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As a teacher, I have seen the incredible impact that a growth mindset can have on a child’s learning, resilience, and overall development.
I also believe that one of the most powerful tools for teaching growth mindset concepts is through books, especially picture books. These short simple stories pack powerful messages that children can understand.
In this post, I will share 11 of my favorite growth mindset books for children. I divided them into three different age groups as well as activity ideas and questions to ask during your read aloud together.
I hope you enjoy the suggestions, and don’t forget to let me know later which book(s) you decide to pick for your child or classroom!
Table of Content
- What Is A Growth Mindset?
- The Role of Books in Cultivating a Growth Mindset
- 11 Growth Mindset Books For Children
- What Growth Mindset Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
What is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, practice, and learning. This contrasts with a fixed mindset, where individuals believe that their abilities and intelligence are static and unchangeable. A growth mindset can benefit children by fostering a love for learning, increasing resilience, and promoting a positive attitude towards challenges.
The Role of Books in Cultivating a Growth Mindset
Books can introduce growth mindset concepts in an engaging and relatable way. Through stories, children can see characters facing challenges, making mistakes, and ultimately growing from their experiences. These stories can help children internalize growth mindset principles and apply them in their own lives.
How To Use Growth Mindset Books with Children
- Ask open-ended questions: Encourage children to reflect on the stories and relate them to their own lives. If you are in the classroom, do Turn and Talk to allow all the children to answer the questions. Depending on the age group, you can also let the children answer on a Post-It note.
- Reinforce growth mindset concepts: Use activities and discussions to reinforce growth mindset concepts after reading. If you need more growth mindset activity ideas, check out 3 Activities To Introduce Growth Mindset In The Classroom.
- Refer back to the book: Refer back to the book when opportunities present itself! Use the book and the characters as a reference when the children encounter a challenge.
- Involve Other Caregivers: Share the growth mindset books and concepts with other caregivers, such as teachers, grandparents, and babysitters. By involving other caregivers, you can create a consistent growth mindset environment for the child.
11 Growth Mindset Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper
This classic tale tells the story of a small blue engine that, despite its size, manages to pull a heavy train over a mountain by repeating the mantra “I think I can.” This book teaches children the value of perseverance, self-belief, and a positive attitude. Use this book to encourage your child to try new things and not give up when faced with challenges.
- Activity Idea: Have children draw their own “mountains” and write down a personal challenge they want to overcome.
- Questions To Ask:
- What did the little engine keep saying to itself?
- How do you think the little engine felt when it reached the top?
#2 “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
This heartwarming story follows Gerald, a clumsy giraffe who wants to dance. With some encouragement, Gerald discovers that he can dance when he finds his own unique rhythm. This book encourages children to embrace their individuality and believe in themselves. Use this book to teach your child that it’s okay to be different and that everyone has their own special talents.
- Activity: Have a dance party where everyone dances in their own unique way.
- Questions To Ask:
- Why did the other animals laugh at Gerald?
- How did Gerald feel when he found his own way of dancing?
- How do you feel when you do something in your own way?
#3 “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds
This book tells the story of Vashti, a young girl who believes she can’t draw. Her teacher encourages her to make a simple dot on a piece of paper, which becomes the starting point for her creative journey. This book teaches children the importance of trying new things and believing in their abilities. Use this book to encourage your child to explore their creativity and not be afraid to try new things.
- Activity: Provide paper and art supplies and encourage your child to create their own dot-inspired artwork.
- Questions To Ask:
- How did Vashti feel at the beginning of the story?
- What changed her mind about her ability to create art?
- What can you learn from Vashti’s story?
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#4 “A Thousand No’s” by DJ Corchin
This book tells the story of a young girl who has a big idea but faces many rejections. She learns to see “no” as an opportunity to refine her idea and make it even better. This book teaches children the importance of resilience and adapting to feedback. Use this book to teach your child that rejection is a part of life and that it can be an opportunity for growth.
- Activity: Have your child come up with an idea and ask for feedback from family members. Discuss how the feedback can help improve the idea.
- Questions To Ask:
- How did the girl feel when she heard “no”?
- How did she use the “no’s” to improve her idea?
