Whether you’re a Core French or French Immersion teacher, you know that the biggest obstacle your French students face is their mindset. Many students decide on the very first day that they’re not going to be successful in French. Then, you have students who are confident that they can do it, and they usually do!
The mindset our French language learners walk in with does matter. However, this is where SEL comes in handy. Social Emotional Learning, or SEL, is a set of skills and tools that need to be explicitly taught to our students. They are essential for success in all aspects of life for our students.
This is the second blog post in the Social-Emotional Learning series. Discover introductory SEL lessons here. Learn all about the importance of affirmations and positive self-talk here. Discover the science behind gratitude and French gratitude activity ideas here.
What is a fixed mindset?
A fixed mindset is the belief that our abilities are fixed and unchangeable. Students think that if they are “good” at something, they will be successful in it. Students with a fixed mindset tend to shut down when they face difficulty or failure.
What is a growth mindset?
On the other hand, a growth mindset is the belief that we can achieve success through effort, practice, and learning from mistakes and failures.
Why do we need to intentionally cultivate a growth mindset in our students?
Students need to be able to recognize if and when they have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. They also need to understand the neuroscience of learning to truly adopt a growth mindset.
To put it simply, having a growth mindset is essential for learning.
How does teaching about a growth mindset in French class positively impact French learning?
Having a growth mindset can significantly impact how French students approach language learning. Learning a new language, such as French, can feel intimidating. We’re learning so much all at once, and we have to put it all together and take risks. We must understand that we will make mistakes, and that’s how we learn.
This is so daunting for many of our students!
When we intentionally teach our students the characteristics of a growth mindset, we are equipping them with the tools to achieve success.
Consequently, French students with a growth mindset are more willing to learn, take risks, make mistakes, and then learn from them. It’s because they understand that this is a part of the process!
French Growth Mindset Lesson #1 – All about Growth vs. Fixed Mindsets
In this first lesson, we’re going to have our French language learners:
- Reflect on their own mindsets
- Identify whether a specific characteristic is indicative of a growth mindset or a fixed mindset
- Learn about growth and fixed mindsets
As part of this first lesson, we’ve got an icebreaker that will have students moving, interacting, and identifying whether a specific statement highlights a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.
French Growth Mindset Lesson #2 – Famous Examples
The second lesson explores famous examples of individuals with a fixed or growth mindset. Students watch a video and identify whether the individual mentioned has a fixed or growth mindset.
Students will also learn about Thomas Edison’s invention of the light bulb and Edison needed to have a growth mindset to perfect the light bulb.
French Growth Mindset Lesson #3 – the Neuroscience of Learning
Thirdly, students will learn all about neuroplasticity and how the brain learns!
This is essential as students need to understand that success is not an accident. Success comes from repetition and practice.
Understanding neuroplasticity reinforces a growth mindset.
French Growth Mindset Lesson #4 – Overcoming Roadblocks
Lastly, students will explore common roadblocks in learning and life.
Students will end this lesson by brainstorming ways to overcome typical roadblocks in learning and life.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset in your students with ready-to-go lessons that are impactful, engaging, and designed specifically with teens in mind.
