Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

Before you read on, take this quick quiz to see which kind of mindset you have...

http://blog.mindsetworks.com/what-is-my-mindset

Your kids will be taking this one in class...

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-4QUXh4CixJxw0DoOXvqVbjo0SvVk0O1_IMBWpwGz-U/prefill

A person with a fixed mindset thinks that people are born with limits to learning and intelligence. They believe that new learning will not provide a chance for improvement because the task is just inherently too difficult for his or her given skill set. There is a fear of mistakes and a lack of persistence when things become too difficult.

We will be learning a lot about the brain and the benefits of having a growth mindset. If you haven't figured it out by now, a person with a growth mindset is willing to try new things without fear of making mistakes. This person realizes that she can improve with practice and is aware of the time and effort it may take to become proficient at a task. While realizing that the task may not necessarily be a strength or gift, there is always room for improvement or knowledge gains.

Research states that individuals can change their level of intelligence and skill with practice and persistence. Although many of us have our strengths or gifts, there is not a fixed level of intelligence or skill someone is born with. Anything can be improved upon with practice. A willingness to try new things will help build a smarter brain. We will learn from our successes and failures. Like learning to walk, skate, or ride a bike, failure is a form of practice for improvement. Effort and persistence are required to show improvement and reach personal goals. This way of thinking is especially important in Physical Education where we are learning new ways of moving everyday. We will build our brains by processing our mistakes, learning from them and correcting them.

This year we will be setting personal goals for improving our personal health, work ethic, and mindfulness. Rather than focusing on team sports and sports skills, your kids will be focusing on themselves and their families. We will learn about the body systems and the brain and how these are affected by exercise and movement. We will be splitting our lessons up based on the components of exercise…flexibility, strength, cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, and body composition. We can be physically active while learning about nutrition and environmental health at the same time. We will also talk about building good character and being mindful of others.

Parent volunteers are always welcome. If you would like to be more involved with your child’s class, please let me know and I can let the kids know you’ll be joining us. ***Please check out the 2 YouTube videos below on failures and mindsets.