As educators, growth mindset is something we’re always wishing for our students. From carefully selecting the perfect quote to put up on our bulletin boards to finding the newest social emotional learning read aloud, we’re intentional in all that we do! I’m all about sharing the wealth and supporting others, so here are some ways I transformed my classroom with growth mindset activities (bonus points: they’re low-prep and super easy to maintain all year long).
GROWTH MINDSET IN THE CLASSROOM
What is growth mindset?
If you’re an elementary teacher or have a background in early education, chances are that you’ve heard about growth mindset. It’s a topic that’s definitely discussed frequently. So what is growth mindset? Growth mindset is the belief that individuals can always improve their skills with practice and effort. It’s often contrasted with fixed mindset, which believes that your skills are fixed and there’s limited room for improvement. Growth mindset for kids is important because it will help them increase their self esteem and learn from their mistakes. If you want more information, check out this blog post.
How do you develop a growth mindset?
Growth mindset in the classroom must be integrated and celebrated as part of your classroom culture. In order for students to develop a growth mindset, they first need to know that you believe in them! I always remind my students that they are capable and intentionally use my classroom decor to reinforce this. For an example, we have a growth mindset bulletin board that states “mistakes help our brain grow!” I always admit my mistakes and refer back to this corner to help them see practical examples in action.
Personally, I believe that growth mindset activities must be reinforced throughout the entire year. Because of this, I intentionally implement activities throughout the seasons to help my class develop a growth mindset.
IDEAS FOR GROWTH MINDSET ACTIVITIES
Class Family Magical Yet
Now this is one of my favorite ways to develop a growth mindset! It’s also low maintenance and can be used throughout the entire school year. The trick is to introduce your class family’s Magical Yet. This fairy lives behind a miniature door and watches over everyone. If students practice growth mindset, learn from their mistakes and try their best, the magical yet leaves encouragement notes!
Now you have to be very intentional when implementing this. Here’s how I did it with my students. First, we read The Magical Yet. This read aloud helps them realize that it’s okay if they can’t do everything, YET! It gives them hope and assurance that their skills and capabilities will grow throughout time. Next, I hung the fairy door on our wall and left a note on the board. The note is written from the Magical Yet’s point of view and serves as an introduction letter. Naturally, your students will have many questions so make sure to leave enough time to address them.
When my class was first introduced to our Magical Yet, they were mindblown! They couldn’t contain their excitement and wonder. Pro Tip: to help answer their questions, we decided to write back and continued to do so for several days.
The last step is leaving notes for your class. How often you do this is up to you, but I aim for about 2-3 times a week. I have a variety of pre-made notes I choose from and leave it on their desks with a sprinkle of glitter! I’m very purposeful, as I want these notes to serve as growth mindset affirmations. It warms my heart to see how much my class cherishes them. I often see these growth mindset affirmations tucked behind the front sleeve of binders or safely inserted into backpacks.
Activities for Growth Mindset
Another way I prioritize growth mindset in the classroom is to incorporate social emotional learning crafts throughout the year. Because of this, I created various social emotional learning crafts that could be used in different seasons. These activities for growth mindset help children reflect upon and celebrate their achievements. Just like we review skills we’ve previously taught, I believe the same is true with self esteem for kids.
Social Emotional Learning Read Alouds
Growth mindset books for kids are perfect to use all year long! As teachers, we’re suckers for read alouds, and these are no different. I love how they convey messages to students in ways that we cannot. No matter how often we read these books, my class is always encouraged by the theme. You can even pair it with an extension activity and incorporate other standards!
Now the list is endless, but here are some of my favorite growth mindset books for kids: Giraffes Can’t Dance, Jabari Jumps, After the Fall, and What Do You Do With a Chance.
NEED MORE ACTIVITIES FOR BUILDING CONFIDENCE?
As you know, there are many benefits of growth mindset. Building self esteem is essential to helping children learn and thrive in any environment. Hopefully these activities help you support your students, create a welcoming environment and transform your classroom!
Want more ideas?
Easy Activities for Building Confidence
Growth Mindset: The Power of Yet
