Before telling you my favorite growth mindset books for the classroom, I first want to explain why it’s so important to teach
What is a “Growth Mindset”
“Growth mindset is the idea that, with effort, it’s possible to increase intelligence levels, talents, and abilities. Students who demonstrate a growth mindset believe their abilities develop over time, tend to seek out opportunities to gain new knowledge and broaden their skills, and do not typically shy away from challenges” (Kazakoff & Mitchell, 2017)(Lexia 2017).
Why Growth Mindset is Important
It’s amazing what can be accomplished when a person believes in themself. Mistakes become lessons and opportunities for growth while success becomes even better. However, having a growth mindset dwindles away year after year beginning as early as elementary school.
In my opinion, teaching children to have a growth mindset takes precedence over the many other things we teach from day to day. I know that may sound crazy, but if a student looks at a word problem and immediately thinks “This looks hard. I can’t do it.” How likely are they to succeed? That’s not to say a student won’t be successful, but imagine how much more can be accomplished if a student isn’t immediately shutting down.
If students understand that their brain is capable of overcoming challenges and continue to preserve despite their obstacles. Eventually having a growth mindset will become habitual. Now think about what that truly means for our students? This means that they are limitless as long as they choose to be.
For example, a young girl that is struggling in math may believe that she just “isn’t good at math” or “she wasn’t born with a mathematical brain.” However, by understanding
To begin promoting a growth mindset in the classroom, here are a few of my favorite ways to teach growth mindset and my favorite growth mindset books.
3 Simple Ways to Teach Students How to Have a Growth Mindset
1. Read your students books that demonstrate a growth mindset. Afterwards, allow for a class discussion. If you read one of the books I’ve listed below, your students will want to talk about them. Then when these “fixed mindset situations” arise in class, refer to the characters and encourage students to make those connections.
2. Model, model, model. They look up to us and we spend 7+ hours a day with them. We have a greater influence than we think. Show them what it looks like to have a growth mindset and they will follow.
3. Praise them. Praise your students when they have demonstrate having a growth mindset, especially when they’ve worked hard and kept trying despite difficulty.
Growth Mindset Books for the Classroom
The Growth Mindset Workbook
I was really impressed when I picked up the Growth Mindset Workbook. It’s designed for ages 6-12 but I think it could be applicable to older children as well. The workbook is broken up into multiple sections and touches on topics such as yoga, problem solving, building self esteem, cultivating a growth mindset, trying new things, being brave, and journaling. Each activity taught a valuable & empowering lesson in a fun and creative way.
She Persisted
She Persisted is a wonderful book that highlights the success and triumphs of other women from around the world. The author illustrates how these women didn’t take “no” for an answer and persisted through life’s difficulties.
Otis the Bulldog’s Very Big Excuses
Otis is an adorable bulldog who spends the day hanging out with his sister. Eventually, he’s asked to clean up and get ready for a party; however, Otis continues to make excuse after excuse until it’s too late. Otis the Bulldog’s Very Big Excuses is less about having a growth mindset, but rather teaching children the importance of not making excuses. This is one of my favorite growth mindset children’s books.
FireBird
Firebird is another great growth mindset book for kids. It’s a beautifully written story about Misty Copeland who encourages a young ballet student to continue practicing. The author illustrates how every professional and expert started as a beginner.
After the Fall
After the Fall is somewhat of a sequel to the old nursery rhyme. Humpty Dumpty tells the reader about his deep fear of heights, until one day he is motivated to climb the wall and start new.
What Do You Do With an Idea
What Do You Do With an Idea is a story of a child that has a small idea. Later he discovers that when he is brace and takes chances amazing things happen.
Thanks for the Feedback I Think
This story is about a boy named RJ who received compliments and feedback throughout the day. However he struggles to respond appropriately. By the end of the book, RJ learns what it means to receive positive and negative feedback.
Chapter Books
Wonder
Wonder is a well known story about a boy Auggie with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. However, he preservers despite all the struggles he face throughout the book and changed the lives of the people around him.
Fish in a Tree
Fish in a Tree is a story about a young girl with dyslexia. Thanks to the help of her teacher and a few good friends, she improves her life for the better and starts to see dyslexia as a strength.
The Wild Robot
The Wild Robot is a growth mindset book for middle school students about a discarded robot who finds love and a sense of belonging on an island of animals.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for growth mindset lesson plans – check out this blog post.
If you are looking for additional growth mindset activities for the classroom click here.
FREE goal setting and vision board activity
In this blog post, I’ve shown some of my favorite growth mindset books! However, if you’re looking for strategies and activities you can use to empower your students, I’ve got you. You can grab my free guide: 7 Easy Ways to Empower Your Students.
By implementing some of these strategies you’ll start to see a shift in your classroom and your students will start believing in their ability to learn. This subtle change can ultimately impact the rest of their school year and maybe even their life.
Ashley at The Calmish Teacher is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
