And because she succeeded, it is the most magnificent thing ever. This time her invention is just what she wants, not perfect but acceptable. It encourages her to examine her other efforts and then in a calm and collected manner she tries again. She’s about to get mad again until she notices one piece of it that works. Until she comes back to the first item she made. Even though she doesn’t feel like it will help, she lets the anger go as she walks and feels her positive spirit returning. She dejectedly quits and her dog suggests a walk. Each time getting more frustrated, until she is smashing and pushing pieces together and eventually injures herself. But after tinkering for a little bit she realizes that the item she created doesn’t fit her vision at all. It’s going to be amazing, she just knows it. The girl then has a brilliant idea for a new invention. The story opens with a little girl and her dog playing. The addition of amusing illustrations helps keep the book light and rockets it to new heights. The Most Magnificent Thing is a fabulous example of growth mindset as the main character exemplifies it throughout the plot. But by praising the process, I know that I’m encouraging him to keep trying AND letting him know that I’ve noticed the hard work he’s put into achieving his goal. It’s just so easy to compliment his achievement. I still slip up, even after years of practicing. Our society is very quick to point out talents and praise the ease with which someone does something where as we wanted to praise the challenge and journey it took him to get there.

As easy as it was to say “Oh you’re so smart!” or “Wow, you’re so good at that!” we both began early praising his efforts over the results. And so when Bug was born, we both knew how we wanted to raise him. I’d seen and read posts about this idea and discussed it with my husband for awhile.

I am a huge proponent of growth mentality. Synopsis: A young girl has a brilliant idea for an invention but will need to persevere through frustration and difficulties to make it a reality.

The most marvelous thing