Bloomfield Hills Elementary Students Build Resilience Through STEAM and Growth Mindset Lessons
Elementary students in Bloomfield Hills Schools are learning a growth mindset through engaging lessons in STEAM unified arts classes. A growth mindset refers to the belief that the brain can grow with practice, and that mistakes are opportunities for learning and improvement. Within STEAM education, a growth mindset can enhance students' development of resilience and persistence, while encouraging them to be curious and embrace mistakes.
Through experiential lessons implemented by BHS STEAM teachers - Abigail Gordon at Lone Pine, Amy Attard at Conant, Pam Walch at Eastover, and Samantha Auricchio at Way - students are encouraged to keep trying after making small mistakes. Although students may feel frustrated, their continued efforts will lead to a feeling of accomplishment and understanding that mistakes lead to success. Teachers also discuss coping strategies with the classes, such as taking deep breaths, taking a pause or a break, and asking teammates for help.
In a recent lesson, students were challenged to build a tower out of cups. To create a tall, stable tower they needed patience and a willingness to start over if the tower collapses. This activity emphasized that failure is a valuable part of achieving success. After the activity, students came together as a group to reflect on the process and discuss what they learned.
As part of the STEAM curriculum, students face various design challenges which involve problem solving, designing, testing, and adapting. Embracing a growth mindset will equip them with the perseverance needed to approach new experiences with enthusiasm and openness. Gordon emphasizes, “The concept of a growth mindset and coping strategies extends beyond STEAM skills; it's an essential life skill!”