The Growth Mindset Playbook Chapter 10 Reflection

    Chapter 10 in The Growth Mindset Playbook is titled Moonshot and is all about how students should "reach for the Moon." This chapter talks all about Moonshot Thinking, which is essentially thinking of things that seem impossible with the technology accessible at the time but will not remain impossible. Many examples of Moonshot Thinking are given, such as John F. Kennedy's original proposal to get a man on the Moon by the end of the decade. The initial idea seemed impossible, but before the end of the decade, "In July of 1969, just six months before time ran out on President Kennedy's promise, Astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man who walked on the moon" (Page 141). Other examples given are the first flight by the Wright Brothers, the first time Mount Everest was climbed to the top, and Amazon's first delivery in the year 2000. All of these examples seemed to be impossible when initially thought of, but with great determination and technological advancements, they became a reality. That's what this chapter of the Growth Mindset Playbook is all about, making the seemingly impossible become possible.

    This chapter also takes the opportunity to talk about "10x Teachers" (Page 138). It showcases that 10x teachers are teachers that don't just observe test score, but they implement ideas and strategies that go above-and-beyond teaching. They don't just think that their students will be "too young to understand because they have never done it before." They believe that their students have bright futures regardless of assignment grades. 

    In addition, this chapter incorporates a "Mini-Lesson" giving directions for how teachers can implement Moonshot Thinking in projects in their classrooms (Pages 141-145). I think this is a great addition to the chapter, as it gives a basis for projects that promote more Growth Mindset thinking. Overall, this chapter connects Moonshot Thinking to having a Growth Mindset, because when one can think above and beyond the possibility of what is able to be done at the time, they are optimistic, which leads to having a Growth Mindset. 

    I also like the little story of the outdoor class that this chapter provides (Pages 146-148). I think this little article is a good "spotlight" (actually what it's called) for Moonshot Thinking. Mrs. Minnucci allowed her kindergarten class to meet outside on Fridays, and this allowed for her students to become "one with nature." They were able to do more hands-on activities with things in nature, and it allowed them to feel a little more free and be able to move around, instead of just being trapped in a four-walled classroom. I thought this was a great idea of how an idea that seemed like no one would ever implement it (based on the current school system and how it's been for years) eventually was made into a reality and had positive effects as well. In conjunction to this, ideas for how to allow students to be bigger thinkers in the classroom are also provided, such as implementing better technology in the classroom, asking questions and questioning the questions asked, and giving students Individualized Learning Plans.