Reviews
Review by: Katie Engen, Children's Literature - May 1, 2014
With a well-integrated emphasis on critical thinking skills, the chapters in this title offer practical tips founded in Ricci’s direct experience and research from various sources (references are included) to positively impact learning.
Review by: Katie Gordon, MiddleWeb - March 11, 2014
Mary Cay Ricci provides a thorough foundation in what growth mindset is, why it matters, and just as importantly, how to foster it in key stakeholders, namely teachers, students, and parents.
Ricci advocates teaching parents about the brain research as well as giving them tools for reflecting on the kinds of praise they use with their children. She provides suggestions and resources for explaining the brain research and how the brain works. She offers not a single lesson but a series of experiences and tools for walking students along the path of understanding what fixed and growth mindsets are, and how they affect the way we perceive effort, intelligence, and success. Administrators or coaches will also find this book helpful for the concrete plan it provides for professional development.
Mindsets in the Classroom came along just when I needed it. If you are a parent, teacher, or administrator who would like to understand growth mindset more fully, or who wants to bring others along toward growing their own growth mindsets, this 150-page resource might be just what you’re looking for.
Review by: Ian Byrd, Byrdseed.com - March 1, 2014
Mindsets in the Classroom is filled with actionable ideas to improve school culture. It builds nicely on Dweck’s original book (which itself is surprisingly easy to read) by specifically addressing the three essential audiences: teachers, parents, and students. As a teacher who works with gifted students, you’ll find clear tasks to integrate into your classroom as well activities for staff meetings.
Review: ETFO Voice - February 1, 2014
[Ricci] increases the reader’s knowledge by weaving concepts of intelligence and “brainpower” along the way, combining poignant messages to teachers, administrators, parents and students “ . . . that they can change the way they think about success and intelligence in the classroom.”