Ms. Kennedy began the school year by leading her 6th-grade math students through a pair of thoughtful activities designed to build both mindset and community in the classroom. The first activity focused on the concept of productive struggle, encouraging students to tackle challenging problems and reflect on how grappling with difficulty can actually deepen their understanding. This sparked a meaningful discussion about the value of persistence and learning through mistakes. The second activity was centered around community building, helping students connect with one another while also exploring the idea of recognizing patterns. Together, these experiences laid a strong foundation for a supportive and growth-oriented math environment.
