Dear Friends,
The Easter Season Is Upon Us!!!! I hope your Easter was filled with sunshine, lots of chocolate bunnies, at least one warm cinnamon roll, and a continual spirit of renewal, growth, and discovery throughout the Easter Season.
This week we are embracing the joyful spirit of renewal, growth, and discovery and exploring the idea of developing a growth mindset. What exactly is a growth mindset? In short, it's a belief that continual growth, knowledge, and grit are developed through dedication and hard work. Children with a growth mindset understand their talents and abilities are still being cultivated, and they are fueled by continuous effort and persistence.
The excitement and anticipation of an Easter egg hunt usually sparks a sense of curiosity and wonder in children. In some ways an Easter egg hunt holds a close resemblance to nurturing a growth mindset. The joy of discovery, celebrating progress, problem-solving, and not letting setbacks slow you down are excellent examples of how perseverance is typically followed by success and celebration. Like discovering an Easter egg nestled in the grass, each new challenge conquered fosters a sense of accomplishment and builds confidence.
When we take time to intentionally instill the belief that their abilities can be developed through dedication and perseverance, we empower our children to embrace challenges, overcome obstacles, and reach their full potential.
Wishing you and your family a joyous Easter filled with growth, discovery, and endless possibilities.
With A Grateful Heart,
Jodie Maddox Parent Coach and Education Consultant
Finding and Fostering A Growth Mindset
Because this week's topic is about helping children develop a growth mindset, I decided to reach out to a dear friend and admired colleague for her input. Liz is a busy mother of three, and she has been a teacher for 17 years. She has taught homerooms 4th thru 8th grade, physical education in grades Kindergarten thru 8th grade, as well as being a part of the school resource team (so she knows her stuff). Her sons are ages 13 and 10, and her sweet little girl is 6 years old. She wrote a beautiful article about the importance of helping children develop a growth mindset. Below is a brief summary. In the article, she expands on the importance of building strong personal connections with kids and helping them learn how to focus on the good in life. I had the opportunity to teach with Liz many years ago, and it was her enthusiasm for making connections with students that always impressed me, as this is the known secret of any affective teacher.
From Liz - mother of 3, and middle school teacher
Being a mother and teacher, specifically teaching seventh and eighth graders for the past seven years has provided me with many opportunities to work with students and as well as my own children on how to develop a growth mindset. The five most important characteristics of having a growth mindset for me are:
- Accept mistakes as opportunities for improvement
- Recognize setbacks as part of the learning process
- See intelligence as something to be developed
- Embrace challenges
- Be open to feedback
Developing a growth mindset is a life-long process. I believe the most important component of helping others develop a growth mindset is a strong, personal connection. This is done by taking time to get to know one another, taking an interest in what the child is interested in, and learning to be a good listener. I would also encourage you to take the time to point out what the child is doing well from time to time, as this makes it a lot easier to help them handle setbacks....always focus on the GOOD!
To read Liz's full article on how to help children develop a growth mindset click here.
Flourish Bound - Dr. Pahini Ross
Neuroplasticity and Growth Mindset
Neuroplasticity is particularly significant for children with neurodiversity, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, or other conditions. In these cases, the brain may develop and function differently compared to neurotypical individuals. Neuroplasticity offers hope and opportunities for intervention and improvement.
1. Learning and Skill Development: Children with neurodiversity often have unique learning styles and challenges. Neuroplasticity means their brains can adapt and form new neural connections in response to tailored interventions, therapies, and learning experiences. For example, specialized educational programs and therapies can help rewire neural pathways to improve communication skills, social interactions, or academic performance.
2. Behavioral Interventions: Neuroplasticity allows for the modification of behavior patterns. Through consistent behavioral interventions and therapies, children with neurodiversity can learn new coping strategies, social skills, and self-regulation techniques. Over time, these interventions can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain, improving behavior and overall functioning.
3. Sensory Processing: Many children with neurodiversity experience sensory processing differences, such as heightened sensitivity to sounds, textures, or light. Neuroplasticity enables the brain to adapt its sensory processing pathways, potentially reducing sensory overload and improving sensory integration. Occupational therapy and sensory integration therapy leverage neuroplasticity to help children regulate their responses to sensory stimuli.
4. Early Intervention: Neuroplasticity is most pronounced during early childhood, making early intervention crucial for children with neurodiversity. By identifying challenges early and implementing appropriate interventions, caregivers and therapists can leverage the brain's high plasticity to promote positive outcomes and mitigate potential developmental delays.
5. Individualized Integrative Approaches: Every child with neurodiversity is unique, and neuroplasticity underscores the importance of individualized approaches to intervention and support. By understanding each child's strengths, challenges, and neurobiological differences, caregivers and professionals can tailor holistic interventions to optimize neuroplasticity and promote positive brain adaptation.
In summary, neuroplasticity offers promising avenues for supporting children with neurodiversity. By harnessing the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt, interventions can promote skill development, behavior modification, and sensory integration, and encourage a growth mindset in children with diverse neurological profiles.
Tired of chaos? Are you drained from arguments that go nowhere, power struggles, yelling, and other unproductive negative behaviors?
Providing support and guidance in a judgment-free zone is a privilege. Together we will dive deep into your priorities, values, and dreams, creating a plan unique for your situation and family.
Ready to feel empowered? I am here to help! I am a certified parent coach, with 29 years of experience working with children, teens, parents, and educators. I partner with parents to help them experience the strategic change they desire. Together, in 10 short weeks, we will discover, dream, design, and make a plan that supports and empowers you!
Contact me today for your free consultation at jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com
New Teacher Bootcamp
It's here! Direct support for our new teachers. Do you know anyone who is new to the classroom, or could use a little support and guidance to help get organized, or maybe it's you and you just want to start the school year off right?
This summer I am offering a "New Teacher Bootcamp" perfect for brand new teachers, new-to-the-classroom teachers, or teachers who have a little experience but could benefit from new ideas, strategic guidance, and effective techniques that work!
In just 4 short 90-minute Zoom sessions (yes! you can drink your coffee and stay in your sweats) we are going to hit it hard, move fast, but learn a TON of effective tips. You'll still get to enjoy your summer but feel confident when August rolls around because you will already have a plan in place.
What Teachers Will Learn:
- Participants will create a year-long pacing guide
- Learn to write effective lesson plans aligned with the individual needs of students
- Learn effective behavior management strategies
- Learn why and how to implement good classroom processes and routines
- Learn how to build relationships to create healthy social-emotional learning environments
- Plan the first 2 weeks of school
- Learn how to effectively and professionally communicate with parents and colleagues
- And More!!!!
Let's work together to make a difference for teachers and kids! Email me today jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com
For a description and full list of other topics I am currently offering click here.
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Jodie Maddox Coaching and Consulting
Email: jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com
Website: jodiemaddoxicoach.com
Phone: (913)908-8220
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