Mid August comes and a new school year beckons. A growth mindset not only teaches children to love to learn but also determines the quality of their learning. In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for children to be successful learners. Put these beliefs in place and nurture a growth mindset.
• Most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point.
• Intelligence is not a static state. Intelligence is something you acquire and can be developed.
• Being mastery oriented is about having the right mindset, which encourages learning and is not about proving how smart you are.
• Emphasizing effort gives a child a variable that they can control.
• To be effective, praise needs to be specific. Learn to say, “I like how you keep trying.”
• Stress capability rather than a general feeling of self-worth.
