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 GROWTH MINDSET 
printables
For the complete collection of Big Life Journal products, click here.

These printable challenges provide

fun activities to help children develop
a growth mindset, cultivate an
attitude of gratitude, and boost their
self-esteem. These crafts, activities,
and puzzles are great for home and
classroom alike!

Click here to learn more.

These printable worksheets,

posters, activities, and colouring
pages are designed to help
children develop resilience and
boost their self-esteem.

Click here to learn more.

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 Table of Contents
T
Worksheets & Activities for Children
Growth Mindset A-Z Poster.......................................................................................................10
This may just be the best ABC poster you’ve ever seen! Read it together with your children and
ask which words they like the most and why. Get some paper and crayons and ask them to
create their own illustrations for each word.

What Happens When Someone Has a Growth Mindset.........................................................11

This printable is an excellent handout for grandparents, teachers (or parents if you're a teacher),
parents of friends, coaches -- all the adults in your child’s life. Use it as a poster or tape it to your
fridge door as a constant reminder.

My Growth Mindset Statements and Maths + Growth Mindset = I CAN!.........................12-13

Use these printables to discuss how our words impact our mindset. Suggested use:
1. Cover the part under “I Can Say” and only show the part where it says “Instead of.”
2. Ask your children how they can change each statement from negative to empowering.
3. Go down the list and write your children’s suggestions on a separate piece of paper.
To learn more, read the article here.

25 Growth Mindset Statements and Affirmations...................................................................14

These statements and affirmations help cultivate a growth mindset, build confidence, and
develop a can do it attitude.
Suggested uses:
- Have your children pick and circle affirmations they identify with. Write them on a piece of
paper and post it on their bathroom mirror.
- Sit down as a family at the weekend or in the evening. As a family, choose one to five
affirmations from this printable. Agree to say these affirmations together every day.
- Encourage your children or students to turn the affirmations into a song and sing them out
loud to your favourite tunes.
- Have your children or students draw or paint their favourite affirmations and make them into a
poster.

I Have a Growth Mindset Poster...............................................................................................15

This poster makes a great growth mindset manifesto for children. It helps them focus on
practising and achieving their personal best. The design includes illustrations of various athletes,
so it’s perfect for children who enjoy sports. Laminate or frame this printable and post it in your
home or classroom.

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 Table of Contents
Tab
Worksheets & Activities for Children, cont.
Growth or Fixed Mindset Maze.................................................................................................16
This fun activity helps children practice differentiating between growth mindset and fixed mindset
thoughts. You can also use it to help measure your children’s knowledge of the mindsets.

When I Make a Mistake..............................................................................................................17

This fun poem can help children develop a more positive attitude about making mistakes.
Suggested uses:
- Laminate it or frame it and place it in your child’s room. Encourage them to memorise it.
- Use it as a cover or front page to a book or folder.

My Power of Yet.........................................................................................................................18
Whenever your child is saying they can’t do something, remind them about the power of yet --
they can’t do it YET! This printable includes a goal ladder -- an effective method to break down
big goals into small actionable steps. Teachers can use this printable at the beginning of the
school year to help students set their learning goals.

Things I Can Control / Things I Can’t Control (two pages)...............................................19-20

This printable poster can help your children overcome disappointments and frustrations and
focus on problem-solving instead. It’s a great visual showing how, in each situation, there are
things they can control and things they cannot control.
Suggested uses:
- Use this printable as a discussion guide. As a family (or class), take turns explaining
why each of the situations depicted belong in the specific category.
- Tape it to the front door or a place everyone can see before leaving the house or
classroom.
- Attach this printable to your child's school timetable or place it with their school folder.

Your Amazing Brain Grows and Changes...............................................................................21

Research shows when children learn HOW their brain works, they’re much more likely to adopt
a growth mindset. Use this colourful poster to demonstrate how we can build new connections in
the brain by learning new things and practicing.

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 Table of Contents
Worksheets & Activities for Children, cont.
Build a Growth Mindset Poster (seven pages)....................................................................22-28
This printable has six pages which need to be assembled to create a poster.
Use this printable as a weekend, rainy day, or classroom activity. As you and your children or
students colour the posters, discuss the questions together.

Brain Breaks (three pages)...................................................................................................29-31

If you want to raise smart, resilient, happy children, let them move! Active physical movement
and play helps children learn, improve their memory, and increase their motivation. These brain
breaks are excellent to add more movement to your child’s day. To learn more, read the article
here.

Having a Growth Mindset Means / One Goal, Different Paths (two pages)......................32-33
Use these printables if your children or students tend to compare their progress to that of others.
This activity helps children understand there’s no point comparing themselves to others; we all
have different paths to our goals.
Have your child or students read the first page (the comic illustration). Ask them how they
understood the comic and give an example of how you once compared yourself to others and
how it made you feel. Have them complete the second page.

We Are a Growth Mindset Family / Class (two pages).......................................................34-35

Use this printable as a conversation starter with your family or students. Ask each person to
share their ideas of what growth mindset feels, looks and sounds like. Once completed, you can
frame and hang it as a reminder of how to apply the concepts on a daily basis.

Growth Mindset Pencil Toppers (three pages)....................................................................36-38

Boost children's self-esteem and confidence with a fun and simple craft: colourful growth
mindset pencil toppers with powerful affirmations.

Leo Persists Mad Lib (three pages)......................................................................................39-41

Mad Libs are funny stories where your child fills in the blanks. This one, featuring Leo from The
Big Life Kids Podcast, is all about persistence!

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 Table of Contents
Worksheets & Activities for Children, cont.
My Mini Book Review (three pages).....................................................................................42-44
This printable is a fun activity to help your children or students reflect on books they read. This
type of reflection solidifies lessons learned and makes the next reading more
focused.Suggested uses:- Encourage your children to share their book reviews with friends or
relatives who live far away (send by post for more fun).- If your child has a pen pal, they
can exchange their book reviews with each other.- Have your students present their book
reviews to the class.

