“Ever tried. Ever failed.
No matter. Try again.
Fail again. Fail better.”
“A spill. A smear. A smudge. A tear. When you think you have made a mistake, think of it as an opportunity to make something beautiful!”
How do you feel reading words like these?
It makes me feel comforted and vulnerable about the ups and downs in this journey of life where we are constantly learning and growing!
Now, imagine these words becoming the inner voice of our children, wouldn’t that be so amazing. Words that ingrain a growth mindset in our kids. They would help them to be such brave, persevering and resilient adults!
We’ve all known about the growth mindset, since the term was first coined by Dr. Carol Dweck, a Stanford University psychologist.
Mindset is a “self-theory” or a personal perception—it’s how we feel about ourselves. A person with a fixed mindset believes that personal abilities are facts that cannot be changed–they say, “I can’t.” Conversely, people with a growth mindset “believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point.
This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” A person with a growth mindset says either, “I CAN” or “I can’t… yet, but I will keep working and trying until I CAN.” A growth mindset is one that steps up to challenges, perseveres and realizes success not through intelligence but through determination and effort.
There are so many ways we can instill this mindset in our young budding minds…our children. Books being one of my favorites! I believe books can become such a powerful medium to help develop so many skills. Here is a peek into a few of my favorites that lend themselves perfectly to fostering a growth mindset.
YOUR FANTASTIC ELASTIC BRAIN: STRETCH IT, SHAPE IT : by JoAnn Deak, Ph.D.
This book brings out an illustrative, fun and engaging introduction to the anatomy and functions of the brain which will empower our kids to S-T-R-E-T-C-H and grow their Fantastic, Elastic Brain!
Image from Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It via https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10237568-your-fantastic-elastic-brain
BEAUTIFUL OOPS! by Barney Saltzberg
This is one of the WOW books for me because of the sheer creativity and beauty with which the author and illustrator turned each mistake in every page into something beautiful.
Not only will it show kids they can make a mistake with their writing or art creations and turn it into something beautiful, but it can help us reflect with them about other things that can be seen as a “mistake” but can be turned around. I love the way it turns things that are normally a mess up into a beautiful picture.
Image from Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg via https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8319728-beautiful-oops
THE MOST MAGNIFICENT THING : by Ashley Spires
What an amazing book with a beautiful, truly insightful message for young children! I just loved it through and through!! It is the story of a little girl with her bff, a puppy, who wishes to create “the most magnificent thing.”
Despite all her efforts it does not come out as planned. She is frustrated and upset, but is able to calm herself down with a walk. When she returns to look at her work, she slowly realizes the goodness and rightness in pieces of what she has created and is able to work with that to achieve something she is so happy with and proud of….
Something truly magnificent!
Image from The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires via https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18383325-the-most-magnificent-thing
THE GIRL WHO NEVER MADE MISTAKES : by Mark Pett
This book’s main character is a young ‘Miss Perfectionist’ who fears making mistakes and in living her ‘perfect’ life, she misses out on fun activities like ice-skating with her friends. When the inevitable happens and Beatrice finally makes a mistake she learns that maybe making mistakes isn’t such a bad thing after all.
After all, there’s less stress and more fun to be had when you learn to let go and remember you’re human like everyone else. With a great message and engaging illustrations, I highly recommend this adorable picture book.
Image from The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett via https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11526654-the-girl-who-never-made-mistakes
HOW TO CATCH A STAR
Last but not the least…this one is my FAVORITE!! Oliver Jeffers writes books like some art, some poetry which is so soothing to you! Our young hero is determined to catch a star. It’s his dream.
After waiting, jumping, and stretching though, his dream still looks and feels so far away. ‘But in his heart, the wish just wouldn’t give up.’ The big, open, colorful pages will inspire readers of all ages to keep reaching for the stars. Sometimes we need to look at goals and dreams in life in a different way. You never know where your dreams and stars may be hiding.
Image by How to catch a star via https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/425818.How_to_Catch_a_Star
I believe one of the best gifts we can give our child is the gift of reading…and what better than a read which would enrich their lives in so many beautiful ways. And honestly, it will impact our lives as we read along with our little ones.
Happy Reading!
Disclaimer
The above mentioned links for the books are for reference purpose only.
We do not have commercial interests in any of the books discussed.
We are not representing any company or being paid by any company.