Achievement vs. Character?

Discover how we can use Growth Mindset to shift our priorities with our kids.

I read this study, by Harvard University a couple of months ago, when we were on the go with school, work, sports, church, friends, parties, etc. Always in a hurry to get to where we were going and to be the best we can be! We all want what is best for the kids in our lives and that was what motivated us in this rat race called life…but guess what friends, the rat race has been postponed due to this Quarantine. We have all slowed down and now we can now focus on what is really important…Getting our message about what is most important clear to kids…

Do our kids really know what we (teachers, parents, administrators) think is most important??? Watch this video to find out what Harvard University discovered about this…

This study struck a chord…

I know a 3rd grade student whose teacher told their class, if you don’t pass this test, you will not go to 4th grade! The student went home and had a complete meltdown to his mom over this. He cried for hours and would not listen, when his mom told him that the test doesn’t matter. At the same school I know a 2nd grade teacher who told her class (don’t stress, this test is no big deal). The difference: the pressure placed on the grade level teachers to show student achievement (the 3rd grade guarantee) UGH!!!! Kids believe their teachers!!!!! This boy would not believe his mom when she said that the test didn’t matter…but what his teacher said, stuck in his mind. STRESS!!!!

A Paradigm Shift

A paradigm shift is defined as “an important change that happens when the usual way of thinking about or doing something is replaced by a new and different way.”

Webster Dictionary

Can we shift from Good Grades to Good Kids???

You guys…this is the perfect time to make the shift. We can focus on developing all the right characteristics in our kids now!!! We can show kids what is really most important. We can focus on relational learning and the academics will fall in place!!! (view previous post called Pandemic Helping a Pandemic)

Let’s redefine Success with Growth Mindset

What is growth mindset anyway? It’s believing that you can do hard things! It’s believing that your effort matters! It’s realizing that giving up is not an option! It’s learning that you are capable! It’s taking the time to train yourself to be intrinsically motivated! Can we learn this? YES!!!!

“In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” ( Dweck, 2015)

What Growth Mindset can teach us:

• Make a Difference
• Dream Big
• Follow Your Heart
• Believe in Yourself
• Take Action
• Be Persistent
• Effort is Key
• Love Learning
• Be Mindful
• Be Grateful
• Failure is Learning
• Be Positive

Fun Resources for promoting Growth Mindset

• Movies that promote Growth Mindset
• Books that promote Growth Mindset
• Big Life-This is by far my favorite resource. This website has so much to offer. My own son has a Big Life Journal and loves it. Many of his friends have them too! Check it out by clicking on the link here. There are tons of free resources as well as curriculums for teachers.
• Big Life Podcast-this podcast has fun characters that keep your kids wanting more and teaches them all about Growth Mindset.

Grab my set of bookmarks to remind your kids that they can do hard things….check it out on my freebies page.

I’d love to hear how you are shifting the paradigm! Comment below!!!