Growth Mindset: Stepping out of your comfort zone

Ending this semester and going into a new job the growth mindset challenge was definitely something I wanted to do. Needless to say, this article hit me hard in the face! I am definitely one of those people that want to live a full life without any regrets. I like to tell myself that I step out of my comfort zone, but truth is that is really hard to do. “Become comfortable with feeling uncomfortable” I love that line because of the truth in it. I have to push myself to get where I want to be and there will be tons of uncomfortable feelings along the way I’m sure! That is something I will have to remember at my job and during my last semester of school in the fall.

Realizing all your fears are fictional is something I definitely needed to read. My boyfriend and parents are always trying to show me that, but I never see it until someone else talks to me about it. Ignoring negative thoughts is going to be a main focus for me moving forward in life.

If you guys have some time of your own you should take a look at this website . There are so many doors that can open for you when you truly step out of your comfort zone!

(Growth mindset resources)

Ideas for Class Improvements

Changing review weeks to planning weeks I think is a really good idea! I like the review weeks because I can think back on everything I've done and make sure it's exactly how I want it to be. However, I think if there was a planning week around Week 8 that would be really helpful. That way students can really think about how they are doing in the class and plan a schedule to either stay on track or change paths to do better. Also, I think a planning week on Week 2 would be helpful because like you said students would have to make a plan for themselves to do well in this class. I also think that would open some students eyes about the level of commitment for this class early on.

I did the story planning option a couple times and I really enjoyed it. It allowed me to think of multiple different scenarios for the story. I also was able to really gather a solid personality for characters. For these I personally looked a lot at your links for Storytelling ideas and more random ideas. Those sites really helped me think more creatively for my planning and storytelling! The only thing I could think of that could be helpful is have a link to a few examples of storytelling planning from past students. I say that because on the first one I did I had no idea what I was doing. It wasn't until I started seeing other student's planning post that I really figured out how to make the most out of them.

I really like the idea of having students reading out loud and recording a mp3 audio to share with you for extra credit. I say that because I really enjoyed the stories that you had recorded yourself reading! With students recording themselves reading stories I think it would take pressure off of you to record yourself reading all of these stories. I have never listened to audio books before, but I really took advantage of the sound cloud in the first half of the semester.

Having writing tutorial videos would be helpful for story writing! I was personally guilty of comma splices and not so easy to read dialogue. The problem is I never knew it was a problem until it was pointed out to me. So I think videos educating students in this early on in the semester would be a helpful tool!

I really enjoyed the way the readings are currently set up! It allows the students to read things they might have initially not thought they would enjoy, but turned out loving. I think if it was broken into themed categories students might not ever read anything outside of their comfort zone.

Tech Tip: Pinterest Side Bar

Hey guys! I added a Pinterest sidebar! It seemed a bit scary going in, but it was a fairly simple to add! You can learn how to add a sidebar to your blog here.

The board I have on there right now is full of funny memes all writers can get a good laugh from! I hope everyone enjoys it!

Week 14 Review

That back up tool was super helpful! I had never thought of backing up my blog or google account, but it seems like it could really save me from some frustration if anything were to happen to my stuff. 

Sunday life item

I absolutely love the life/camera metaphor it is so perfect and encouraging! I also really have enjoyed the words of the day from India (and Mythology)! I didn’t know how much I’d be interested in learning about India when the semester started, but it has been such a fun learning experience!

I also enjoy getting to see the events on campus that are posted on our class announcements! Being an engineering major I don’t hear about much that’s going on outside of our college.

Saturday mythology item

The VanGoYourself site is so awesome! If this became more viral on social media that’d be awesome because it would give some people exposure to art for the first time. Who knows maybe there is a secret artist being held inside themselves?!

The growth mindset memes do an excellent job of encouraging me to do a growth mindset challenge! Plus, I have a weakness for cats!

All the interesting facts you tell us about the days make me want to google that everyday to see what neat stuff has happened in the past on the current day I’m living.