As the new year approaches, it’s a great opportunity for parents and teachers to help their elementary aged children develop a growth mindset. But what exactly is a growth mindset? It’s the belief that one’s abilities and intelligence can be developed and improved through effort and perseverance. This is in contrast to a fixed mindset, which is the belief that one’s abilities and intelligence are fixed and can’t be changed.
Now, you might be wondering, “Why is a growth mindset so important?” Glad you asked! Research has shown that having a growth mindset can lead to greater academic and personal success. For example, a study published in the journal Child Development found that children with a growth mindset were more likely to persevere in the face of challenges and had higher grades and standardized test scores compared to children with a fixed mindset. In addition, having a growth mindset has been linked to increased resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
So, how can we help our kids develop a growth mindset?
Focus on effort and perseverance rather than intelligence. This means praising children for their hard work and determination, rather than their innate intelligence or talent. For example, instead of saying “You’re so smart,” try saying “I’m proud of how hard you worked on that project.” This shift in language can help children understand that their abilities can be improved through effort and practice, rather than being fixed from the start.
Develop an understanding of neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences and learning. This means that our brains are not fixed in their abilities, but can continue to develop and improve throughout our lives. By emphasizing the value of effort and perseverance and encouraging a positive attitude towards learning and growth, parents and teachers can help children take advantage of their brains’ neuroplasticity and develop a growth mindset that will serve them well in the future.
Encourage children to take on challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth. This means encouraging children to try new things, even if they’re difficult, and helping them to see setbacks as temporary rather than permanent. When children make mistakes, it’s important to reframe these as learning opportunities rather than failures. This can help children develop a growth mindset and a positive attitude towards learning and growth.
Model self-talk that reflects a growth mindset. This means using language that focuses on effort and improvement rather than fixed abilities. For example, instead of saying “I can’t do this,” try saying “I’m not quite there yet, but I’ll keep trying.” This kind of self-talk can help children internalize a growth mindset and understand that their abilities can be developed and improved through effort and perseverance.
Now, it’s important to remember that developing a growth mindset is a process, and it may take time for children to fully embrace it. But by consistently emphasizing the value of effort and perseverance and encouraging a positive attitude towards learning and growth, parents can help their children develop a growth mindset that will serve them well in the new year and beyond.