Top 85 Growth Mindset Books for Children and Adults...................................................45-46

Bring this list with you on your next journey to the library or bookshop. Ask your children to pick
one they would like to read next. Use the Mini Book Review sheets to have your children write
down their thoughts after they’ve read the book.

Top 75 Growth Mindset Films & Videos for Children........................................................47-48

For your next film night, pick from this list of titles. Take notes of the different characters and the
mindsets they demonstrate in the film. Afterwards, engage in a discussion with your family or
students. You can ask these questions:
- What did you learn from this film?
- Did the characters have a fixed or a growth mindset? Why?
- Why do you think the characters made the choices they did?

Top 40 Growth Mindset Podcasts for Children and Adults...................................................49

A great way to keep learning about growth mindset is to listen to podcasts. You can play the
episodes when driving in the car or at home while your children are working on their colouring
sheets.

Colouring Sheets (two pages)..............................................................................................50-51

A fun way to continue your discussion on growth mindset is by using these colouring sheets.
You can complete them at home as you listen to your favorite podcast episodes. In class, your
students can do them as part of their downtime activity.

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 Table of Contents
Guides for Parents & Teachers
Parent’s Guide to A Growth Mindset........................................................................................52
This is a summary of key principles to remember when teaching and modeling a growth mindset.
You may choose to laminate or frame it. Keep it handy in your room, your classroom, or post it
on your refrigerator as a reminder.

How to Explain Growth Mindset to Children (Neuroplasticity Activities & Resources)......53

When children understand neuroplasticity, it becomes much easier for them to understand
growth mindset and embrace mistakes, obstacles, and challenges. This printable provides
resources and activities to teach your children or students about their brain's ability to grow and
change.
Use together with Your Amazing Brain poster.
10 Growth Mindset Conversation Starters..............................................................................54
This printable offers growth mindset alternatives to asking your children, “How was your day?”
Suggested use:
1. Print on thick card paper then cut out questions and glue them on a ice lolly or craft stick.
You can also simply print on plain paper and fold each question in half.
2. Place the sticks or pieces of paper inside a jar.
3. After dinner or during family night, everyone can can take turns picking a question from the
jar.

5 Essential Steps to Create a Growth Mindset Corner...........................................................55

A growth mindset corner is a special space you can create at home (or in the classroom) where
children can go to find inspiration or work through their challenges. To learn more, read the
article here.

3 Reasons You Might Struggle To Teach Growth Mindset....................................................56

We already know about the magnificent power of teaching children a growth mindset. However,
if you are struggling to teach this to your children or students, you are certainly not alone. It
appears it’s NOT an easy task and many parents and teachers face three similar challenges.
To learn more, read the article here.

The Ultimate Guide to Praising Your Children........................................................................57

This printable provides practical ways to help foster growth mindset with praise. Choose one
type of praise to work on at first and then move down the list throughout the week.
To learn more, read the article here.

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 Table of Contents
Guides for Parents & Teachers, cont.
Growth Mindset Praise Examples..........................................................................................58
This printable provides eight examples of how you can praise your children to foster a growth
mindset. Remember to focus on progress, strategies, effort, practice, and determination. Use
this printable along with The Ultimate Guide to Praising Your Children.

6 Ways to Help Your Child Overcome the Fear of Failure....................................................59

Some children give up before they even begin, preferring to avoid the possibility of failure.
These effective strategies can help your child overcome the fear of failure. Use the printable
together with When I Make a Mistake. To learn more, read the article here.

How to Help Your Perfectionist Child to Worry Less and Do More.....................................60

Perfectionism can be unhealthy and damaging, especially for young children. The fixed
mindset perfectionists are likely to procrastinate challenges or avoid them entirely for fear of
failure. If your child is showing signs of unhealthy perfectionism, use these strategies to help
them worry less and accomplish more. To learn more, read the article here.

5 Powerful Ways to Help Children Develop Growth Mindset in Mathematics....................61

Research shows a connection between growth mindset and maths success.
Try these practical ideas to help your child or students develop growth mindset in maths.
Use together with Maths + Growth Mindset = I CAN! on page 26. To learn more, read the
article here.

Kids and Sports: 5 Effective Ways to Foster a Growth Mindset.........................................62

When we talk about growth mindset, we usually apply it to academics. But practicing growth
mindset in sports is extremely beneficial as well. Discover five effective ways to nurture your
child’s growth mindset through sports. To learn more, read the article here.

4 Ways to Handle Fixed Mindset Adults in Your Kids Lives................................................63

As we cultivate a growth mindset in our families, it’s helpful to recognise that not everyone will
support (or understand) it. At the same time, partnering with key adults can make our teachings
even more impactful. Discover 4 simple ways to tackle this potentially tricky situation, while
strengthening your and your children’s growth mindsets at the same time.

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 to

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Printables by Big Life Journal - biglifejournal.com

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 MY GROWTH MINDSET STATEMENTS
I can CHANGE my MINDSET with my WORDS!

INSTEAD OF:  I CAN SAY: 

I am not good at this. I am not good at this YET, but I will learn.

I am great at this. I practised and learned how to do this.

This is too hard. This will need effort and finding the right strategy.

This is too easy. How can I make this more challenging?

I am afraid I will make a mistake. When I make a mistake, I will learn from it and get better.

I give up. I will succeed if I make an effort and find a better strategy.

I can't do this. I need some feedback and help from others.

This is good enough. Is it my best work? Can I improve it?

I won't try because I might fail. If I fail, I can try again until I succeed.

I am not as smart as my friend. I am in charge of how smart I am because I can grow

my brain by learning difficult things!

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maths GROWTH MINDSET I CAN!
I can CHANGE my MINDSET with my WORDS !

Instead of: I can say:

I am not good at maths. I'm going to train my brain in maths.

