Gratitude

Growth Mindset and The Dot by Peter Reynolds

Mindset is a simple idea discovered by world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck in decades of research on achievement and success—a simple idea that makes all the difference.

In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success—without effort. They’re wrong.

In a growth mindset, people 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. Virtually all great people have had these qualities.

We learned about Growth Mindset as we read the book:

The Dot by Peter Reynolds

The Dot is a beautiful story about a girl named Vashti who is encouraged by her teacher to take a risk.  Vashti does not believe she can draw.  She is filled with self-doubt until her teacher gently persuades her to, “just make a mark and see where it takes you.” This inspirational story shows how one reluctant learner gains self-esteem with just one dot.  

Following the story I asked the children to make a picture, design, pattern or whatever they wanted to create with dot stickers.

Next the children water painted over the dot stickers:

This video helped us understand the Power of YET!
When I hear a student say "I can't..."  I have taught them to end the statement with YET!

While their masterpieces were drying, the children completed the following worksheet about Growth Mindset.  They needed to write about 3 things that they can do, and one thing they can't do...YET!

We discussed how the little girl in the story, Vashti didn't think she could draw.  However, she was encouraged to start small, with just one mark on the paper and she became an amazing artist!

Next the children excitedly removed the dot stickers from their papers revealing beautiful paintings!

Here are some of the finished projects:

Interested in starting a conversation about Growth Mindset with your child? 

The following children's books all relate to the concept:

Mrs. Hancock

Squiggle Writing

During Writer's Workshop the children engaged in October's Superpower: CREATIVITY.
We read the book The Squiggle by Carole Schaefer.  

It's about an imaginative little girl who finds  a piece of red string.  As she moves the string around, she imagines that it's a dragon, fireworks, thunderclouds and even the moon.

Next the children were given a squiggle and asked to create an image from a single squiggled line.  Then they had to write a complete sentence describing their picture.

To view their finished products, please click on the image below.  I think you'll agree there are some wonderfully creative first graders in Room 307!

View on Flipagram

Spooks at Steward School

Before we say good-bye to all things spooky, I wanted to share this video with you. Mrs. Klipfel, our talented and creative technology integration specialist. put together a school wide GREEN SCREEN Halloween project.  Can you spot your child?  

October Mystery Readers

Killian, Quinn, and Colin were all very surprised when their parents walked through the door to read to the class.  Mystery Readers are definitely a highlight of our week!  The children really look forward to this special time!  :)  

If you have not yet signed up to be a Mystery Reader and would like to, please send me an email and we can set up a mutually convenient time.

lhancock@topsfieldps.org

Mrs. Hancock

Happy Halloween

Many thanks to our wonderful room parents Mrs. Melto, Mrs. Malloy, Mrs. Topping, and Mrs. Ventura for throwing such a fun party!  The children enjoyed making spiders, playing ring toss and wrapping up mummies!

The children looked great in their costumes! 

View on Flipagram

Lots of Halloween Party fun!  :)

View on Flipagram

Here is a dance the children have been enjoying doing at school:

https://safeshare.tv/x/ss58187eeeea365#v
Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend our Halloween parade and party.  I hope you all had fun trick-or-treating! :)

Mrs. Hancock

Walk-A-Thon 2016

Many thanks for your support of the Playground Committee's 2016 School Walk-A-Thon!

We had a beautiful day! The children got lots of exercise while supporting a great cause!

Mrs. Hancock