The classroom is a place where students can develop a lifelong growth mindset that encourages students to take risks and make mistakes as they attempt to reach the next level of their personal educational journey. The classroom, sometimes loud and sometimes crowded, is an incubator for discussion, teamwork, bravery, personal expression, intellectualism, and above all, hard work.

Establishing a Growth Mindset

 In my classroom, I challenge all students to prepare themselves for growth by following this aphorism: Be Positive, Be Courteous, Be Strong. I encourage students, to ask themselves to Be Positive, Be Courteous, Be Strong when they approach new situations, reflect on past successes or failures, and continue to develop a growth mindset.

Communicating Criteria for Success

To succeed at your fullest potential, make sure you are meeting these expectations of Be Positive, Be Courteous, Be Strong.

1) Be Positive by reflecting deeply and thinking with a growth mindset.

  • Apply the feedback you get in future learning.

  • Be a resourceful and resilient problem solver.

  • Set and pursue goals for growth.

2) Be Courteous by having a respectful social attitude.

  • Collaborate well and contribute ideas.

  • Respect yourself and the school community.

  • Demonstrate honesty.

3) Be Strong by being a responsible and self-managing student.

  • Hand in work on time.

  • Be ready to learn with all necessary materials.

  • Take initiative by asking for assistance, clarification, or extension.

Giving Advice for Success

In 2013, I listed ways that someone might Be Positive, Be Courteous, Be Strong. The result was half speech and half poem. Here are a few pages to post of the walls of a classroom.

Using Posters

In 2016, I created these posters to give students a better idea of what to expect in class. Each year, we define what falls under the categories “Be Positive,” “Be Courteous,” and “Be Strong” and sign a pledge.