I can't do this problem. I can ask for help.

I give up. I need to go back and use a different strategy.

I won't try because I might fail. If I fail, I can try again.

Maths is too hard. Maths helps me stretch and grow my brain.

I am not as smart as my friend. I can learn from others and ask for help.

I keep making mistakes. Mistakes are opportunities to grow my brain.

It's good enough. Is this really my best work?

I'm already good at maths. I can challenge myself with a more difficult problem.

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 GROWTH
25 MINDSET
1. Mistakes help me learn and grow

Printables by Big Life Journal - biglifejournal.com

2. I haven't worked it out YET
3. I am on the right track
4. I can do difficult things
5. This might take time and effort
6. I stick with things and don't give up easily
7. I strive for progress, not perfection
8. I go after my dreams
9. I cheer myself up when it gets difficult
10. I am a problem solver
11. I try new things
12. I embrace new challenges
13. Learning is my superpower
14. I am brave enough to try
15. I get better at things when I practise
16. I grow my brain by learning difficult things
17. I try different strategies
18. When I don't succeed right away, I try again
19. I ask for help when I need it
20. I learn from my mistakes
21. I focus on my own results and don't compare myself to others
22. I was born to learn
23. When I fail, I say "I can't do it YET" and try again
24. I strive to do my best
25. I can learn anything!

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 I have a

With lots of 

f

I can achieve greatt resu

results! 
ults!
I love new CHALLENGES  ES
because this is how II 

I know when I lose I can

an
always try 
ry

And I WIN every

ry time II 

and

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journal.com
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 I am scared I
It's difficult, I Challenges
will make a
don't know if make me
mistake, so I
I can do this. stronger.
won't try.

When I make I can try

a mistake, different
I learn and ways to find a
get better. solution.

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PRINTABLES BY BIG LIFE JOURNAL - BIGLIFEJOURNAL.COM

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 MY POWER OF YET
My name is

Think of something you haven't learned how to do YET.  What is it?

I haven't learnt how to...

YET!
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SUCCESS!
My Step 4
Make a PLAN of
HOW you're
going to learn it. My Step 3

Write down the

STEPS you will
take on each My Step 2
rung of the
ladder, starting
from the
My Step 1
BOTTOM.

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 YOUR AMAZING
GROWS CHANGES

When you weree born, your brainn When yo

you learnn thin s yo
things, yourr
rons, a type of
came with neurons, brain sends sig
signals (messages)
tiny cell.  from one neeuro to another.
neuron

WHEN YOU EXERCISE YOUR

If you do the same thing enough times, your
brain eventually makes a connection (or
BRAIN, THINGS THAT WERE
pathway) between neurons. This makes ONCE DIFFICULT BECOME
activities easier, and you can do them better
and better. 
EASIER!

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Build a
GROWTH MINDSET 
Brain Poster!
Print out the 6 pieces of the poster.
Cut along the dotted lines (cut on the
inside line so the black dotted line
does not show).

Line up the edges and tape the

front and/or back of the poster.

Have fun colouring in and answering

questions!

LEAR
N AB
THE
INCR OUT
POW EDIB
ER O LE
F YO
BRA UR
IN!

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Roll a die and perform the brain break in the 1st column. For example, if you rolled a 1 for your 1st roll, do
10 jumping jacks. Roll again to perform the 2nd brain break, then the 3rd. For extra fun, print out the
affirmations die on page 2 and roll both dice. Say the affirmations during or after you perform the activity!

1st Roll 2nd Roll 3rd Roll

Dance to Balance on
Do 10 
your one foot
jumping
f
favourite as long as
jacks
song you can

I
Imaginary Snake pose Do a
skipping for 10 triangle
rope for seconds Pose 
2 seconds
20

Run in D
Do a
Dog pose b
bear
place for
for 10 w
walk
20 ffor 1
seconds
seconds minute
m

Hop Run in
Waterfall place for
like a
pose for 20
frog 5
10 seconds seconds
times

Flamingo Skip
for 1 T
Tiptoe for
pose for
minute 110 seconds
5 seconds

Pretend Air guitar

Walk
you are to your
like a
w
walking on favourite
robot
a tightrope song

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Page 1
 Printables by Big Life Journal - biglifejournal.com glue or tape

I am kind.
I am loved.
I am AMAZING!

glue or tape glue or tape

I choose to be
I am courageous. I am a leader.
I keep my body happy!
healthy. I focus on the I choose my
I can do difficult
positive. attitude.
I am strong. things.

glue or tape
I am a good I am proud of
I am kind. I learn from my
listener. myself.
mistakes.

glue or tape glue or tape

I don't give up!

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I reach for the stars.

glu
or e
ap t
e
I can do anything!

Page 2
glue or tape
 Printables by Big Life Journal - biglifejournal.com glue or tape

glue or tape glue or tape

glue or tape
glue or tape glue or tape

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glu
or e
ap t
e

Page 3
glue or tape
HAVING A GROWTH MINDSET MEANS

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 ONE GOAL, DIFFERENT PATHS!
Imagine two climbers are reaching for the same goal (the top of the mountain). On each
side of the mountain below, draw different obstacles (snow, rain, trees, animals, etc.)
and helpful resources (another climber helping, a rest stop, a snack, etc.). Just like
in real life, you'll show the different paths the climbers have to get to the top.

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 WE ARE A
GROWTH MINDSET
family!
SUPPORTIVE
________________________________
POSITIVE
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________

LEARN FROM OUR MISTAKES

________________________________
WE CAN DO DIFFICULT THINGS
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________

CHASING OUR DREAMS

________________________________
__
__
__
CHEERING EACH OTHER UP
________________________________
_
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________

WE CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING BY WORKING HARD, TRYING DIFFERENT

STRATEGIES, AND SUPPORTING EACH OTHER!

