‘Mindset Sort’ As you are entering, please try to complete the ‘sort’ based on your ‘current understanding’ of Growth Mindset.

Mindful Learning- Choosing to have a Growth Mindset It’s all about the calm… Liberty Elementary 16-17; Mrs. Foley, Ms. Peckham, Ms. Bechard

Why Choose Growth Mindset? Mindfulness is a program dedicated to students to deepen their awareness and understanding of the human brain in order for students to learn more about themselves in terms of the decisions and choices they make each and every day. It is the understanding of the connection between the brain- thoughts, feelings, emotions, confidence in self and even happiness. All of this working together within your brain helping you to be “the best you”.

STUDENTS LEARN- What THEY DO have control of in terms of being calm… We have the power to control ourselves; no one is in control of us. Therefore, we must try our BEST to keep these things calm. CALM MIND/CALM THOUGHTS CALM BODY CALM FEELINGS CALM WORDS CALM ACTIONS = CALM YOU !

How Everyone’s Brain Works

Have you ever thought about… Have you ever wondered why under stress or “high pressured” situations, you may “lose your cool”? You might feel your heart racing, body sweating, or butterflies in your stomach. Perhaps a headache may begin or you may feel like you are losing control. When this happens to you, How do you handle it? How do you respond? What do you do? Do you give up? Do you say negative things to yourself? If so, What do you say?

Mindful Learning More about What is it? Being able to recognize when something is happening that is causing our body to feel a certain way. When this happens we can train our brains to react differently and to help our brain make wise choices. Students learn they DO have the ability to change what they will think and do in response to ANY situation. Students learn to pay more attention to their behaviors by calming themselves when faced with stress or anxiety. Students are then able to focus their attention on positive ways of handling situations, therefore taking control of their learning.

Square Breathing I can help train my brain with square breathing.

Choosing Optimism How will you allow yourself to feel today?

What can you expect to happen if you choose optimism? It is a learned trait. People train their brain to think in a way they may not be used to. To only look at situations in an optimistic way. It is a conscious choice someone makes for themselves in terms of how they will let their brains react to something that happens. If practiced, this can become a persons only way of thinking. This happens as the brain automatically pushes out any negative or pessimistic thought patterns that are trying to enter.

You can choose Optimism… What is optimism? Optimism- positivity, having a positive attitude, state of being cheerful, always hopeful about the outcome of a situation. It’s searching for the best in any situation, not dwelling on the negative. It is a way of seeing life It is the way we choose to handle or react to situations that happen to us. Why practice optimism? Expectations of yourself to be a happy person. It is a decision one makes for him or herself. When things get difficult, an optimistic person has learned and put into place strategies that help them in any situation BECAUSE…..They have trained their brains to change their thinking!!

Why do I want to be optimistic? When you choose to be optimistic. It increases the brain’s capacity to do what it is supposed to do. It puts yours amygdala in a state of relaxation, so functions of the brain can happen. This allows the pre-frontal cortex to do it’s job!– to take charge!!! When the 3 parts of the brain are able to do their job, these are the things that can happen for you: More focus Easier understanding of concepts being taught More room in the brain for concentration and new ideas to enter Able to solve common problems Able to connect with people easier Less doubt Less fear Less worry Better physical health & More success in school

Mindset Can Explain: Why brains & talent doesn’t always bring us the highest success How brains and talent can actually stand in the way of success Why praising brains and talents can hurt our self-esteem and success

Two Types of Mindset Fixed Mindset Growth Mindset People believe their qualities (intelligence & talent) are fixed traits. They were either born with them or without them. People believe their qualities (intelligence & talent) can be developed through hard work and dedication.

What Type of Mindset Do You/Your Child Have? Is your mindset fixed? You may do these things: Avoid challenges Give up easily Ignore feedback Get upset when others succeed Try to appear smart Is your mindset growing? You may do these things: Embrace challenges Give your best effort Take feedback and learn from it Become inspired by others doing well Believe you can become smarter with hard work

How Can You Facilitate a Growth Mindset? Talk about it Instead of “How was your day?” – Try: “What did you learn today? Did you make any mistakes? What did you do today that was difficult or challenging?” Encourage failure IT IS OKAY TO FAIL It just means that they are not there YET Praise the process Instead of “You’re so smart!” – Try: “You must have worked so hard on this!” Help them change their dialogue Modeling will help When children have negative thoughts, help them change to more positive ones!

Questions or Comments?