A third-grade teacher can best support students who claim math activities are too hard by integrating which strategy?

Emphasizing the concept of continuous improvement and the importance of effort is an effective strategy for supporting third-grade students who find math activities challenging. By instilling a growth mindset, the teacher can encourage students to view difficulties as opportunities for learning rather than insurmountable obstacles. This approach helps foster resilience, motivates students to persist in their efforts, and develops a positive attitude toward learning, which is crucial at this formative stage in their education.

Students who understand that their skills can improve through practice and effort are more likely to engage with the material and not shy away from challenges. This strategy reinforces the idea that mistakes are part of the learning process, helping to reduce anxiety around difficult tasks and allowing students to take risks in their learning.

Integrating this mindset into the classroom not only supports students who struggle with math but also promotes a supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. This contrasts with other strategies, such as surprise quizzes which may increase anxiety, or taking assessments home, which could lack the necessary structure for immediate feedback and learning.