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 WE ARE A

GROWTH MINDSET
class!
SUPPORTIVE
________________________________
POSITIVE
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________

LEARN FROM OUR MISTAKES

________________________________
WE CAN DO DIFFICULT THINGS
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________

CHASING OUR DREAMS

________________________________
CHEERING EACH OTHER UP
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________

WE CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING BY WORKING HARD, TRYING DIFFERENT

STRATEGIES, AND SUPPORTING EACH OTHER!

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 These pencil toppers are a great way to make writing more fun and
inspiring! You can also use them on pens and markers. Remember to
make a few of these toppers for your friends and classmates to
inspire and encourage them too!

How To Make

Print and cut out the pencil toppers.

Cut in the middle along the dotted lines.

It is easier to cut if you fold the flag
gently, without creasing, and making a
small cut.

Slide a pencil through the open slots.

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copyright big life journal - biglifejournal.com

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 MAD LIB

Mad Libs are short, funny stories based on your words. It's a fun
game you can play with friends, family, or on your own.

This Mad Lib is about Leo, one of the mainĂ

characters in the Big Life Kids Podcast. If youĂ
haven't listened to the podcast yet, head over toĂ
biglifejournal-uk.co.uk/pages/podcast to listen toĂ
Leo's and Zara's adventures!

HOW TO PLAY

Have someone ask you for the missing words on page 3 and
1
write your answers in. Then skip to step 3. Or, you can go to
page 2 (don’t peek at page 3) and fill in the blank spaces with
words yourself.

2
Take the words you wrote on page 2 and fill them into the blank
spaces on page 3 with the matching number.

3
With the story now complete, read it
out loud and share with a friend!
Big Life Kids Podcast
Season 2 is coming
November 1st!

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 Fill in the spaces below. When you finish, write your answers on page 3
next to the using matching numbers. 

1. ____________________ (type of bird) 11. ____________________ (weather)

2. ____________________ (type of bird) 12. ____________________ (name of birdhouse)

3. ____________________ (adjective) 13. ____________________ (vehicle)

4. ____________________ (adjective) 14. ____________________ (colour)

5. ____________________ (activity) 15. ____________________ (direction)

6. ____________________ (a food or thing 16. ____________________ (verb)

birds like)

7. ____________________ (colour) 17. ____________________ (adjective)

8. ____________________ (food) 18. ____________________ (verb)

9.____________________ (food) 19.____________________ (colour)

10.____________________ (part of a house) 20.____________________ (something birds

like to do)

Need help?

VERB - an action word like run, swim, fly, jump, or burp

ADJECTIVE - describes a person, place, or thing like, tall, blue, large, or fast.

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Every morning, Leo loves feeding the little ________________ and ________________ as
(1, type of bird) (2, type of bird)

they perch on the wings of the Believemobile. But one day, Leo noticed that the seagulls were

scaring the ________________ birds away!

(3, adjective)

So, he decided to make a birdhouse to give the birds a ______________ place to

(4, adjective)

____________ and eat. He would call it: Leo’s Birdseed Brunch and ________________Hotel!
(5, activity) (6, a food or thing birds like)

Next, he filled his bird hotel with different _______________ jars of bird foods, such as
(7, colour)
_______________ and _______________. Finally, he put a bird bath on the ______________,
(8, food) (9, food) (10, part of a house)
and a bird bath slide for _______________ mornings!
(11, weather)

When he finished, Leo tied his Bird _______________ to the wings of the _______________,
(12, name of birdhouse) (13, vehicle)

and waited for the little birds to come.

But as soon as one _______________ bird landed on the Bird Hotel, it fell _______________
(14, colour) (15, direction)
to the ground with a crash! His Bird Hotel was broken. Leo felt frustrated, but he decided not to

give up. Instead, he chose to persist and ________________.

(16, verb)

With some _______________ work and persistence, Leo managed to fix the Bird Hotel. It was
(17, adjective)
difficult, but he got there by encouraging himself and focusing on one small ______________
(18, verb)
at a time.

Because of Leo’s persistence, his newly improved Bird Hotel is a smash hit with all the

_______________ birds. They are always tweeting about the best place to ________________
(19, colour) (20, something birds like
in town! to do!)

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 MY MINI BOOK REVIEW
Fold each strip in half, unfold. Then, fold the
Print on two separate sheets of paper. ends to meet the crease in the middle.

Cut on the dotted lines. You will have

three strips of paper.
Glue the strips together. Fold as an
accordion book as shown.

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42
 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
MY
MY NAME THE BOOK IS ABOUT MY FAVOURITE
FAVOURITE PART
CHARACTER
OF THE BOOK
__________________
__________________

BOOK TITLE ___________________ ___________________

__________________
__________________
___________________ ___________________

__________________ __________________
___________________ ___________________

BOOK AUTHOR __________________

___________________ ___________________
__________________ __________________

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The character had a:
THE CHARACTER

was persistent
Put glue here.
learned from mistakes
Place the
"My Favourite Character"
growth mindset was brave
page on top.
was confident

kept trying

didn't give up
fixed mindset

(Tick the boxes)

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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
THE NEXT BOOK I AM
I GIVE IT THIS MANY READING IS
I loved this book
STARS:
This book was OK
__________________
I didn't like it
Put glue here.
(Tick one) __________________
Place the
"THE CHARACTER"
because BOOK AUTHOR
page on top.

