Having a growth mindset is important when children face challenges and obstacles at school or at home. It is the growth mindset that helps children whether young or old to excel in sports, academics, art, and anything they love.
“I can improve my grades”, “I will win the chess competition” are the words commonly used by kids with a growth mindset. They believe in their abilities and strive hard to improve themselves over time.
On the other hand children without a growth mindset stop trying because they think, “I am going to fail even if I try hard”, “I can’t improve my drawing skills” and so on. They focus on challenges more than their talents and abilities.
“The potential possibilities of any child are the most intriguing and stimulating in all creation.” – Ray L. Wilbur
How to help my kids develop a growth mindset? How to help them learn from failures and keep going ahead? These are common questions of most parents today.
Read 9 Traits That Parents of Successful Kids Have In Common
Here are 19 inspiring Ted Talks for kids on growth mindset. These Ted Talks are sure to ignite their passion and move them to think differently. All the videos are engaging and motivating. Inspiring stories from different parts of the world will help young brains to boost their confidence and self-esteem. And teach them how to approach a challenge, dream big, work hard, and become successful. These awesome talks are also great to develop communication and presentation skills.
19 Growth Mindset Ted Talks For Kids
1. How I Harnessed the Wind
William Kamkwamba at the age of 14 built a windmill to power his family’s home. In spite of poverty and famine, this Malawian boy went on to create such an innovative and productive thing. With limited education and resources, he did what most highly educated and privileged people can’t do. Incredible. Isn’t it? His message to people is –
“I say to you, trust yourself, and believe. Whatever happens, don’t give up.” This story of courage will motivate little ones to surmount obstacles with an iron-daunted spirit.
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2. A 12-year-old app developer
This is one of the most jaw-dropping Ted Talks for kids and was given by Thomas Suarez who has become an app developer at the age of 12. Besides Java, C, and Python programming, he also knows excellent presentation skills. After developing iPhone apps like “Bustin Jeiber,” and selling them on Apple Store, he is confident enough to start a programming club to help other kids become app developers.
Thomas has set an example for other kids to learn and make most of the knowledge to create something productive. I’m sure you’ll love sharing this video with your kids.
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3. Yup, I built a nuclear fusion reactor
Taylor Wilson was 17 years old at the time of this Ted Talk and he narrates how he had built a nuclear reactor in his parent’s garage. He believes that nuclear fusion is a solution to our future energy needs. He is the youngest person in history to have built something so brilliant.
It’s his growth mindset that motivated him to perform a genius experiment. Currently, he’s geared towards fighting against terrorism using nuclear energy. Kids will surely be inspired by this video and learn that inexperience is not a hurdle to explore and create something memorable.
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4. Choose Positivity
This Ted talk was given by two fifth graders and focuses on bullying. They give a beautiful message about healing, growth, and being positive. Jayden and Preston Garmo, say that one must reexamine their own thoughts, feelings, and actions to overcome the negativity that arises after being bullied.
This is a must-watch video for school students, it will surely spike their motivation level.
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Read Buddha Quotes To Rejuvenate You With Positivity
5. Inside the Mind of a Procrastinator
Do you have a kid who loves to accomplish work at the eleventh hour? Then you must watch this insightful and funny Ted talk by Tim Urban.
Even adults who are struggling to overcome the problem of procrastination can relate to this video. He encourages us to think harder about what we’re really procrastinating on before we run out of time.
To know about Tim’s process of recovery do watch this interesting video with your kids.
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6. Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection
This Ted Talk is a powerful story of bravery by Reshma Saujani, the founder of – Girls Who Code. She emphasizes the need for more brave females in our society. She says “I need each of you to tell every young woman you know to be comfortable with imperfection.”
Progress should be the focus and not perfection! This is a must-watch video for little girls. It will surely boost their confidence to face any challenge in life. It is important for girls to be brave to build incredible things and move society forward.
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7. Kids Can Too
One of the most inspiring Ted Talks for kids was given by Noah Diguangco who is 8 years old (at the time of this talk) businessman. Surprising. Isn’t it?
This incredible kid says that anyone can do anything at any age in this world if only one looks for opportunities. He narrates how he started his crayon business at the age of 7 and how he sells them at local stores, online shops, and craft fairs. He is just like any other 8 years old boy but not scared of failures.
This video is perfect for kids and adults with limited thinking and those who are aspiring entrepreneurs.
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8. Science Is For Everyone, Kids Included
Neuroscientist Beau Lotto talks about science and emphasizes that everyone including kids should involve in science and enjoy the process of experimenting, discovery, changing perspectives. The growth mind talk contradicts the popular misconception that indulging in scientific discoveries is an adult adventure.
Inspired by his participative science approach, Amy O’Toole took part in one of his programs called “iscientist,” where a group of 26 primary school students actively participated in a science experiment. This led Amy a 12-year-old student to publish a peer-reviewed scientific publication about Blackawton bees.
This is a very motivating Ted Talk for kids, budding scientists, and students who are willing to pursue science in the future. You must watch this video with your children to teach them that science is for all ages.
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9. What Adults Can Learn from Kids
Prolific story writer and blogger Adora Svitak (12 years old) talks about ‘childlike thinking’ that the world needs immensely. Her message is that adults should not only teach kids but also have the willingness to learn from them. Because kids are highly optimistic and they come up with bold ideas and wild creativity. They are not afraid to dream big or reach out for the impossible.
She believes that learning between grown-ups and kids should be reciprocal. The fascinating speaker targets and empowers both adults and kids alike, so do watch this growth mindset video with your little ones.
