Building the Next Generation: Growth Mindset Next time you find yourself uttering the phrase, “I’m not good at accounting, writing, talking to strangers, selling, running, (insert your challenge here),” consider adding the word “yet” to the end of that phrase. At the core of Camp Fire First Texas is the concept of Thriveology – a research-based curriculum that has a number of key characteristics which prepare our youth (and sometimes a number of adults) with traits to help them thrive in life. One of those characteristics is having a growth mindset. “Imagine the value this has for youth. Research shows that even those who believe they are good at something, if they have a fixed mindset, will not work to increase their skills. They will instead behave in ways to ‘defend’ or ‘prove’ their
natural ability and may give up completely if they fail once or perform in a way they don’t consider successful,” explained Camp Fire Director of Program Quality, Angela Dikes. “Youth with a growth mindset view challenges as motivating and as opportunities to learn and grow. Which child do you think is more likely to reach their full potential?”
school, she was on the
When Marisol joined the Camp Fire teen program at North Side High School she had read about mindsets. In fact, she embraced this concept of a growth mindset at a young age. In middle
summer she committed
Camp Fire helps youth develop a growth mindset. You can, too! Encourage rather than just praising. Instead of “Great job, you’re so smart!” say, “You studied so hard for that test and your effort paid off!”
b-team for basketball. One power play, the cheer of the crowd, and that is all it took. She fell in love with the sport. But her size and height were seen by many as an issue – she accepted that challenge and said, “I was small and not very strong. So I knew those were areas I needed to work on.” She spent time in the gym lifting and on the court practicing. One to touch the basketball at least once a day. Even when it was challenging because of time, vacation, access to a goal, she did even if it was just picking the ball up to dribble. Another difference between the two mindsets is a youth’s willingness to accept negative feedback. Children with a growth
• A growth mindset is the belief that one’s abilities can grow and change. • A fixed mindset is the belief that one’s abilities stay the same and can’t be changed. “My coach told me I was shooting from my hip. I needed to change that. I spent all summer working on my form,” Marisol said. Marisol set a goal to work on her form – goal setting is another key aspect of Camp Fire’s Thriveology. Goal management skills
Teach them about their brain. Research tells us that when kids understand their brain is just like a muscle – the more you exercise it, the more it grows – they are more likely to adopt a growth mindset.
mindset are more willing
Remind them to add the word “yet.”
are willing to hear it
“Goal management and
Focus on effort, struggle, and persistence despite setbacks.
because they believe they
growth mindset really do
can grow and improve
go hand-in-hand,” Dikes
Adjust strategies when working toward a goal. Build in time for reflection.
their performance. Those
said. “With a growth
with a fixed mindset
mindset, you are telling
Encourage them to ask for help. It’s okay to receive help from an adult or a peer.
might just shut down or
yourself you can get
become angry in the face
better at something.
Discourage using labels (such as “smart” or “dumb”) that convey intelligence as a fixed ability.
of criticism even when it is
Without clear goals, that
presented constructively.
process is much more
to hear constructive criticism - not because they enjoy it, rather, they
are a complimentary aspect of working towards a growth mindset.
Camp Fire First Texas programs are for boys, girls and adults and include camping, after school programs, teen services, environmental education, early childhood education and school readiness. We change young lives for the better in our community. Inside and out. CampFireFW.org | 817.831.2111
difficult to achieve.” Marisol’s ability to embrace a growth mindset and see her challenges as potential for growth continues to serve her well in other aspects of her life – from her artwork, to the admission process to enter Tarrant County College in the Fall to pursue a degree in graphic design, to her goal of transferring to a college where she can continue as a walk-on in the sport she knows and loves. “There are no official offers,” she says, “ . . . yet.” It’s never too late to adopt a growth mindset. How will you grow today?