__________________ __________________

__________________

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 TOP
85 GROWTH MINDSET
books for children & adults
by Big Life Journal

Ages 1-4

1. The Cow Tripped Over the Moon by J. Willis 22. Beautiful Oops! by B. Saltzberg
2. My Truck Is Stuck! By K. Lewis 23. Uncle Jed's Barber Shop by M.K. Mitchell
3. Llama Llama Red Red Pajama by A. Dewdney 24. Bubble Gum Brain by J. Cook
4. The Little Engine that Could by W. Piper 25. Whistle for Willie by E. Jack Keats
5. Brontorina by J. Howe 26. Not Yet by L. Cox
6. The Empty Pot by Demi 27. Mindset Matters by B. Smith
7. Frederick by L. Lionni 28. She Persisted by C. Clinton
8. Owen by K. Henkes 29. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by E. Favilli
9. Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss 30. Mistakes that Worked by C.F. Jones
10. Pete the Cat by E. Litwin 31. Thanks for the Feedback, I think by J. Cook
11. Jonathan James and the What if Monster by M. 32. What Do You Do with an Idea? by K. Yamada
Nelson-Schmidt 33. What Do You Do with a Problem? by K. Yamada
12. The Wonderful Things You will Be by E. Winefield 34. Salt in His Shoes by D. Jordan
Martin 35. Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn't Sit Still by K. Gray
13. The Day the Crayons Quit by D. Daywalt 36. Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage
14. Giraffes Can't Dance by G. Andrea and G. Parker- Changed Music by M. Engle
Rees 37. Unstoppable Me! 10 Ways to Soar Through Life by
15. be happy! By M. Sheehan W. W. Dyer
38. Creatriology Boxed Set (Ish, The Dot, Sky Color)
by P. Reynolds
Ages 4-8 39. Dreams Come True...All They Need Is You! by M.
Dooley
16. Big Life Journal (ages 7-11) 40. Flight School by L. Judge
17. After the Fall by D. Santat 41. Brave Irene by W. Steig
18. Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by J. Deak 42. You Can Do It! Bert! by O. Konnecke
19. Making a Splash by C.E. Reiley 43. No Excuses! by W.W Dyer
20. The Most Magnificent Thing by A. Spires 44. Ruby's Wish by Shrinin Yim Bridges
21. The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by M. Pett 45. Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin. by C. Uegaki

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TOP
85 GROWTH MINDSET
books for children & adults
by Big Life Journal

Ages 4-8 (continued)

46. How to Catch a Star by O. Jeffers 66. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
47. A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Hoarce Pippin 67. Strong is the New Pretty by K.Parker
by J. Bryant
48. Emmanuel's Dream The Store of Emmanuel Ofosu Ages 12+
Yeboah by L. Thompson
68. If I Stay by G. Forman
49. The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by A. Spires
69. James and the Giant Peach by R. Dahl
50. Iggy Peck, Architect by A. Beaty
70. Series of Unfortunate Events by L. Snicket
51. Ada Twist, Scientist by A. Beaty
71. Wizard of Oz by B. Bracken
52. What Should Danny Do? by A. Levy & G. Levy
72. Maniac Magee by J. Spinelli
53. I Won't Quit by D. McGill
54. I Can't Do That, YET: Growth Mindset by E. Cordova 73. The GRIT Guide for Teens by C. Baruch-O'Brien

55. What Do You Do with a Chance? K. Yomada 74. Stone Fox by J.R. Gardiner

56. The 7 Habits of Happy Kids by S. Covey 75. Hatchet by G. Paulsen

57. I Think, I Am! Teaching Kids the Power of 76. Kira-Kira by C. Kadohata
Affirmations by L. Hay and K. Tracy
58. You! S. Magsamen
59. I am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by S. Verde ADULTS

77. Mindset by C. Dweck

78. GRIT by A. Duckworth
Ages 9-12 79. How Children Succeed by P. Tough
80. Mindsets for Parents by M.C. Ricci
60. The Key to Extraordinary by N. Lloyd 81. The Growth Mindset Coach by A. Brock
61. Marvelous Mattie by E.A. McCully 82. Grit for Kids by L. Daniels
62. Ronia, The Robber's Daughter by A. Lindgren 83. The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage.
63. Pippi Longstocking by A. Lindgren Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child by D. Siegel
64. Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by B. MacDonald 84. Years of Yes by S. Rhimes
65. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montogomery 85. Mathematical Mindsets by J. Boaler

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 75
GROWTH MINDSET
films & videos for children
by Big Life Journal

Animated Films Featured Films

1. Zootopia (2016), PG 26. Hotel for Dogs (2018), PG
2. Sing (2016), PG 27. Dolphin Tale (2011), PG
3. Leap ! (2016) or Ballerina, PG 28. Queen of Katwe (2016), PG
4. Moana (2016), PG 29. Cool Runnings (1993), PG
5.The Good Dinosaur 30. The Neverending Story (1984), U
6. Meet the Robinsons (2007), U 31. Hidden Figures (2016), PG
7. Inside Out (2015), PG 32. The Martian (2015), PG-13
8. Trolls (2016), PG 33. Walt before Mickey (2015), PG
9. Frozen (2013), PG 34. Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken (1991), U
10. Brave (2012), PG 35. Fly Away Home (1996), PG
11. Storks (2016), PG 36. Rudy (1993), PG
12. UP (2009), PG 37. Pay It Forward (2000), PG
13.Finding Dory (2016), PG 38. The Blind Side (2013), PG-13
14. Finding Nemo (2003), U 39. The Lord of the Rings (2001), PG-13
15. Chicken Run (2000), U 40. The Karate Kid (1984), PG
16. Stick Man (2016), U 41. October Sky (1999), PG
17. Rock Dog (2017), PG 42. Wonder (2017), PG
18. Kung Fu Panda (2008), PG 43. Greatest Showman (2017), PG
19. Coco (2017), PG 44. Because of Winn-Dixie (2005), PG
20. Cars 3 (2017), PG 45. Charlotte’s Web (2006), U
21. Kiki’s delivery service (1989), U 46. The Wizard of Oz (1939), Not Rated
22. Secret Worlds of Arriety (2010), U 47. The little Prince (2016), PG
23. Wall-E (2008), U 48. The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl (2005), PG
24. Ferdinand (2017), PG 49. Anne of Green Gables (1986), Not Rated
25. Turbo (2013), PG 50. The Secret Garden (1993), U

