The Magical Yet Growth Mindset STEM Challenge
Fostering Growth Mindset in the Classroom with "The Magical Yet"
One of the most valuable lessons we can impart to our students is the concept of a growth mindset. This powerful idea emphasizes the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, perseverance, and learning from mistakes. A fantastic resource that helps convey this concept to young learners is the book "The Magical Yet," accompanied by an engaging STEM challenge that reinforces the growth mindset philosophy and gives students a chance to practice making mistakes and improving.
Embracing the “Magical Yet” Mindset
When someone adopts a "Magical Yet" mindset, they approach challenges and setbacks with an understanding that they may not have mastered a skill or achieved a goal at that moment, but they are on a journey of progress and improvement.
The word "yet" implies that, with dedication, practice, and the right strategies, they have the potential to achieve their goals in the future. This simple addition of the word "yet" transforms a fixed, defeatist statement into a positive and growth-oriented one.
For example:
"I can't solve this math problem" becomes "I can't solve this math problem yet."
"I don't understand this concept" becomes "I don't understand this concept yet."
After introducing this concept to students challenge them to think about things that they can do well now as well as things that they can’t do yet.
By using "YET," it acknowledge that your current limitations are temporary and that you are in the process of learning and developing. This mindset shift can be incredibly empowering, as it encourages students to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as indicators of their inherent abilities.
Promoting a "Magical Yet" mindset can help students develop resilience, embrace challenges, and overcome obstacles with a positive attitude. It fosters a belief in the power of effort and learning, and it encourages a culture of continuous improvement. This mindset can be particularly impactful for students who may struggle with self-doubt or perfectionism, as it reframes their understanding of success and progress.
Once students understand the concept of growth mindset it is time to give them an opportunity to practice. One way to do this is with a quick STEM challenge that students can practice over and over again and see how they improve.
Cup Stacking STEM Challenge
For this challenge students will need a set of mini cups (6, 10, or 15). More cups will increase the difficulty level. Students will also need two popsicle sticks each. The goal of this challenge is for students to unstack and restack the cups in the quickest amount of time using only the popsicle sticks to touch the cups.
Material List:
Mini Cups (set of 6, 10, or 15)
Popsicle Sticks (2 per student)
Pencils
Start with the cups stacked in a triangle formation. Using only the popsicle sticks challenge students to unstack and then restack the cups. As students complete the challenge remind them about what they learned about having a growth mindset.
The challenge may be difficult at first and it may take students time to catch on. However, as they continue to repeat the challenge students should notice the task becoming easier as well as their speed increasing.
By introducing your students to The Magical Yet and helping them to embrace a growth mindset you'll be fostering a classroom environment where challenges are embraced and mistakes are valued as learning opportunities.
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