The big idea
What is growth mindset? 🧠
Being a tired parent (and aren't we all?) can feel like running a marathon in a heatwave while juggling flaming batons. Do you throw in the towel, or keep at it, aware you don't have all the answers yet, but willing to try your best? If it's the second one, you're already using your growth mindset.
Growth mindset is the idea that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, perseverance and learning from mistakes. In practice, it means teaching children to embrace challenges, see failures as opportunities, and understand that with practice their abilities improve over time. It builds resilience, a love of learning, and the confidence to take on new challenges.
It comes from years of research by Dr Carol Dweck, who noticed some pupils bounced back from setbacks while others felt defeated, and traced it to their beliefs about intelligence. The opposite, fixed mindset, is the belief that talents are set in stone, and it's far more likely to lead to tears and homework battles as children feel hopeless and avoid what makes them feel bad.
Brilliant for SEN children
- • Values effort and progress over ‘natural ability’
- • Reduces fear of failure: mistakes become learning
- • Encourages self-advocacy and persistence
- • Strengthens resilience and a positive outlook
Just as vital for high-achievers
- • Encourages striving for higher goals
- • Builds a hunger for learning and challenge
- • Teaches resilience through setbacks
- • Grows a lifelong love of self-improvement
Ten years ago growth mindset was everywhere in schools, but with teachers stretched ever thinner, it's mostly dropped off the agenda. As the pressure on children grows, it matters more than ever. So I want to teach you the simple tools to help your child build it at home.
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