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 75
GROWTH MINDSET
films & videos for children
by Big Life Journal

Featured Films (continued)

51. Matilda (1996), PG 70. Grit: The Key to Your Success by Florida Virtual School
52. A Wrinkle in Time (2018), PG 71. Pathway Transformation Initiative - Growth Mindset
53. School of Rock (2003), PG-13 by Fullerton College

54. Romana and Beezus, 2010, U 72. Growth Mindset Video on YouTube by infobundl

55. Akeelah and the Bee (2006), PG 73. Learning and the Brain by Learning and the
Adolescent Mind
74. Sesame Street: Janelle Monae - Power of Yet
Short Animated Films 75. C.J. Luckey - The Power of Yet

56. Piper (2016), U

57. Soar (2014), U
58. The Boy Who Learned to Fly (2017), U
59. Let Me In (2008)
60. For the Birds (2001)
61. Kiwi ! (2016)
62. The Gift (2016)
63. Jinxy Jenkins & Lucky Lou Short Film (2014)
64. Elmo Doesn’t Give Up (2017)

Videos
65. Famous Failure by Motivating Success
66. Understanding Talent by sportscotland
67. Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: The Natural Talent Myth!
by Make Up Your Mind
68. You Can Learn Anything by Khan Academy
69. How Many Times Should You Try Before Success?
by fundersandfounders

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printables by Big Life Journal - biglifejournal.com
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Printables by Big Life Journal - biglifejournal.com
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 parent's guide to a growth mindset

"Your brain is like a muscle. when you learn, your brain grows.
The feeling of this being hard is the feeling of your brain growing!"

EFFORT BE MINDFUL OF YOUR

STRATEGIES OWN THINKING AND THE
PROGRESS MESSAGES YOU SEND
HARD WORK WITH YOUR WORDS AND
PERSISTENCE ACTIONS.
RISING TO A CHALLENGE
LEARNING FROM A MISTAKE

TALENT
BEING SMART
BORN GIFTED
FIXED ABILITIES
NOT MAKING MISTAKES WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY
THAT MADE YOU REALLY
THINK?

"WHAT NEW STRATEGIES

DID YOU TRY?"

"WHAT MISTAKE DID YOU

MAKE THAT TAUGHT YOU
"YOU CAN'T DO IT YET."
SOMETHING?"
"YOU DON'T KNOW IT YET." "MISTAKES HELP YOU IMPROVE."
"BUT IF YOU LEARN AND "YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES." "WHAT DID YOU TRY
PRACTICE, YOU WILL! "LET'S SEE WHAT OTHER STRATEGIES YOU CAN TRY." HARD AT TODAY?"

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 how to EXPLAIN
growth mindset TO KIDS
neuroplasticity
 ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES
by Big Life Journal

1 TALK ABOUT THEIR BRAIN 5 CELEBRATE MISTAKES

Provide a basic explanation of the Explain mistakes make the brain grow.

main parts of the brain. The brain does NOT grow just from getting

Explain neurons and pathways. the answers right. To keep strengthening

Use analogies such as establishing neural pathways, we must continue

new neural pathways between brain challenging ourselves.

cells is like building a bridge to Celebrate when someone makes a mistake.

cross a ravine. Give a high five and say, “High five! You’re

Discuss the value of making learning!” or, “Woohoo! Your brain is

mistakes. growing!”

2 SHARE AMAZING FACTS 6 BRAINSTORM WAYS

There are as many neurons in the
NEUROPLASTICITY HAS ALREADY
brain as there are stars in the WORKED
Milky Way: about 100 billion.
Help your children or students come up with
The brain physically stops growing
a list of activities that were once difficult
around age 18, but it keeps
and became much easier with practise.
changing forever. 
Keep the list somewhere visible.
The brain can produce enough
When children feel something is too
electricity to power a light bulb!
difficult, remind them of all the things that
By design, our brains are all about
were once “too difficult” and are now
growth and change— as is the
second nature.
whole human body.

3 BUILD A BRAIN MODEL 7 READ FANTASTIC ELASTIC BRAIN

Build a basic brain model using Your children will learn about the

Play-Doh. brain by reading Your Fantastic

Make a brain hat. Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It by

Create neurons from modeling JoAnn Deak.

clay, beads, rope, or string. This book explains how trying new

things without giving up strengthens

your brain.

4 CREATE A BRAIN POSTER 8 CREATE INTERACTIVE VISUALS

Provide some pieces strings of wool to represent

Make the “I Can Grow My Brain” connections between neurons.

poster (available in Big Life Ask children what they can do to get better at

Journal’s Growth Mindset something.

Printables Kit). Each child who gives a suggestion selects a

piece of wool and gives one end to each of the

children holding the neurons.

After a few examples, children can see how thick

Big Life Journal - biglifejournal.com the collection of wool is getting.

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 GROWTH MINDSET
conversation starters

1. What did you do today that made you think hard?

2. What challenge or problem have you worked on today?

3. Can you think of something new you tried today? What was it?

4. Was there anything that made you feel stuck today? … Super!
What other ways might there be to solve this?

5. What did you learn outside of school today?

6. Can you think of a mistake you made today? … Super! How can
you use this mistake to do better next time?

7. Is there anything you are struggling with? … Excellent! What

new strategies can you try next?

8. Can you think of something you could have done better today?
… Super! Who can you ask feedback from to make it better?

9. What would you like to become better at?

10. Did you do anything today that was easy for you? ... How can
you make this more challenging?

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 5
Essential Steps TO CREATE A
Growth Mindset corner
at home or in the classroom
by Big Life Journal

A Growth Mindset Corner is a place at home or in the classroom where children can learn
about the incredible power of their brain, problem solve, reflect on their mistakes, brainstorm
ideas, work on projects, and dream big!

1 PICK A SPACE
Find a space that is inviting and has enough room for your child to

explore, stretch out, build, and create. It could be an actual corner,

a desk area, or a small section of a room. 

