
The importance of a growth mindset in the classroom is that it can lead to increased motivation, effort, and achievement for students. When students believe that they can improve, they are more likely to put in the effort to do so, and to persevere in the face of challenges. Additionally, a growth mindset can help students to be more resilient in the face of failure, and to see mistakes as opportunities for learning.
There are several ways that teachers can incorporate a growth mindset in the classroom. One approach is to use language that emphasizes growth and progress, such as "not yet" instead of "can't". Another approach is to provide regular opportunities for students to reflect on their learning and progress.
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning, which is important for students' motivation, effort, and achievement. Teachers can incorporate a growth mindset in the classroom by using growth-oriented language, providing opportunities for self-reflection and by connecting the curriculum to real-world problems and students' passions and interests.
Phrases that reflect a growth mindset include:
"I can keep moving."
"I can practice more."
"I will try another way."
"Challenges help me to grow."
"Mistakes help me to learn."
"I can keep learning."
"I won't give up."
Phrases that reflect a fixed mindset include:
"This is the best I can do."
"I can't do this."
"I'll give up."
"This is too difficult."
"I'm afraid of making mistakes."
"I don't understand."
"I have failed."
It is important to note that everyone has moments of fixed mindset thinking, and that fixed mindset thinking is not necessarily negative. However, if a student consistently has a fixed mindset, it can limit their potential and learning. By providing growth mindset oriented language and opportunities for reflection, a teacher can help students shift towards a growth mindset.
At what age is it appropriate to teach a growth mindset?
Research has shown that teaching a growth mindset can be beneficial for students of all ages, from early childhood through adulthood. However, the way that growth mindset is taught may vary depending on the age of the students.
For young children, it may involve teaching them to persevere in the face of challenges and to see mistakes as opportunities for learning. This can be done through simple activities such as encouraging children to try new things and praising their effort rather than their natural abilities.
For older children and adolescents, it may involve teaching them to set goals, monitor their progress, and take action to improve their performance. This can be done through activities such as goal setting, self-reflection, and providing opportunities for students to take on leadership roles and responsibilities.
It is important to note that the concept of growth mindset can be introduced and reinforced at any age, and that the approach will vary depending on the age and development level of the students.
How can a growth mindset help keep children engaged in the lessons they are learning?
A growth mindset can help keep children engaged in the lessons they are learning in several ways:
Increased motivation
Children who believe that they can improve their abilities are more likely to be motivated to put in the effort to do so. They are more likely to be engaged in the learning process, and to take an active role in their own learning.
Resilience in the face of failure
Children with a growth mindset are more likely to see failure as a natural part of the learning process, rather than as a personal setback. This can help them to stay engaged in the lesson, even when they are struggling.
Sense of purpose
When children understand the purpose and relevance of what they are learning, they are more likely to be engaged in the lesson. Incorporating the purpose movement and connecting lessons to real-world problems can help children to see the value of what they are learning and to be more motivated to engage with it.
Empowerment
Children with a growth mindset feel empowered to take control of their own learning and to set goals for themselves. This sense of empowerment can help to keep them engaged in the lesson, even when the material is challenging.
Self-reflection
Providing opportunities for children to reflect on their own learning and progress can help them to see the progress they have made, which can in turn help them to stay engaged in the lesson.
By promoting a growth mindset, teachers can help children to stay engaged in the lessons they are learning, to be more motivated, resilient, and to see the value and relevance of what they are learning.
What is the best way to engage your students?
Just add purposeful movement! Kids Freeze Dance™ is a streaming service for teachers and parents that features content themed educational videos mixed with purposeful movement! Each video features Jay on the Drums and emphasizes different content spanning Kindergarten through Third Grade while focusing on Math and Literacy concepts.
Consider using www.KidsFreezeDance.com to add movement to your daily lessons.
