October Growth Mindset Theme
My Brain is Like a Muscle that Grows
Albert Einstein once said, "The measure of intelligence is the ability to change." While change can be difficult, it is necessary as we challenge ourselves and grow. This month our focus is on the fact that we aren't born with a level of intelligence. Often, we hear people saying that they just aren't good in math or writing, for example. The truth is that sometimes when we feel challenged in an area, we shy away from it therefore we don't grow that area. To use muscle growth as an example, if you lift weights, but don't like to work upper body because it is more difficult, you won't see the muscles in that area grow. The brain is the same. In scientific terms, this is referred to as brain plasticity or neuroplasticity which essentially means that the brain has the ability to change itself throughout our lives. They even have the ability to rewire themselves to adapt to a situation.
With this in mind, it is easy to see that if we take on challenges, our brain will grow. It actually becomes denser and heavier. This will be the focus this month as we introduce the abilities of the brain to our students and encourage them to 'lift a little heavier' each day. :)
We invite you to team with us this month by using similar words and ideas at home. Be your child's 'personal trainer' at home. Help them grow their brain by encouraging them to stick to challenging work. Ask them what they found challenging during their school day and how they handled it. Discuss with them times that you faced a difficult task and you pushed yourself to accomplish it which made your brain get stronger!