Growing Up Greatness
Practicing a Growth Mindset Helps Children Develop Leadership Qualities
By Jennifer Kennedy
The term “growth mindset” is becoming more prevalent among educators and mentors. Many experts feel cultivating these skills can significantly impact a child’s potential. Practicing this concept in and out of the classroom is essential for future leaders.
Growth vs Fixed Mindset
Psychologist Carol Dweck defines two different types of mindsets:
- Children with a fixed mindset believe their basic abilities, intelligence and talent are fixed traits that cannot grow and improve.
- Students who adopt a growth mindset understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching and persistence. They believe everyone can get better and smarter if they work at it.
Dweck feels the different approaches determine the outcome when facing obstacles. She believes that intelligence, talent or education are not as important as curiosity, dedication and hard work when it comes to success.
Greater Gainesville’s Future Leaders
Junior Achievement of Alachua County hopes to instill this way of thinking into the up-and-coming leaders of the Greater Gainesville community. The organization encourages its youth members to adopt a growth mindset. Students learn and apply key concepts of creativity, collaboration, cultural agility, self-direction, analytical thinking and communication.
Vice President of District Development Shauna Dykes is proud of the work they are doing to help children develop their full potential. The programs are offered, free of charge, to local schools and integrated throughout core academic subjects.
“Our goal is to help students connect what they learn in school to the real world.” Dykes said, “We empower them with the knowledge, capacity and motivation to thrive and build a better future for themselves and their communities.”
Growth Mindset Resources
Bubble Gum Brain by Julia Cook The national award-winning author, counselor and parenting expert introduces the concept with creativity and humor in this children’s book. Her message to students working on a skill is that they have not mastered it- YET. The story of bubble gum brain vs brick brain encourages children to make great mistakes – a key to learning and developing. It emphasizes the theory that becoming is better than being.
Big Life Journal offers science-based journals for kids to help them grow their confidence and resilience. Parents Alexandra and Scott Eidans created growth mindset journals, parent guides and printables with engaging activities. The inspiring stories and colorful illustrations are designed to wire kids’ brains for resilience, gratitude and self-love.
Growth Mindset Definitions: Standford University’s Carol Dweck on the Growth Mindset and Education OneDublin.org 2012-06-19
