As IB learners we strive to be risk-takers. We approach uncertainty with courage and forethought. We have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. We are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

This IB learner profile is one of 10 attributes recognized and valued by IB World Schools. We believe these attributes, and others like them, can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.

IB students transition well to challenging university settings and show resilience and determination in their work. In academics, they have the confidence to approach new or unfamiliar subjects or material.

IBO.org

You've probably been hearing a lot about growth mindset. Growth mindset is a valuable attitude that encourages children to have perseverance, to approach difficult tasks with confidence, and to focus on what is achievable with hard work. Below are some fun activities to encourage growth mindset and risk-taking.

• Turn a negative into a positive- "I can't do that!" vs."I can't do that...YET!"
• Famous Fails- Research famous people in history that failed, but came back even stronger!
• Character Counts- Read stories about characters that have faced obstacles and overcame them.
• Grow-ya- Growth set yoga that's linked with positive affirmations https://www.kidsyogastories.com/growth-mindset/

• If your child is feeling uneasy about trying something, encourage them to attempt it and have them reflect on how it felt.
• Set short term goals. Consider activities that push your child out of their comfort zone. Encourage them to offer their opinion, spend time learning a new activity, try a different food, learn a new game or even to spend time with someone they don't usually spend time with.
• Explain the difference between being a risk-taker (trying new things) and engaging in dangerous activities.
• Ask, "What's the hard part?" to identify the challenge and brainstorm ways to fix it.
• Click on the link for more suggestions https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/activities-grit-resilience-children

Teams will gain experience in both innovation and presentation skills in this activity modeled after the popular TV show. They develop a novel product or service and work together to create a convincing pitch.

Time: flexible

Materials: Whiteboard, and markers

Instructions

• Give each group or person time to brainstorm and develop a unique product or service idea.
• Have them outline the key selling points, target market, and financial aspects of their idea.
• Each group pitches their concept to a panel of judges (the sharks) within a set time limit.

What is the Risk Here: Presenting in front of critical judges and peers adds to the pressure. Teams must be willing to face tough questions and potential criticism while defending their ideas.

Debrief

Discuss the creativity, persuasiveness, and teamwork displayed during the pitches. Encourage reflection on how these skills apply to client presentations and negotiations in a work setting.

View mistakes as valuable learning experiences by talking openly.

Share about a time when you made a mistake: what happened, how you handled it (even if it wasn’t so well, at first), and what you learned. Most likely, this will come up naturally when kids experience a setback or make a mistake and you want to relate to them. For example, if they failed a test you could share a time you failed a test too - you might share that you learned to start studying earlier or ask the teacher for extra help before the next test.

"Giraffes Can't Dance" tells the story of Gerald the giraffe, who desperately wants to join the jungle dance but struggles due to his long neck and awkward legs, causing him to be laughed at by other animals; however, with the encouragement of a wise cricket, he discovers that he can dance to his own rhythm and embrace his unique style, proving that anyone can dance if they find the right music for them.

• Was it fair of the other animals to assume that Gerald couldn't dance?
• What caused Gerald to change throughout the story?
• What message was the story trying to teach?
• What is something you're not good at yet, and how will you get better?

This is a story about a young girl in Pakistan who wishes for a magic pencil to improve the lives of others. However, she eventually realizes that the real magic is within herself and that she can use her voice to make a difference. The book's themes include activism, courage, and social justice.

To make a difference we must be a risk-taker that uses strength and courage to face challenges.

• What type of character traits did Malala display?
  
• How can you effectively share your insight and ideas and use your voices to be heard?
• How are the challenges you faced similar or different to the challenges Malala faced?
• How can you speak up to make a difference?

Animated short films are an excellent resource for discussing risk-taking with your child. Short films are found to increase motivation through their engaging topics, visual nature and ability to evoke emotion. They make you want to laugh and cry which provides an unique opportunity for thoughtful discussion and reflection. The lack of spoken language allows these films to be accessible to all learners.

Below are three short films that allow for powerful conversation and thinking. Start with these questions to provoke thinking before viewing:

• What is the connection between risk-taking and creativity?
• How do we know we are really taking a risk?
• What's the difference between positive and negative risk-taking?

Please send photos of your child being a risk-taker via our facebook link below. We will share them on our gallery wall!!!

Email: nmarciano@buffaloschools.org
Website: https://www.buffaloschools.org/PS99
Location: 1095 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY, USA
Phone: (716)-816-4180
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