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As an educator with more than two decades of experience, I have watched the my students grow from Kindergarteners to High schoolers to College students to raising their own families and I have witnessed the transformative impact of praising effort over intelligence in shaping the mindset and resilience of our young learners. In a world where success is often equated with innate intelligence, it's crucial to recognize the profound influence that our words can have on a child's development. Renowned psychologist Carol Dweck emphasizes the importance of fostering a growth mindset, stating, "It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer." This encapsulates the essence of praising effort over fixed intelligence. When we celebrate persistence, determination, and resilience, we empower children to embrace challenges and view mistakes as opportunities for growth. Consider the words of Stanford University's Dr. Jo Boaler , "We now know that the brain is like a muscle; it changes and grows in response to challenge." By praising effort, we encourage children to exercise and strengthen their intellectual muscles, fostering a love for learning that goes beyond mere grades or test scores. One notable example of the power of grit is Thomas Edison, who famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Edison's relentless pursuit of innovation and his ability to persevere in the face of setbacks are emblematic of the mindset we aim to cultivate in our students. In the classroom, praising effort should be specific and timely. Instead of saying, "You're so smart," try acknowledging their hard work, saying, "I appreciate the time and effort you put into understanding this concept." This reinforces the connection between effort and achievement. Parents and educators, let's remember the story of Michael Jordan, who once remarked, "I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." Jordan's journey reflects the resilience and tenacity that come from valuing effort over immediate success. So, as we guide the next generation, let's be intentional in our praise. Encourage them to embrace challenges, applaud their perseverance, and celebrate the process, not just the outcome. Let's create an environment where mistakes are seen as stepping stones to mastery. In addition to fostering a culture of effort-based praise in our interactions with children, I'm excited to offer a practical tool to support parents and educators in this journey. I've created a free printable, akin to a cheat sheet, featuring these empowering phrases for encouraging effort in children. Whether you're in the classroom, homeschooling, or parenting, this resource serves as a gentle reminder of the power of our words in shaping the mindset and resilience of young learners. You can download it from the FREE Parent & Educator Resources Collection and start incorporating these affirmations into your daily interactions with children today. In closing, I encourage parents and educators alike to reflect on the impact of our words. The power to shape resilient, lifelong learners lies in our ability to praise effort, instilling in children the belief that their potential is not fixed but can grow with dedication and perseverance. Together, let's build a future where every child thrives, not because of innate intelligence but because of the effort they invest in becoming the best versions of themselves. Moreover, if you're interested in delving deeper into strategies for cultivating a growth mindset and promoting resilience in children, I invite you to explore the other resources available on the blog. From articles on fostering grit to practical tips for nurturing a love for learning, there's a wealth of insights waiting to support you on your journey as a parent or educator. Together, let's empower the next generation to thrive, one encouraging word at a time.

Weekly Lesson Plan: The Story of Creation - Genesis 1:1-31 Introduction: To begin the lesson, settle your child or children and show them the Bible. Ask a few questions or allow them to ask a few, depending on their age, before you begin. Read Genesis 1:1-31 together, emphasizing the key points of each day of creation. After reading, again, encourage the children to ask questions and share their thoughts about the story. For children ages 6 years old and over, you may ask them to narrate back. To continue and extend the lesson throughout the week, select one or two of these activities for each lesson focus: Lesson Focus 1: God's Creation The lesson focus of God's Creation is important to teach because it helps students understand and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world. By learning about the intricacies of God's creation, students can develop a sense of wonder and awe, fostering a deeper connection with the environment and a desire to care for it. Additionally, teaching about God's Creation can also help students understand their own place in the world and their responsibility as stewards of the Earth. Read-Aloud: " God Made the World" by Sarah Jean Collins (or any other children's book about creation). Discuss the different things God created each day, such as light, water, plants, animals, and humans. Ask the children to name things they see around them that God has created. Arts and Crafts Activity: Provide coloring sheets depicting scenes from the creation story. Older children can also draw their favorite scenes from the story of creation. Encourage the children to color and decorate them. I have a FREE Days of Creation Coloring Pages printable on my TpT Store . You may want to use it for this lesson. Physical Activity: Play "Simon Says" with actions related to the creation story, such as "Simon says jump like a fish" or "Simon says sway like a tree." Get more Simon Says action ideas, handwriting practice, vocabulary, sequence cards, and more with the