“I absolutely love this program! It’s interesting and thought-provoking. It makes them think creatively and outside the box,” said Western Greenbrier Middle School sixth grade teacher Lori Baldwin at the conclusion of the eight-week Mindset of Success program.
Baldwin saw students engage and become more creative through the eight weeks as they developed goals, solved creative puzzles, delved into what they have a passion for and how it can lead to a plan of action for a successful life. She learned interesting facts about inventors which empowered her students to realize that their simple ideas could lead to something big. The great majority of students began to see themselves differently, as well as discover how relevant their attitude and attention to learning can impact their future and ability to achieve their dreams.
The culmination of the program uses a method of brainstorming to develop an idea that solves a problem or meets a need. Teams then develop the idea to the point of “pitching” it to their classmates.
“Many of their ideas could be marketable” said Katie Ickes, program director. “I have been presenting the program in Greenbrier County for three years. The program has impacted well over 1,000 students. You never know how innovative students can be until they are empowered to see themselves as creative. And it is encouraging for many to realize that not all great thinkers were considered the best students in their early years.Thomas Edison is one of many examples.”
VisAbility-Mindset of Success Educational Program partners with Communities in the Schools to implement the program to the sixth grade in Greenbrier County. Plans are underway to expand to Pocahontas County this year. The program is supported by the James Peyton Foundation and First Energy. For more information, email visability7@gmail.com.
