Grow Your Mind: Face Your Fears
Grow Your Mind Series
on Goodreads (4)
What’s inside...
This illustrated edition is designed to help young readers, aged 7 and above, face and overcome their fears and worries. Through engaging visuals and encouraging text, the book empowers children to confront their anxieties, improve positivity, and grow in confidence. It explores the concept of bravery, the importance of visualizing oneself as fearless, and provides strategies for managing fears, from small steps to big leaps. The book is part of the 'Grow your Mind' series, which emphasizes developing a 'Growth Mindset' - the belief that effort leads to higher achievement, confidence, and self-satisfaction. Written in consultation with Katherine Muncaster, a leading headteacher renowned for her growth mindset program, this book is an essential resource for schools and parents focused on children's mental well-being.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What fears did the characters face in the story, and how did they overcome them?
Can you think of a time when you were afraid like the characters? What helped you feel better?
How do the characters help each other to be brave? Why is teamwork important?
What did the characters learn about facing fears? Do you think this can help you too?
If you could give the characters advice on facing their fears, what would you tell them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story about a time you faced a fear, making the conversation relatable and open.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book by using art or role-play to depict scenes.
Praise your child’s responses and insights, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Link the book’s themes to real-life situations your child may face, such as starting a new school or trying a new activity.
Suggest ways to practice bravery together, like trying a new hobby or visiting new places, to reinforce the book's lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: The book illustrates scenarios where the characters face their fears, demonstrating bravery and the importance of facing challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling their own fears, such as trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of the class, or sleeping alone in the dark.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Support
Explanation: Characters in the book show empathy by supporting each other during tough times, emphasizing the importance of helping others.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to recognize when their friends or family members are scared and how they can provide support and comfort.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The story gives examples of characters finding creative solutions to overcome their fears, stressing the role of intelligence and creativity in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when they face their own challenges or fears.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: As characters overcome their fears, they develop a stronger sense of self-confidence, shown through their happier and more assertive behaviours.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to believe in themselves and their capabilities, boosting their confidence in their abilities and decisions.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Managing Emotions
Explanation: The book covers recognizing, naming, and managing difficult emotions like fear, providing strategies to handle them effectively.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to acknowledge their feelings, discuss them openly, and seek help if needed, leading to better emotional regulation.