I attended a workshop on June 7, 2014, for teachers on SEL, Social, Emotional Learning. It was sponsored by SixSeconds. SixSeconds is an amazing organization with a mission of creating a world where Emotional Intelligence, EQ, is highly regarded and developed.
One of the workshops I attended was on Building Growth Mindset Learners in Your Classroom. The information I learned is consistent with what I teach to parents on how to problem solve with their children.
Here is the difference between a Fixed Mindset and a Growth Mind Set
A Fixed Mindset
Intelligence is a Fixed Trait
Look smart at all costs
It should comes naturally
Hide mistakes
A Growth Mind Set
Intelligence can be developed
Learn at all costs
Work hard. Effort is key
Confront mistakes and learn from them
An interesting observation is that my very smart daughter, who doesn’t have to work hard to understand many ideas, had a hard time accepting a growth mindset. To her, it just came naturally. If you have a “gifted” child, you might run across this same issue of not believing they should work hard.
Let’s hope for the rest of us who aren’t “gifted”, that we can learn and develop our intelligence. I encourage you to think about which mindset you are promoting in your family. And, if you have a really smart kid who doesn’t want to work hard; to know that this perspective is one of the known challenges of the gifted.
What has your experience been with your kids mindset?
2014 Cynthia Klein, Bridges 2 Understanding, has been a Certified Parent Educator since 1994. She works with parents and organizations who want more cooperation, mutual respect and understanding between adults and children of all ages. Cynthia presents her expertise through speaking and private parenting coaching sessions. She is a member of the National Speakers Association and writes the Middle School Mom column for the Parenting on the Peninsula magazine. She works with parents of 4 – 25 year-old children. Contact Cynthia at bridges2understa.wpstagecoach.com, cynthia@bridges2understanding,com, or 650. 679.8138 to learn more about creating the relationship you want with your children.