Add a comfortable place to sit using pillows, blankets, or yoga mats.

2 DECORATE
Choose a style or theme. 

Grab felt tip markers and paper and ask children to draw what they would

like the corner to look like. 

Encourage children to create a vision board to be inspired and dream big.

Hang up or frame drawings, photos of friends and family, and quotes (use

the Inspirational Quotes Bundle by Big Life Journal). 

3 INCLUDE MUSIC + PODCASTS

Bring a device to play uplifting or calming music (find Big Life Journal

playlists on Spotify). 

Print out the Top 35 Growth Mindset Podcasts (available in the Growth

Mindset Printables Kit). Have the children tick the podcasts they want

to listen to. 

Invite children to listen to the music or podcasts while colouring or

building something.

SELECT GROWTH MINDSET BOOKS

4 Gather a variety of books that teach about persistence, not giving up,

following your dreams, and other important growth mindset topics. 

Have a look at the Top 85 Growth Mindset Book List available in the

Growth Mindset Printables Kit.

5 CREATE AN ACTIVITY BASKET

Create an activity basket children can reach for when they are hanging out

in their growth mindset corner. 

Fill the basket with items such as modeling clay, blocks, recyclable materials

to make inventions, art supplies, and the Growth Mindset Activity Kit.

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 Growth Mindset:
3 reasons you MIGHT struggle
to teach it

You're Teaching Something You’re Still Learning

1 Be transparent. When you feel “stuck” in a fixed mindset, point out your
moments of difficulty and how you did the hard work of changing your
perspective.
Know your options. A great variety of strategies and activities are available
to you. Try resources like the Big Life Journal, printable growth mindset
kits, books, and movies.
Make mistakes in real time. Let kids see you make mistakes in front of
them using growth mindset language. Did it help you learn something
new? What can you improve? Talk about it!

2 You’re Facing Rigid and Negative Thinkers

Draw connection between thoughts and feelings. When we feel down, it’s
often just the result of how we’re thinking. And thinking can be changed!
Help them recognize the positive voice inside. Once kids see that their bad
feelings come from negative thinking, they can choose to turn towards
their positive voice inside them for answers instead.
Encourage them to name and accept their feelings. Explain that ALL
feelings are okay to have, even ones that are unpleasant.
Increase their feelings vocabulary. Discuss how feelings come and go,
and that we can honor them but watch them pass without getting too
attached.
Believe in your message. Immediate results aren’t guaranteed. Trust that
you’re already making a difference.

3 You Feel Alone On This Journey Praising

Know your triggers. Keep track of your own mindsets is what we can do, effort
and the best place to start! over
Connect praise with RESULTS. Rather than being inherently fixed- results
mindset, assigning grades and tying them to effort is a way of instilling
the ability to persevere.
Reframe grades. Kids can be taught that grades are simply an indication
of past performance, not predictions of the future.

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The
ULTIMATEto GUIDE
PRAISING children by Big Life Journal

Sparing Specific Sincere

don't do

Avoid ability-oriented praise, like: Focus on process, strategies, effort, like:

"You're very good at solving puzzles" "You’re using great puzzle-solving strategies"

Avoid "rewarding" with praise. When Provide specific feedback

kids anticipate rewards, they lose on performance.
interest.

Vs
Avoid comparing to others. Focus on child’s individual performance.

Avoid setting low expectations, like "Great job!

Praise should reflect standards
You wrote a story!" or too high, like
that could be realistically met.
“This is the best story I’ve ever read!”

Avoid focusing on judgement with “I like” Give encouragement, like “Your room looks
statements, such as, “I like how clean clean!”. This helps develop internal
your room looks.” evaluation.

generosity, forgiveness, compassion, courage, being a loving friend or

sibling, taking a stand, appreciation of art, etc.

Say thank-you Acknowledge goals Say nothing Ask questions

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 EXAMPLES

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 6
WAYS TO HELP 
YOUR  CHILD
   overcome
the FEAR OF FAILURE
by Big Life Journal

1 Change YOUR attitude about failURE

Be mindful of your own responses to mistakes and failure. Talk about what
you’ve learned and be willing to pick yourself up and try again.
Encourage and celebrate your child’s mistakes as learning experiences.

2 Emphasise EFFORT, not ability

Emphasise effort (and the process) over ability (and the outcome).
When they struggle, discuss specific strategies that might work next time.

3 Demonstrate UNCONDITIONAL love

Make it clear you love your child unconditionally, even when they make
mistakes or use poor judgment.

4 Conduct the "WORST-CASE scenario” exercise

Start by getting a piece of paper so you can brainstorm together with
your child.
Ask them questions like, "If it all goes wrong, what’s the worst thing
that could happen?"

5 Help them focus on the SOLUTION

Discuss what actions they took, the consequences of these actions, and
how these consequences can be avoided in the future.
Ask questions like, "What went wrong?", "How can you fix or prevent this
next time?"

6 Have conversations about SUCCESS and FAILURE

Talk about success using the “iceberg analogy.”
Explain that when you see successful people, you only see the tip of the
iceberg. You don’t see what’s “under the water”: failures, rejection, grit,
effort, discipline, persistence, etc.
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 How to Help Your

PERFECTIONIST CHILD
Worry LESS and DO MORE

EXCELLENCE-SEEKER PERFECTIONIST
has a GROWTH mindset
is intrinsically motivated vs. has a FIXED mindset
avoids judgement
focuses on learning focuses on mistakes

Encourage High Standards, Not Perfection

Avoid using the word “perfect”.
Help your child set goals and standards that are reachable with effort.

Teach Your Child “The Power of Yet”

Add "YET" to your child's "I can't" statements.
Use the 3-step strategy:
1. Ask them to create a DRAFT
2. Acknowledge what they did WELL
3. Provide specific feedback for improvement

Be an Example of Someone Who’s Not Perfect

Model imperfection by sharing YOUR mistakes.
Ask your child for ADVICE when you experience a setback or a struggle.

