Postive Mindsets for Teachers by Jen Christians

My Books

Christians123 — 2018-11-06 17:59:01 UTC

I chose these two books to read. I think that these wil both help me to engage my students! I am excited to get started. I just ordered them both.

Students who harness the power of growth mindset can succeed beyond their wildest imagination. The key is having a growth-mindset teacher who provides support, guidance, and encouragement. Packed with research-based teaching methods, this approachable guide for applying the growth mindset offers:

• Tips for overcoming challenges
• Strategies for inspiring students
• Ideas for constructive feedback
• Techniques for improving communication
• Examples of engaging lesson plans

Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers
Do you dream about increased student engagement and more effective classroom management? How about reducing teacher stress and overwhelm? Or leaving campus at a reasonable hour without dragging a cart full of lesson planning and papers to grade in tow?

If the answer to these questions is “Yes!” then this book is for YOU!

Based on current research in positive psychology and more than 15 years “real world” experience in the classroom, this book provides a practical roadmap to reduce stress, improve student behavior and be happier in your classroom and your life.

These 10 simple positive mindset habits train you to flex your “happy muscle” and easily:

Eliminate teacher overwhelm and stress
Leave school every day energized and fulfilled
Connect with students in a way that turns every group of kinds into a “dream class”
Rediscover the passion and excitement that made you want to become a teacher

I think that both of these books will help me to reach all of my learners this year. I feel like I am with a group who will need a lot of inspiration and a teacher that is committed to helping them be their best selves.

Positive Mindset- Part 1

Christians123 — 2018-11-06 17:59:23 UTC

I am loving that this book is specifically designed for teachers. It gives me specific things to do to make every day better. The first task in this book is to really think about how you can be happier with the choice of your profession. Think about how you can become "happier". One question that really spoke to me was "Are you focused on all of the issues that make teaching increasingly more challenging?"- Uggg! With all the election information this is so hard right now. But, Inevitably, we are in charge of our own happiness- and in turn, our happiness challenges the happiness of our entire classroom. Really, what can I lose by trying out the ideas in this book?

Reflecting on the beginning of my teaching vs. now....how reflection can contribute to a positive attitude. WHAT WORKED

Christians123 — 2018-11-06 18:01:04 UTC

When I was a student teacher, crafting the perfect five-step lesson plan, then presenting it flawlessly (well, that’s my recollection but you know, it’s been a long time) my least favorite part before I submitted it to my supervisor was this – the reflection. At the time, it often seemed that I had to “think up” things to say. Once the usual bases of “The lesson took longer than I thought” or “I need to find different ways to engage certain students” had been covered, I ran out of steam and often felt that my comments were pretty repetitive. That led to anxiety – if my supervisors were paying attention it would seem I was reflecting the same thing over and over. Was he secretly wondering, “Didn’t this girl learn this yet?” That made me walk away from the day frustrated!

What I am learning and how it creates a positive mindset....
We are teaching students the importance of trial and error, having GRIT and persevering on learning and learning from our mistakes, we need to recognize that lessons that don’t turn out exactly the way we planned are valuable tools. As educators, we need to reframe that “lesson plan fail” as a valuable learning experience and a positive exercise in constructive feedback. We need to offer ourselves the same grace and encouragement we offer students.
This provides a positive outlook on how educators see themselves and the role they play.

What is Working Right Now! Building Posiitive Relationships With and Among Students

Christians123 — 2018-11-06 18:21:34 UTC

I have quite the dynamics in my classroom! That being said, I know that positive, inclusive trusting relationships impact discipline in the classroom.
I have had to work REALLY hard at being a listener to my students and helping them feel heard. I have one boy in particular in my room that has benefitted from a positive relationship being buit prior to building his academics. I am grateful for the ideas in my book to help me build this relationship.

Staying Positive in Trying Times- Takeaways

Christians123 — 2018-12-03 18:21:11 UTC

I think that as we live in trying times. Some of the buggest points in this book that resonated with me are as follows. I also wanted to write a little bit about how they apply.

1. Pinpoint what you love about education and live in it. For me personally, I love the students. I love that every day is different. So with that being said, different can come with difficulty, but if you look at teaching as each day you gain something, then you already have a positive outlook. I love the things kids say and I like watching them learn and grow. I myself can learn and grow each day too.

2. Find others who can offer solutions, not just an ear. This is actually something I feel I have grown in to. I used to think I could handle most things. I now enjoy talking to collegues who build up my confidence, or have an idea to try.

3. Pick and choose the news you read. Let's face it, the news is depressing! We just recently passed a bond issue that will raise our pay. (Much needed in Douglas County) There will be people who are upset by how the money is spent, there will be people who will start rumors. I will choose to be happy with the fact it passed, I will choose who I listen to. This is a good thing, I will choose to listen to the positive.

4. Know your limits. I have to say no. Somethimes, I take on too much. Being stressed out, is not good for staying positive. Specifically this year, saying that we aren't doing our annual fundraiser for local charities REALLY helped to take away undue stress.

5. Never close your door to collaboration. I think this has been easier and easier. I need to reach out beyond my team and collaborate with others. My favorite opportunity for that in the past year was attending a conference out of state. I LOVED every minute of learning from others. I could not believe what I could learn and take away by just collaborating with people outside of our district and even our state.

6. Be supportive of one another.
I think sometimes that teachers pin themselves against eachother rather than really allowing themselves to be who they are and shine. I think it is important to build eachother up and not just ourselves. Giving someone else a compliment can increase your positivve thoughts.

7. Pick your battles.
Sometimes responding to a negative parent email in a positive way is the HARDEST thing to do. In the end, is it really a battle that you want to pick? I think you open yourself up to more negativity when you engage with another negative person.

Perseverance/Grit /Determination : How do these skills positively impact kids?

Christians123 — 2018-12-03 18:56:13 UTC

I have been a classroom teacher for 11 years. In our current standards-driven, high-stakes testing educational climate, I find that teaching in a school that values  Grit and Perseverance is refreshing.  My book defines grit as the marriage between passion and perseverance and then proceeds to argue for grit to be intentionally taught to students. The book weaves research and anecdotes to provide educators with concrete ways to develop grit in their own classrooms—much like coaches develop skills and talent in athletes—and also includes how to measure grit development in the classroom. I think that teachers know that grit development is not an easy task,but they know why it is important. When students perform tasks that take GRIT and Perseverance, they positive impact it has on them significantly outweighs a task that would be easy for them to accomplish.

Conclusion

Christians123 — 2018-12-03 20:15:50 UTC

Who would benefit from reading this book and why? I think all educators could benefit from this book. This book was easy to read and apply to anyone's current state of practice.
What are your big takeaways from this book?
Teaching kids to be positive is an essential part of teaching. Modeling positivity is a must for all educators to have a good teaching experience. I think it is also essential for those that want to continue for years in this profession!

What is your plan to apply what has been learned to your practice?
I plan on using this book when I feel like I am beginning to spiral into a negative place. There are many easy ways to get back to a positive attitude.