When was the last time you read “Thank You, Mr. Falker” by Patricia Polacco? If it’s been a while, revisit the picture book and appreciate Polacco’s lesson in growth mindset as she writes about struggling with dyslexia. Hard work, perseverance and caring teachers helped her realize her dream to be a reader. The results of Polacco’s practices benefit us all as we appreciate her work as an author/illustrator.
Learning how to develop a growth mindset is a valuable lesson. Video clips and picture books offer the perfect venue to share examples of working through problems when learning gets tough. Share the resources below with teachers and children who may need a little encouragement.
Video Clips
Author/illustrator Patricia Polacco describes how a teacher and a reading specialist taught her how to read. We are fortunate that Polacco’s had supportive teachers and a growth mindset.
Class Dojo and Stanford’s PERTS Research developed 5 engaging growth mindset videos. Children will relate to Mojo as he struggles with learning a new concept. Teachers will appreciate the important message the video clips deliver; “Anyone can be smart! You just have to work at it!”
Visit the Mindset Kit from PERTS for additional research, lessons, professional development and video clips.
“Soar”, created by Alyce Tzue, is a magical film about a young girl who does not give up on helping a friend fix a plane. This video clip will inspire students to stick with a problem while trying to find a solution.
Books
Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille by Jen Bryant
Louis Braille wanted to learn how to read. But he had a problem; he was blind. Braille was determined, and he created a code using raised dots to read through touch. Pair this biography with “The Black Book of Colors” by Menena Cottin so children can see and feel a book with Braille.
A Small Thing…but Big by Tony Johnston
How many of you are afraid of something and believe you will always be afraid? You have a fixed mindset. A person with a growth mindset takes steps to overcome the fears because they believe they can. Facing your fears by taking a step at a time is the premise of A Small Thing…but Big. This sweet story invites us to be part of a small moment in a city park where Lizzie meets a dog. She is afraid of dogs. But, as you may have guessed by the title, she does little things to eventually work through her fear of dogs.
What Do You Do With a Problem by Kobi Yamada
We tend to run into problems when we tackle something new. A person with a growth mindset views problems as opportunities to learn. In What Do You Do With a Problem, the boy does not want to pay attention to a problem that overshadows him. As he faces his problem and works through it, he realizes he is learning, and he appreciates the opportunity the problem has given him to grow.
What growth mindset resources do you share with teachers and children? Please share!
Author: Maureen Schlosser
Author: Lessons Inspired by Picture Books for Primary Grades and Social and Emotional Learning for Picture Book Readers published by ALA Editions
Blogger: https://LibraryLessonsWithBooks.com
Skillshare Teacher: https://skl.sh/3a852D5
Categories: Blog Topics, Collection Development, Student Engagement/ Teaching Models
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