- How can you use feedback to make your ideas better?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#5 “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires
This book tells the story of a girl who sets out to create the most magnificent thing but faces challenges along the way. She learns the value of persistence, creativity, and seeing the beauty in imperfection. Use this book to teach your child that it’s okay to make mistakes and that persistence can lead to unexpected and wonderful results.
- Activity: Encourage your child to create their own “magnificent thing” using recycled materials.
- Questions To Ask:
- Why did the girl get frustrated?
- How did she overcome her frustration?
- What did she learn from her experience?
6 “Rosie Revere, Engineer” by Andrea Beaty
This book tells the story of Rosie, a young girl who dreams of becoming an engineer. She faces setbacks and learns to embrace failure as a part of the learning process. Use this book to encourage your child to pursue their passions and not be discouraged by setbacks.
- Activity: Have your child design and build a simple machine or structure using household items.
- Questions To Ask:
- Why was Rosie afraid to show her inventions?
- How did her great-great-aunt help her see failure differently?
- How can you learn from your mistakes?
#7 “The Magical Yet” by Angela DiTerlizzi
This book introduces the concept of the “Yet,” a magical creature that helps children see the potential in themselves and their future achievements. It teaches children that they may not be able to do something now, but they can in the future with practice and effort. Use this book to teach your child about the power of persistence and the importance of having a growth mindset.
- Activity: Have your child create their own Magical Yet! Check out this post for a free Magical Yet Pennant and detail for the activity.
- Questions To Ask:
- What is “Magical Yet”?
- How does it help the characters in the story?
- What is something you want to achieve with the help of your “Magical Yet”?
#8 “What Do You Do With a Problem?” by Kobi Yamada
This book tells the story of a young boy who learns to face his problems head-on and view them as opportunities for growth. Use this book to teach your child that problems are a natural part of life and can be opportunities for learning and growth.
- Activity: Encourage your child to write or draw about a problem they’ve faced and how they solved it.
- Questions To Ask:
- How did the boy feel about his problem at first?
- How did his perspective change?
- How can you view your problems as opportunities for growth?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#9 “The Book of Mistakes” by Corinna Luyken
This book tells the story of an artist who turns her mistakes into a beautiful masterpiece. It teaches children that mistakes can be opportunities for creativity and growth. Use this book to teach your child that mistakes are a natural part of the creative process and can lead to unexpected and wonderful results.
- Activity: Have your child create artwork that incorporates “mistakes” into the design. You can start with making a mark on the paper and then challenge them to turn that mark into a drawing!
- Questions To Ask:
- How did the artist in the story feel about her mistakes?
- How did she turn them into something beautiful?
- How can you learn from your mistakes?
#10 “Trying” by Kobi Yamada
This book tells the story of a young girl who learns the value of trying new things, even when they are challenging. It teaches children that effort and persistence are key to achieving their goals. Use this book to encourage your child to step outside their comfort zone and try new things.
- Activity: Encourage your child to try a new activity or skill and reflect on their experience.
- Questions To Ask:
- Why was the character in the story afraid to try new things?
- How did the old man help the main character?
- What is something new you want to try?
#11 “I Can Do Hard Things” by Gabi Garcia
This book introduces children to the concept of inner strength and teaches them that they are capable of doing hard things. It encourages children to believe in themselves and their abilities. Use this book to teach your child that they are capable of doing hard things and that they have the inner strength to overcome challenges.
- Activity: Have your child create a list of “hard things” they have done or want to do.
- Questions To Ask:
- What are some hard things you have done?
- How did you feel after doing them?
- What is something hard you want to try?
What Growth Mindset Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Cultivating a growth mindset in children is a powerful way to foster a love for learning and resilience. As educators and parents, we have the unique privilege of shaping young minds and helping them unlock their full potential. By sharing these growth mindset books with the children in your life, you can inspire them to embrace challenges, learn from their mistakes, and believe in their ability to grow and achieve.
I encourage you to explore these books and witness the transformative impact they can have on a child’s mindset and overall development.
So, which books are you going to read later? Or, do you have any other suggestions? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and let me know.
Bye for now!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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