Creation Story K-2 Activity Pack on my TpT store . Lesson Focus 2: Taking Care of God's Creation Taking care of God's creation is an important lesson focus because it teaches students about their responsibility as stewards of the Earth. It emphasizes the value of respecting and preserving the environment, as well as the interconnectedness of all living things. By learning about environmental issues and sustainable practices, students can develop a sense of empathy, gratitude, and reverence for the natural world. This lesson focus also aligns with many religious teachings that emphasize the importance of caring for God's creation. Read-Aloud: "T he Earth Book" by Todd Parr (or any other book about taking care of the environment). Discuss the importance of taking care of the earth and all the things God has created. Brainstorm ways the children can help take care of the environment, such as recycling, conserving water, and picking up litter. Extend this lesson for children in Grades 1 and 2 to using my The Earth is My Home Activity Pack on my TpT store . Arts and Crafts Activity: Provide materials for the children to create a nature collage using leaves, flowers, and other natural materials. This is a perfect activity after a nature walk! Physical Activity: Go for a nature walk around the neighborhood or a nearby park. Encourage the children to observe and appreciate the beauty of God's creation. Lesson Focus 3: God's Love and Blessings The lesson focus of God's Love and Blessings is important to teach because it helps individuals understand and appreciate the unconditional love and blessings that God bestows upon them. By learning about God's love and blessings, individuals can develop a deeper relationship with God and experience a sense of gratitude and joy in their lives. Additionally, understanding God's love and blessings can provide comfort and strength during challenging times, reminding individuals that they are not alone and that God is always there for them. Read-Aloud: " God Gave Us Love" by Lisa Tawn Bergren (or any other book about God's love). Discuss how God's love is shown through His creation and how He blesses us with all the things we need. Talk about ways the children can show love and kindness to others, just as God has shown to us. Arts and Crafts Activity: Provide materials for the children to make "God's Love" cards for someone they care about. They can draw pictures or write kind messages inside. Physical Activity: Play a game of "Duck, Duck, Goose" but change it to "God, God, Bless!" Encourage the children to say a blessing or kind words to the person they tap. At the end of the week, cap off the lesson with food and talk about the best parts of the lesson during your afternoon tea. Recipe: Fruit Salad Ingredients: Assorted fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, and berries. Instructions: Help the children wash and cut the fruits into small pieces. Mix all the fruits together in a large bowl. Serve the fruit salad as a healthy and delicious snack, reminding the children that God created these fruits for us to enjoy. Note: Adjust the activities and materials according to the age and abilities of the children in your class. My 'God Made The World Playlist' on Spotify: Find more resources here: Make a creation story paper bag book for toddlers

These four saints for children are role models to look up to and seek inspiration from. Their stories and examples can encourage children to live virtuous lives, grow in their faith, and make a positive impact on the world around them. Saint Francis of Assisi Feast Day: October 4 Patronage: animals, ecology, peace, and the environment How to get to know him more: 1. Read children's books about Saint Francis of Assisi, such as "The Song of Francis" by Tomie dePaola. 2. Celebrate his feast day by organizing a nature walk or creating bird feeders with your children. 3. Teach children about his love for animals and the importance of caring for God's creation. 4. Pray for his intercession for kindness and compassion towards all living creatures. Saint Therese of Lisieux Feast Day: October 1 Patronage: missions, florists, and the sick How to get to know her more: 1. Read children's books about Saint Therese of Lisieux, such as "God's Little Flower" by Becky Arganbright. 2. Celebrate her feast day by planting flowers or visiting a local nursing home to bring joy to the elderly. 3. Encourage children to practice acts of kindness and love in their daily lives, just like Saint Therese did. 4. Ask for her intercession for courage and guidance in following God's will. Saint Nicholas Feast Day: December 6 Patronage: children, sailors, and pawnbrokers How to get to know him more: 1. Read children's books about Saint Nicholas, such as "Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend" by Julie Stiegemeyer. 2. Celebrate his feast day by placing shoes or stockings out for Saint Nicholas to fill with small treats or gifts. 3. Teach children about his generosity and encourage them to perform acts of kindness for others. 4. Pray for his intercession for protection and blessings upon children. Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Feast Day: July 14 Patronage: ecology, environment, and Native Americans How to get to know her more: 1. Read children's books about Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, such as "Kateri Tekakwitha: Mohawk Maiden" by Evelyn Brown. 2. Celebrate her feast day by learning about Native American culture and traditions. 3. Teach children about her strong faith and resilience in the face of adversity. 4. Ask for her intercession for strength and courage in living out their Catholic faith. Do you have any other go-to saints for children? Who are they? Tell me about them in the comments. Find more resources on the Saints such as coloring pages and how to celebrate their feasts at home here: Gift your children a peg doll patron saint!