Growth Mindset- Family & School

After attending a Professional Development Seminar by Ms. Watford, it really helped to emphasize the growth mindset in the classroom. One of the unique take aways from this lecture was that the mindset is even more successful with the understanding and support from families and parents at home. It framed this learning strategy as a team effort to help instill intrinsic motivation, grit, and curiosity in our students.

What is mindset?

"Have them take responsibility for their mistakes and learn from them without obsessing over them or beating themselves up.”
​                                                           -Paul Tough, How Children Succeed

---

Metacognition, a tool for fostering the growth Mindset

Metacognition, a buzzword that is a constant in the education field. It boils down to the ability for an individual to self reflect on whether or not they know something, and the ability to assess what they would do different.

"The real learning happens when kids begin to understand how to pick through the wreckage, find the pieces that still work for them, and devise a strategy for success.”                                                                      
                                                                -Jessica Lahey, The Gift of Failure

Metacognitive skills lead to self-efficacy, or the belief that they will succeed at a task. Within the art room this is done within each unit with a self reflection with their art projects. They assess their artistic techniques, application of the Elements of Art and Principle of Design, areas of challenge AND areas of success. This is key to help them develop their metacognitive skills and self assessment to foster growth.

---

Partner with Parents

Generally speaking, our parents want students to be prepared, independent individuals who are ready for the real world. We are on the same page!

Real learning is not always comfortable because we are challenging them. If it was always easy, they would never push themselves and learn to have grit or perseverance. Know that we have their best interest at heart, and that I am more than happy to review assignments and provide additional feedback if needed. However, I request that parents allow their child to self advocate. This communicates confidence in their ability to navigate challenges, but also pushes them to develop communication skills that will be essential for the real world.

If this entire concept peaks your curiosity and you want more information, a fantastic book recommendation given at the seminar was Jessica Lahey's The Gift of Failure. I have also linked Lahey's recorded keynote speech.