How can parent involvement with growth mindset increase math scores with 2nd grade students?

Seminar Title

How can parent involvement with growth mindset increase math scores with 2nd grade students?

Parent Communication and Growth Mindset

2nd Grade

Elementary

Mathematics

All Disciplines

I cannot do this! It is too hard! I am not good at math! Are these the type of statements you hear in your classroom as the students try something new or more challenging? These are fixed mindset statements that often are associated with math more than any other subject. At conference time, these statements continued. When I shared the math progress of the student and the extra support we were offering, one of the parents usually told me they were not good at math either. It was then I decided to include the students and the parents on the growth mindset journey in math. You can join me too! Even if you do not teach math, I believe my research is relevant to many different subjects and grade levels. Come connect with others to discuss the importance of making mistakes, challenging all students, learning about the brain, and involving parents in the process.

The questions guiding my research are as follows: How can parent involvement increase math scores with 2nd grade students who are below grade level? How can growth mindset lessons help students work hard in math? How can parents who try to use growth mindset talk at home help support what the students are taught at school? A review of literature suggested growth mindset is a powerful idea when taught at a young age and involving the parents on this journey helps to reinforce this even more. As a result of my literature review, I focused on different areas in my practice. These included: 1) communicating with the parents in regards to the math interventions with their child; 2) teaching growth mindset lessons to my students because many can have a fixed mindset regarding math; and 3) sharing growth mindset ideas with the parents so they can bolster this at home. Through my research I learned my students needed to know more about the important aspects of growth mindset and how it could help them in math. These involved lessons on making mistakes, challenging material for all students, and working our brain like a muscle. My students were excited and encouraged by these ideas. I used various methods to increase their understanding in the areas of fixed and growth mindsets. These included read alouds, activities, videos, and posters to reinforce the important messages. Research showed me involving the parents was a vital piece so these lessons could be reinforced at home. I shared the important mindset ideas with them in various ways. As a result of my interest in involving both parents and students in growth mindset lessons and a deeper understanding in the area of math, I feel there is a greater sense of community with small group interventions at school and home. The students have learned to work hard and persevere in math and other areas of difficulty. They have also learned to embrace a challenge. I am encouraged by what I have seen so far and will continue to reinforce these important strategies with my students and parents moving forward.