What Do Eating Sushi and Playing Piano Have in Common?
During Family Groups last week, students explored the concept of growth mindset – the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. This idea, fundamental to our approach at Saklan, was developed by Stanford researcher Carol Dweck, and contrasts with a “fixed mindset” that sees abilities as static and unchangeable (think “I’m no good at math,” or “I can’t draw.”)
As I listened to their conversations, two insights perfectly captured this concept. One first-grade student shared how “eating sushi” exemplified developing new abilities – from initial resistance to eventual enjoyment. The eighth-grader in the group then remarked, “When I play hard pieces on the piano, I get better,” recognizing how tackling challenges develops skills.
These observations illustrate a growth mindset in action. Whether at the piano bench or the sushi bar, our abilities grow through practice, persistence, and embracing challenges. In our Family Groups, together, our older and younger students discover important social and emotional traits, creating bonds beyond the Family Group.
What makes these monthly gatherings special is how naturally such insights emerge through these peer interactions. While Standford researchers study growth mindset in laboratories, our students discover its power through shared experiences, creating a space where they teach and inspire each other across all grade levels.
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