Chapter 1
Quote: "Believing that your qualities are fixed in stone -the fixed mindset- creates an urgency to prove yourself over and over."
Question: When does one acquire a belief of themselves in the first place?
Connection: This made me think back to my years of teaching Pre-kindergarteners who were the most confident dreamers I knew. They had dreams of being astronauts, presidents, teachers, and yes even princesses and superheroes. There was never a hint of hesitation when I asked them what they wished to be. They knew what they were going to be. When do they decide that they can't be those things anymore? What happens to us that we decide we aren't enough to be that?
Epiphany: This year I will be working with 6 year-old kiddos teaching 1st grade. I will ask them on the first day of school what they wish to be when they grow up, and then ask again on the last week... Let's see if there is a change.
Chapter 2
Quote: "But for children with the growth mindset, success is about stretching themselves. It's about becoming smarter."
Question: I understand the two mindsets with the adult and children behavior examples given, but I want to know how. How did that decision and later belief happen?
Connection: When my own children were in elementary school, the amazing principal insisted every classroom have this quote posted at the front of the room, "My teacher thought I was smarter than I was, so I was." I thought that was one of the best messages my kids received. It made me happy to know that at least one person was present in their learning process who believed in their ability to learn.
Epiphany: One's emotional state can definitely help in the learning process. If one feels that they are supported and that someone believes in them, then it may be all they need to continue through the struggle.
Resource:
Dweck. C. S. Mindset The New Psychology of Success. 2006. New York. Random House.