Tell a growth story: In high school teacher Larry Ferlazzo’s classroom, students create a personal growth narrative by identifying and writing about instances in which they exhibited a growth mindset. Ferlazzo starts by providing a few examples—how an English language learner improved his communication skills through reading, leading to clearer conversations with his friends, for example—then students try it themselves.

In a variation of portfolios, veteran researchers Donna Wilson and Marcus Conyers suggest creating success files: students add examples of successful learning each day—from tasks completed to “assignments that support their personal definitions of success,” the two write. Periodically remind students to look through what they’ve gathered and “reconnect to their previous achievements.” Reflective questions like “where have I shown improvement?” or “what can I do now that I couldn’t do earlier in the year?” make growth even more apparent, writes educator Sarah Valter.

When I am learning a new strategy or curricular resource, rehearsing also helps me build confidence. This can look like my rehearsing lines I will use or highlighting words and phrases in a lesson plan or jotting down a few key phrases on a sticky note.

My preparation also includes asking what visual supports, like anchor charts, colored tiles, a document camera, etc., are needed to ensure that I’m making my thinking visible. When I say, “Watch me do this and then you will try,” I am making the strategy much more concrete. This increases engagement, and deeper growth  is essential for students to build independence.