“You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance.” – Franklin P. Jones
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Read Ask These 6 Questions Daily To Raise Mentally Strong Kids
10. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Angela Duckworth is popular in education circles for her grit theory and growth mindset. According to her, IQ is not the sole factor that determines the success of a student. She believes that one needs grit, hard work, passion, and perseverance to stand out from the rest.
Watching this thought-provoking Ted Talks with kids and young minds may spark an interesting conversation like how they can overcome difficult and academic challenges with grit.
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11. Living Beyond Limits
This is one of my favorite growth mindset Ted talks for kids about the power of imagination.
Amy Purdy believes that no matter how many problems we face in life, we should never stop believing in our dreams. The key is to face our fears head-on and overcome all our limitations. She says we can’t control what happens to us, but we can always make our life beautiful by making good choices. Living her life passionately after traumatically losing both her legs at the age of 19 is truly inspiring.
Currently, she is a top-ranked adaptive female snowboarder in the world. And also helping people with physical challenges get involved with various action sports through her organization ‘Adaptive Action Sports’. Young minds with fears and insecurities have got to take valuable life lessons from this video. Nothing can stop you from being successful if only you try hard.
Watch this Ted Talk with your kids and ask them what do they want to do to leave a positive impact on the world or how they plan to overcome challenges in their path. And get ready for an interesting conversation.
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12. 10 Ways To Have a Better Conversation
Most kids fumble and hesitate when it comes to presentations on stage in front of a large audience or face-to-face conversations. Increasing addiction to social media makes it easier to text people and chat online but leads to poor verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Celeste Headlee, who is a radio host shares conversation tips in her Ted Talk. She encourages people to go out, talk to people, listen to people, be honest, keep clarity, and be prepared to be amazed. Kids must be encouraged to develop interpersonal skills from the early years. The video compels us to think about what Celeste asked –
“Is there any 21st Century skill more important than being able to sustain coherent, confident conversation?”
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Read The Art of Conversation: 25 Great Conversation Starters
13. The Boost Students Need to Overcome Obstacles
Here’s another motivating, growth mindset video by sociologist Anindya Kundu who shares stories about young students who have overcome personal, social, and institutional challenges.
His talk is focused on inequality and race in education and he says that sometimes students need more than just grit to succeed in school. Parents must watch this inspiring video with their younger and older children to teach valuable life lessons.
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14. The Power of Introverts
Introverts always face some challenges in social settings and seem to have fewer benefits than extroverts. But, Susan Cain passionately argues that this notion is incorrect and one needs to change one’s perspective. Though we are born and bought up in a society that is programmed to cherish and celebrate extrovertedness, one needs to realize that introvertedness has its own benefits.
She says that introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world and such people must be celebrated. Parents must show this Ted Talk to their kids who are introverts and encourage them not to be shameful and never let anyone change their beautiful traits.
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Read 5 Reasons Why Introverts Love Their Bedroom So Much
15. A New Way to Define Self-Worth
Social entrepreneur Liz power talks about opportunity and job lifting in her Ted Talk. She believes people should focus on their talents rather than circumstances. Seeing people struggling for jobs motivated her to start a non-profit movement “Artlifting” that helps struggling artists to create their own work and sell.
This is one of the best Ted Talks for kids, and this powerful presentation empowers children to translate their talents into opportunities for growth.
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16. Three Reasons You Should Be Bullied
Bullying is a major challenge for most kids and students across the world and is considered a global issue as per the UNESCO report. While most of us perceive bullying as a dangerous thing, Hannah Nodskov explains in her Ted talk about how being bullied can be beneficial.
She was bullied mercilessly in school but that didn’t stop her from becoming a popular fashion designer in New York. No matter how painful it was Hannah passionately worked towards her goals and chased her dreams even in adverse situations. You must watch this motivating video with your kid to empower them to not bully others, stop being a victim, and fight against bullying with a positive spirit.
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17. Award-winning teenage science in action
This video is about three teenagers who are winners of the Google Science Fair. All three of them talk about their accomplishments including researching the effects of air pollution, determining the mechanism of chemotherapy resistance, and others. They also explain how they fell in love with science at such a young age.
Not just their extraordinary projects but how they present their life’s best ideas at one of the most popular conferences in the world today will definitely motivate kids to dream big and develop self-confidence and self-esteem.
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18. A promising test for pancreatic cancer
At the age of 15 when most of us are busy playing video games or adding friends on social media or thinking about the well-toned body, Jack Andraka developed a promising early detection test in the form of filter paper for pancreatic cancer. To make it cost-effective and non-invasive he used carbon nanotubes and antibodies sensitive to mesothelin. After 199 rejections and refining his invention, Jack created an early-detection test that has 100% accuracy and costs only 3 cents.
This is one of the powerful and motivating Ted Talks for kids with a message of a never-give-up attitude, hard work, and diligence. When instilled in kids these qualities will help them to grow and succeed.
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Read 7 Simple Ways You Can Motivate Kids To Get Things Done
19. My invention that made peace with lions
Richard Turere is 13 years old and belongs to the Masai community in Kenya, where cattle are all-important. But lion attacks were the most daunting challenge.
So, Richard invented a system of lights – a solar-powered solution, to prevent lion attacks. All he used was simple household appliances. This is one of the most engaging and informative Ted Talks for kids with attractive visuals that will teach the kids how to become a self-taught inventor.
I hope you liked the list of growth mindset Ted Talks for kids. Watch it with your kids and let me know their responses in the comments below. Also share it with your friends and help them out.
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