Being a little kid can be hard! There seem to be so many things little ones CAN'T do! As a teacher, it is my job to encourage children as they learn and grow! Teaching kiddos to have a growth mindset helps them realize that there may be things they can't do YET, but with perseverance they can learn to do challenging things. Be sure to download the Free Growth Mindset Printables here!
Using Magic Growing Trees to teach all about having a growth mindset was one of my favorite activities of all time! Over the course of three days, we created magic in our classroom while reading, writing, observing, and communicating with each other. My first graders loved every minute of this unit! Here's everything we needed to create some magic: Magic Growing Trees and Crystal Rock Candy Lollipops
Be sure to download the Free Growth Mindset Printables here!
On the first day, I told my class that I was going to introduce them to two Magic Crystal Trees. They were a little surprised to see two paper trees that looked so ordinary. I explained that both of the trees really were magical, but all of their magic was still inside. The trees just weren't crystal trees YET! They had to keep trying to grow! Everyone got a chance to observe the trees closely to see if they could spot the "magic" inside of them.
We had a great discussion about the magic we have inside of ourselves. We made an anchor chart of things we can't do YET, but we want to learn this year. I was surprised by how well my first graders were able to identify things they wanted to learn to do this year. We focused on naming things we can do at school, but you could also include things to learn outside of school. Download the Free "Things We Can't Do YET" Printable here!
Before the kiddos arrived on the second day, I drew a face on each tree trunk with permanent marker. One tree was happy, and the other was sad. When we observed the trees again, the kids immediately spotted what was different! I explained that one tree was tired of trying. It decided to just give up! The other tree is going to keep trying. It doesn't look like a crystal tree YET, but it's not giving up!
The children made predictions about what would happen to each tree. They shared their ideas with partners and recorded their thinking using pictures and words. We also looked back at our anchor chart to see if we should give up or keep trying!
After the kids went home, I poured the "Magic Water" that comes with each tree over the happy tree. It takes up to 24 hours for all of the crystals to grow so make sure you do it the day before. Once the tree is wet, just let it sit and absorb the water. I hid the trees under a bin so my firsties wouldn't see them in the morning. I wanted them to be surprised when it was time for our lesson.
By the third day, the children were so curious about the trees. We reviewed their predictions, and then I unveiled the trees. There were "oohs" and "ahhs" and squeals all over the classroom! They could not believe how beautiful the crystal tree looked! Of course, the tree that gave up looked exactly the same. I know there is a scientific explanation for the crystals, but it really was a magical moment in our classroom!
The children recorded what happened to the tree that kept trying. They also wrote down what would happen to them if they kept trying. It was amazing to see little ones really understand the idea of having a growth mindset!
We integrated our crystal study into science and language arts too! We read several informational books at crystals during the day. We also made our names with crystals for a classroom display around our anchor chart. As a special surprise, we enjoyed Crystal Rock Candy Lollipops as a treat! Teaching all about having a growth mindset and the power of YET was a magical experience in my classroom! I am confident I will be able to refer to our magic crystal trees all year to encourage my little ones to keep trying!