Emphasise the Fun

Highlight enjoyment and learning when you question and praise your child.
Ask, “Did you have fun today?”

Recognise Negative Thoughts

Use the “balloon technique” to teach your child to let go of self-critical thoughts.
Play the Five Senses Game to combat anxiety and feelings of doubt and blame.

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 POWERFUL WAYS

5 GROWTH MINDSET to help kids develop a

in
MATHEMATICS
Teach children about brain’s ability to grow
For younger children, show fun YouTube videos like the Neuron Song to teach them about

neuroplasticity.

For older children, show them a brief clip from the BBC documentary ‘The Human Body’.

Take your children or students through a free online course from Jo Boaler of Stanford University.

Have your children or students create their own Brain Poster (included in Big Life Journal's Growth

Mindset Printables Kit)

---------------------------------------------------------
Model and praise mistakes as opportunities
for brain growth
Show your children you make mistakes too, and it’s a good thing.

Analyse mistakes together to see what and how we learn from them.

Read together Mistakes That Worked by Charlotte Foltz Jones.

Create a mistake-welcoming home or classroom by decorating with inspiring posters and

graphics.

Have your child read the Mistakes Poem and display it somewhere they can see it often

(included in Big Life Journal's Growth Mindset Printables Kit). 

---------------------------------------------------------
Provide rich, open-ended maths tasks
Try out a variety of tasks from YouCubed.org with your children. These tasks are designed to spark a

deeper love of maths.

Take traditional, closed problems and turn them into rich challenges. Ask questions like, "Can you solve

this two different ways?"

Use another engaging challenge from Boaler, the “four 4’s” task. This challenge asks you to find all the

numbers from 1-20 using 4 fours and any mathematical operation.

Challenge children to create their own problem. Ask them to write a new similar question, but more

difficult.

---------------------------------------------------------
Remove an emphasis on speed
Teach children the strategies they use are more important than the final answer.

Assign fewer problems and make certain children justify their answers or look for multiple solutions.

Replace a set of practise problems with reflective questions such as, “What was a big idea we

learned about today?”

Use the growth mindset conversation starters to talk through their process and efforts (included in Big

---------------------------------------------------------
Life Journal's Growth Mindset Printables Kit).

Be mindful of your own attitude

towards maths
Continue to learn about growth mindset and be an example to your children as you show them how to

persevere.

Learn new strategies together. Have fun discussing big ideas by spending quality time together and

engaging in meaningful maths learning at the same time!

Complete the free course from Jo Boaler yourself.

Follow the free 4-week guide on How To Teach Growth Mindset to Children (available on

biglifejournal.com), it provides specific examples on how to model growth mindset and teach it to your

children.

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KIDS & SPORTS:

5
effective ways to foster a
GROWTH MINDSET
by Big Life Journal

MOTIVATE TO TRY NEW THINGS

Talk to your child about the BENEFITS of trying a variety of sports.
Help them see that playing a new sport can make them STRONGER and BETTER.

Discuss how the skills they learn through sports can help them reach their DREAMS.

Adopt "Hard Thing Rule" to choose a new thing to try.

Discuss with your child WHY they are afraid to try a new sport.

ENCOURAGE PERSISTENCE
Remind about the  COMMITMENT they made to themselves and/or their team.
Discuss in advance what your child will do if they want to give up (use the WOOP

technique).

Discuss how persistence leads to success using the ICEBERG analogy.

Discuss examples of FAMOUS athletes who have struggled or experienced failure.

REFRAME LOSING
Emphasise personal MASTERY and IMPROVEMENT.
Teach your child to focus on the POSITIVE and celebrate improvement and progress.

Help them REFLECT on what they/their team could do better NEXT time. 

Point how FAMOUS athletes respond to losses.

Help your child embrace the FUN of sports.

REFRAME WINNING
Emphasise their  EFFORT, FOCUS, and DISCIPLINE.
Help them understand the connection between winning and their  ACTIONS.
When your child wins without effort, apologise for wasting their time and find a new

challenge.

TEACH TO HANDLE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

Teach your child to view criticism as a piece of  ADVICE.
Don’t criticise children in front of others, avoid giving criticism while angry, criticise

thoughtfully and gently.

Give your child the opportunity to  SELF-ASSESS by asking, “Did that go how you
expected it to go?”

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4 WAYS TO HANDLE
FIXED MINDSET adults in your kids’ lives

START WITH YOURSELF

What are my fixed mindset “triggers”?
How do I currently monitor and overcome these triggers? Are there ways I could
do it differently?

What mistake did I make that taught me something?

How can I create more learning experiences for myself?

SHARE THE CONCEPT

Share your excitement about learning a new mindset and the powerful effect
it’s had on your family
Ask if they would be willing to use Growth Mindset language during the day
or in the classroom

Offer resources for getting started (check out Big Life Journal and How to Teach

Growth Mindset to Kids (The 4-Week Guide)

Discuss the Power of “Yet”

CLARIFY MISCONCEPTIONS
Misconception #1: Results Don’t Matter
Growth mindset ties praise to success. As Dweck says, “The whole idea...is to focus

on the learning process. When you focus on effort, you have to show how effort

created learning progress or success.”

Misconception #2: You Either Have It or You Don’t

Growth mindset is a spectrum. Dweck states that “nobody has a growth mindset in

everything all the time. Everyone is a mixture of fixed and growth mindsets.”

SEE THE POSSIBILITIES

Use fixed mindset comments as discussion starters. Did the teacher say she’s

smart because she got an ‘A’ on the test? Prompt her to identify other possible

causes of her success--studying, persistence, or asking questions.

Help your child cultivate empathy and understanding of those who think

fixed mindset doesn’t always feel good.

differently. Living with a

Find your growth mindset tribe

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