Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/837825
American culture tends to exalt those who "make it look easy." However, the reality is that many who are leaders in their field – whether it be sports, business or the arts – have spent considerable time honing their craft. ink of the 10,000 hours rule associated with author Malcolm Gladwell that says one needs to spend 10,000 hours to be considered world class in any given field. "We want to break down this misperception that things are effortless," said Deb Sampey, director of the middle school. "It's an important message for middle schoolers. People who make it look easy have actually put in a lot of work." For middle school students, growth mindset can be very empowering. For example, at Latin, the students run their own parent-teacher conferences in the fall and the spring. ey are given growth mindset prompts to reflect on such as, "Explain a lesson that you found tricky or challenging and the strategies you used to get through it," and "Talk about a time you accomplished something really challenging." Sampey thinks growth mindset positions students to succeed in high school. "Students learn to advocate for themselves and become more independent," she said. Source: www.mindsetworks.com Mary Jo Houck, a sixth-grade English teacher, agrees. "We try to find strategies for students to make them more self-reliant." For example, if students ask her the definition of a word they do not know, she asks them what they have done before coming to her and what they will do next to figure out the meaning. "e majority of kids learn not to come to me right away," she said. Houck is pleased when she hears students modeling this language with each other. "My favorite moment is when a peer asks another student, 'Did you try this first?'" – Deb Sampey, middle school director "You're so smart!" "You don't understand this. Are you even paying attention in class?" "You're a natural at that!" "Maybe you aren't cut out for this." "That was really hard. Thank goodness that's over and you don't have to do it again." "That's right! You did that so quickly and easily. Great job." Fixed Mindset "I see you worked hard on this." "I love watching you do that!" "I think you should try a new strategy." "You don't understand this yet. What strategies can you use to understand it better?" "That was hard but your effort paid off. Next time you'll be ready for this kind of challenge." Growth Mindset "Looks like that was too easy for you. Let's try to find something more challenging so you can learn and grow." 28