Module 4:

1. Get Oriented

“If we only did things that were easy, we wouldn’t actually be learning anything. We’d just be practicing things we already knew.”

~ David Dockterman

As teaching and learning moves from the classroom to the living room, parents/caregivers and students must reframe their thinking to navigate the challenges of remote learning. Encouraging a growth mindset and understanding why struggle is necessary for learning are keys to overcoming these challenges.

We will consider:

• What does it mean to have a growth mindset?

• How can I help my child develop grit?

• Why is struggle important for learning?

Distance learning requires that we are even more intentional about our choices as parents/caregivers Module 4 provides insights on why encouraging a growth mindset matters, along with ideas and strategies for helping your child deal with struggle.

Each module in this series encourages you to customize your experience to what you personally need. Pick and choose what best applies to you, your context, your comfort level, and the learners in your care.

2. Read & View

“Individuals who believe their talents can be developed (through hard work, good strategies, and input from others) have a growth mindset. They tend to achieve more than those with a more fixed mindset (those who believe their talents are innate gifts).”

~ Carol Dweck

In today’s world of instant gratification, it’s easy to choose comfort and avoid struggle. When accomplishment doesn’t happen immediately, we can get stuck in debilitating negative thinking: “I’m not smart enough, creative or good enough.” Parents/Caregivers can challenge this fixed mindset and move students towards a mindset of G.R.O.W.T.H.

In distance learning, we can intentionally plan for supporting a growth mindset.  Parents who help kids persevere in the learning process ask:

• G: How can I gather skills to encourage grit?

• R: How do I redirect meltdowns and shutdowns?

• O: How will I overcome negative thinking and feelings?

• W: How can I welcome mistakes as opportunities?

• T: How can I trust and lean into struggle?

• H: How can I harness the power of yet?

The resources below offer insights on supporting a growth mindset.

3. Reflect

“Children who have a growth mindset are more likely to keep working hard towards a goal, believing that all that stands between them and success is the right amount of effort.” ~ Karen Young

“Failure is not the opposite of success. It’s part of success.” ~ Arianna Huffington

Learners with negative self-perceptions usually avoid taking risks, give up easily and ultimately dislike school. When you help your child move from a fixed to a growth mindset, they face challenges with confidence and see struggles as opportunities.

In quick bullet points, respond to the following prompts:

• Do I understand the difference between a fixed and growth mindset?

• Have I learned the language of motivation that praises effort and encourages focus on the power of yet?

• Am I ready to embrace failure and prepared to allow my child to struggle?

Read over your quick responses. Where do you see room to grow? What is one way you want to improve in the upcoming week?

The “Practice” section that follows offers strategies and ideas to try out. Does one align to your reflection?

4. Practice

The following exercises are short action steps that offer you optional resources and activities to support your work on supporting a growth mindset.  Consider trying one (or more!) out this week to enhance your practice. To reveal the instruction, click on the “TRY THIS” title(s) that interest you.

5. Dive Deeper

If you have time and interest, explore these optional resources for supporting a growth mindset.

Encouraging Mindsets (pdf)

Executive-Function Skills: Important Skills for Childhood Development

What is the behaviour communicating? The RETHINK Model (pdf)

15 Common Cognitive Distortions 

Checklist of Cognitive Distortions (pdf)

How Parents Can Foster Autonomy and Encourage Child Development

Anxiety Canada: Home  A wealth of videos and information

Meltdowns: 5 Essential Steps Webinar Institute of Child Psychology

6. Review

Self-checks are for understanding, helping your child take agency for their progress and next steps.  They provide affirmation that they are on the right track or insights to the questions they need to ask.  Take a moment to consider your own affirmations and questions:

• Did you consider the way students are limited by a fixed mindset?

• Did you identify part of your parenting that can be improved in relation to developing a growth mindset?

• Did you try out a new strategy to help your child develop grit or deal with struggle?

Thank you for all you are doing to support your child’s learning.