Learning and the Brain conference

I attended an amazing three day Learning and the Brain conference in San Francisco titled, Shaping Students Mindsets: Promoting Academic Attitudes, Persistence and Performance. I heard nationally and internationally known professors, psychologists, researchers, consultants, and educators speak about the science behind mindsets and how to create growth mindsets to boost motivation, persistence and achievement in students. Socio-emotional learning (SEL) and character traits along with the Common Core Standards are necessary for student success, yet implementing curricula that promotes and assesses SEL remains a challenge for many of us educators.

I'm excited to share the works of Christine Hertz and Kristine Mraz. They are primary grade teachers that have easily embedded NYTC reading & writing workshop, Arthur Costa’s Habits of Mind, and Carol Dweck’s growth mindset into their daily curriculum! WOW!! And they have written a book called A Mindset for Learning! Essentially they argue that it isn’t about adding a new curriculum to your already full day, but rather rethinking the curriculum you already have in ways that support flexibility, resilience, optimism, empathy, and persistence. It is not about doing some more, it is about doing something differently. It boosts learning and achievement for ALL students!

This book is made for educators! They balance theory and research (the what and the why) with practice (the how). The twelve chapters are designed to work in pairs. The first chapter in a pair focuses on theory, relevancy, and research and the second focuses on application and practice.

They have outstanding blogs too! https://kinderconfidential.wordpress.com/ https://chartchums.wordpress.com/ Amazing charts!!

I'm also following them onTwitter:   @christine_hertz @MrazKristine