The Very Best Books and Video Clips to Teach Growth Mindset

 

We have been a STEM school for four years. If you have looked into this transition or are a STEM school, you know that as soon as you think you are getting the hang of everything it is time to change it up!  This year we are embracing Growth Mindset wholeheartedly as a staff. We have a high % of kids in poverty and the idea of Growth Mindset is not one they naturally bring to school. I think it will be great for our kids and community.

The principle of Growth Mindset actually is a wonderful fit for the Library and I look forward to all of the fun things we will tackle. Some of the books on this list are my favorite "STEM" books, some are old favorites with an "old fashioned" message (keep going, you'll get there) and some are newly published with a specific Growth Mindset message.

I have scoured the loads of Growth Mindset YouTube videos and there are some pretty great finds. But there are some boring duds, as well. Below I am sharing my favorites that are entertaining and inspirational. This list progresses from kinder to 5th, with Kid President working for anyone. Because who doesn't love KP?

"The Power of Yet" featuring Janelle Monae

"Don't Give Up" Featuring Bruno Mars

"Persistent" featuring David Beckham

* I know, it's Sesame Street BUT for kinders and firsties, no one gets the message across quite like our SS Friends. I have even heard from my older kids who caught a glimpse that they enjoyed the videos*

Cutest Fall, BACK TO SCHOOL Library Bulletin Boards

Whew! To paraphrase Mr.Slinger and Mr. Henkes, "Whew was about all she could say". I think that about says it all right now. We have been in school two weeks and I just NOW thought about posting these boards. This year I am "beginning" STEM Centers and there will be more on that but for now I am happy to post come fun boards.

I did a main board a few years ago with Minions and it was a hit. This is a variation and again, the kids love their Minions! I never would have thought to save the little yellow guys a few years ago, I thought for sure it was a one and done. Obviously Pixar had different thoughts. The little books are "3D", we just folded and stapled them on top last.

 I have two cases flanking the library in the main hall of the school. I try to use displays that appeal to most/ all of my students.

This case is by our computer lab and down by our older kids. One of my big pushes is to have my kids use Overdrive - I LOVE our district Overdrive Collection, and I don't want anyone ignoring this resource. Another goal with this display is to let kids know reading is in their hands and not something we "make" them do.

Spring Library Boards

The ONLY thing I do not like about our Library is that we have no windows - this time of year that is particularly hard. I am all about anything I can do to bring spring inside - especially the Colorado Spring we have had in the past weeks.

Zombie in Love 2+1 !!!!!

Zombies are a slam dunk popular book and all things LOVE in February fly off the shelves! This surprise sequel to Zombie in Love is as delightful as the original.

"All About Those Books" MDIHS Library

I know what I will be showing my 4th and 5th grade classes this week!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this parody by the Mount Desert Island High School Trojan TV Production Group.

WINNER: Great Chicago Fire is the Next I SURVIVED Book!

Who Pulled MLK's Coffin? Unique Children's Book and Documentary to Supplement.

What a find! This book is HIGH INTEREST and is loaded with talking points. Take a few moments to read it if you have not - you will absolutely include it in your MLK discussions. Below is the video I show after that has real footage from the funeral and clearly shows Ada and Belle. The video ALSO has many talking points about what it was like for people AFTER MLK was assassinated.