Growing a Growth Mindset: Unlocking Character Strengths through Childrens Literature

(Paperback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Growing a Growth Mindset: Unlocking Character Strengths through Childrens Literature provides teachers with an innovative approach to teaching children the positive psychology constructs that underlie self-belief, goal motivation, and happiness. Through selected childrens books, the book brings to life the latest research and strategies for developing growth mindset, hope, grit, character strengths, and happiness. Each of these positive psychology constructs is explored through a set of three picture book classics that makes the research understandable to even the youngest learner. The National Council for Social Studies inquiry approach drives each book-driven analysis of the selected stories. This inquiry-based approach is organized around a compelling question and provides a complete outline, including formative and summative questions and assessments, as well as extensions that share this vital learning with parents. Lessons in this book have been created by outstanding teachers and have been field tested in classrooms across the region with extraordinary results.

Reviews

Educators will find this book a valuable resource in their efforts to promote in students growth mindset, emotional resiliency, hope, and gritall of which play a crucial role in helping children cope, thrive, and succeed in school and beyond. -- Trudy Ludwig, childrens advocate and bestselling author
Thanks to Growing a Growth Mindset, I feel as though I've been given a real gift! I now have an exceptional resource to use for teaching social-emotional skills like growth mindset, happiness, grit, and identifying natural talents. The resources and activities that Sheehan and Ryan suggest will make my students eagerly anticipate these lessons and beg for more!
I feel privileged and honoredthat Sheehan and Ryan have chosen to utilize the message of following your passions in life despite what obstacles stand in your way within Growing a Growth Mindset: Unlocking Character Strengths Through Childrens Literature. I am excited that this message has been incorporated into a curriculum that I feel could have a tremendous impact on educators, parents, and students. -- Justin Allen, professional basketball player and author, No You Cant, Yes I Can
With the increased focus on common core standards and standardized testing, concepts embedded in positive psychology such as grit, character, and hope have too often been ignored in discourse on education. Witnessing the price paid by students for this, educators are increasingly coming to embrace these powerful factors in student learning.This book fills a significant gap in the literature and offers concrete strategies teachers and parents can take to spread ripples of hope in our schools and in our communities. -- Danielle Gately, PhD, principal, Jericho Middle School; EdCampLI Co-Founder, PhD, principal, Jericho Middle School; EdCampLI Co-Founder
All those who work with children seek inspiration and creativity from whatever source may be available. Kevin and Jessicas inspiring stories of grit, perseverance, and courage allow parents and teachers to convey a precious gift to the worlds future leaders, the power of hope. -- Brian L. Conboy, superintendent, Seaford School District
The lessons on positive psychology impacted my child by letting her take ownership of her feelings.She heard stories of hope and perseverance from others that made her think and ask questions when she came home. She was able to internalize that if she tried really hard and dedicated herself to something she wasnt good at, she would eventually succeed. She knew that this success wasnt going to be instantaneous and that it would be gradual, but when she saw the results of her hard work as a grade on a paper, she was so proud of herself. I really enjoyed the assignments that involved parental input. It allowed me to share stories about my challenges and experiences that I wouldnt normally have the opportunity to share with her. I think that doing assignments like these brings a deeper closeness to the parent and child; it provides a better understanding of where a parent is coming from when they give words of encouragement or advice based on their past experiences. -- Lisa Hoffman, classroom parent & Waverly Park PTA President
The ideas set forth in this powerful book are critical if we are to free children from the mistaken belief that failing is something to be feared. Bravo to the authors for taking on this important issue. -- Mark Pett, author/illustrator of "The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes"
The field of social studies is primed for some new thinking. Growth mindsets is a particularly exciting way into this new thinking. -- John Lee, PhD, Interim Department Head and Professor, North Carolina State

Author Bio

Kevin Sheehan is a tenured associate professor at Molloy College,where he has served on the faculty for over a decade. Molloy College recognized Kevin with its Faculty Leadership Award for his work with children of poverty, and the New York State Council for Social Studies awarded Kevin the Distinguished Social Studies Educator Award for his efforts in preparing social studies teachers in 2009. Jessica Ryan has worked as an elementary teacher in Lynbrook School District and an adjunct professor at Molloy College. In 2012, she was recognized as the Mathematics Teacher of the Year by the Nassau County Mathematics Teachers Association and named the 2013 Teacher of the Year by the 9/11 Tribute Center.