We are continuing to talk about Growth Mindset in our classroom! Here are some ways to help your child have a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset.
Talk About It
Talk with your child about their day, but guide the discussion by asking questions like: Did you make a mistake today? What did you learn? What did you do that was difficult today?
Encourage Failure (say what?!?)
Your child needs to know that failure can (and often does) happen and it is okay! Remind them that each time they fail and try again, their brain is growing stronger!
Praise the Process
Instead of saying, "You're so smart!" praise effort, goal setting, persisting through challenges, or being creative. You can say something like: "Wow! You must have worked really hard on this!"
The Brain Can Grow!
Remind your child that their intelligence is not fixed. Remind them that when things are difficult, their brain grows if they persist through the challenge. Each time they learn something new, their brain is making new connections. Your child needs to know this is possible!
Help them Change their Dialogue
Your child's self-talk, or internal monologue, makes a huge impact on their mindset. If they say, "This is too hard!" help them change that to "I can't do this yet, but I will keep trying." Give them the words to say when they are feeling defeated by modeling it yourself!
Brighter Bites Recipe:
INGREDIENTS
4 medium baking apples
2 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce
2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp cinnamon
⅓ cup oats
⅓ cup chopped walnuts (or other nuts)
2 Tbsp raisins
¾ cup water
NUTRITION FACTS FOR ONE SERVING
(approx. 1 apple; makes 4 servings)
227 calories; 43 grams carbohydrate; 7 grams fat; 3 grams protein; 6 grams dietary fiber
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife or apple corer, remove apple cores, leaving a hollow tunnel through each apple. In a small bowl, combine applesauce, honey, cinnamon, oats, walnuts and raisins. Pack the center of each apple firmly with the oat mixture. Extra filling can be placed on top of the apples. Arrange apples in a baking dish and pour water into the dish. Place baking dish on a middle rack in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Apples should be tender and a knife should slide easily into the apples when done.
Courtesy of https://kidtalkfrisco.com/growth-mindset/