At West Elementary, students focus on a different area of social and emotional skill building during “Pawsitive Panther” time each month. In January, the focus was on having a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset. Candi Hatch’s kindergarten class read the book “Not Yet,” by Lisa Cox and Lori Hockema. Afterwards, the class engaged in an activity in which they shared their dreams, understanding that while these were things they could not do yet, they could achieve them if they worked hard and kept trying. 

First-grade teacher Laura Shepherd’s class discussed what a growth mindset and fixed mindset sounds like. Students sorted various common sayings based on whether they reflected a growth or a fixed mindset. Shepherd has hung the posters in the classroom to remind students to use growth mindset sayings every day.

West Elementary’s monthly focus on various social and emotional skills reflects the Knoxville Community School District’s goal of being a leader in 21st century learning. The district aims to engage students in authentic learning through meaningful experiences and the teaching of important life skills.