You have been asked to help a third grader named Harper with her math homework. Harper tells you that she has never been good at math. She tells you that some people are born with great math minds, and her mind is just bad at math.

Question

Write Harper a letter. In your letter, teach Harper about the Fixed and Growth Mindsets. Help Harper understand how a Growth Mindset can help her get better at math. If you like, you can draw a picture for Harper showing her how her brain can grow and get smarter.

Your letter should be at least five complete sentences.

Answer 1

Dear Harper,

I hope you're having a great day! I want to share something special with you about how our minds work. There are two ways people think about their abilities: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. When someone has a fixed mindset, they believe that their skills, like math, are set in stone and can't be changed. But when you have a growth mindset, you understand that with practice, effort, and time, you can improve and get better at anything—especially math!

Think of your brain like a garden. When you learn something new, it's like planting a seed. With water (practice) and sunlight (persistence), that seed can grow into a beautiful flower! So remember, Harper, don't be discouraged if math seems tricky right now. With a growth mindset and a little patience, you can definitely bloom into a math superstar!

Keep believing in yourself and keep trying! I'm cheering for you!

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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(Here’s a little drawing for you, Harper: Imagine a small seed growing into a big flower, with the roots representing all the hard work and practice you put in!)