The start of a new year is the perfect time for students to reflect on their progress and set goals for the months ahead. As teachers and parents, we can use this opportunity to encourage a love of reading and foster a growth mindset. By pairing reading goals with books that emphasize perseverance, learning from mistakes, and self-belief, we empower students to view challenges as opportunities to grow.
Why Growth Mindset Matters in Reading
A growth mindset—the belief that abilities can improve with effort and practice—is essential for academic success. When students approach reading with this mindset, they are more willing to tackle challenging texts, embrace new genres, and persevere through difficult vocabulary. Reading books that model resilience and a positive attitude toward learning can inspire them to set and achieve meaningful goals.
Step 1: Set SMART Reading Goals
Before diving into books, guide students to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) reading goals. Examples include:
- Read 10 chapter books by the end of the semester.
- Explore at least three new genres this year.
- Improve fluency by reading aloud for 10 minutes daily.
Help students break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. Provide a reading log or journal for tracking their progress and reflecting on their accomplishments.
Step 2: Introduce Growth Mindset-Themed Books
Books with characters who face challenges and demonstrate perseverance can motivate students to adopt a growth mindset. Here are some excellent choices:
- “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires
This delightful picture book follows a young girl who learns that mistakes are part of the creative process. Discuss how persistence and trying again lead to eventual success.- Activity: Have students create their own “magnificent thing” using recycled materials, writing a short reflection on how they overcame any difficulties during the process.
- “Salt in His Shoes” by Deloris and Roslyn M. Jordan
This story of young Michael Jordan shows how patience, practice, and determination helped him achieve his dreams.- Activity: Ask students to write about a skill they want to improve and create a step-by-step plan to achieve their goal.
- “The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes” by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein
Beatrice learns that mistakes can lead to growth and joy. This book encourages students to embrace imperfection.- Activity: Have students share a time they learned from a mistake and write about how it helped them grow.
- “Emmanuel’s Dream” by Laurie Ann Thompson
This inspiring true story about Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, who overcame disability to cycle across Ghana, highlights courage and determination.- Activity: Lead a discussion about a challenge they’ve faced and brainstorm ways to stay motivated.
- “Flight School” by Lita Judge
A little penguin dreams of flying and proves that passion and determination can defy expectations.- Activity: Students can write a letter to Penguin encouraging him to never give up, reinforcing the theme of perseverance.
Step 3: Foster Accountability and Celebrate Progress
Encourage students to share their reading goals with peers or family members. Create a classroom display or digital tracker where students can log books read or goals reached. Celebrate milestones with small rewards, certificates, or a class reading party.
Step 4: Reflect and Revise Goals
At the end of each month, ask students to reflect on their progress. Did they reach their goals? What challenges did they face? What strategies helped them succeed? Revisiting and revising goals ensures they remain relevant and achievable.
By combining reading goals with books that emphasize growth mindset principles, we help students build confidence and resilience. New Year’s resolutions may come and go, but the skills and attitudes developed through goal-setting and reading will benefit students for a lifetime.