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It’s understandable that children might be facing challenges in staying motivated and engaged in their learning journey. The typical excitement and activities associated with the academic year’s beginning are no longer tied to a specific time frame. As parents and educators, our task is to inspire children’s curiosity, foster intrinsic motivation, and encourage them to tackle new experiences head-on, even as the current circumstances continue.
How can we cultivate this intrinsic motivation and drive as we navigate the ongoing effects of the pandemic? Furthermore, how can we guide our children to become individuals unafraid of taking risks and capable of learning from their experiences?
Prioritizing Process Over Outcomes
Shifting our focus from outcomes to the process and effort involved is a crucial step in helping children develop what is known as a growth mindset. The concept, introduced by Stanford psychology professor Carol Dweck, distinguishes between “fixed” and “growth” mindsets in her influential book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.”
Individuals with a “fixed mindset” perceive intelligence and creativity as fixed traits, often seeking repeated validation of these traits through success and avoidance of failure.
Conversely, those with a “growth mindset” actively seek out challenges and view failure as an opportunity for learning and personal development.
By instilling a growth mindset in children, we provide them with a powerful tool for building resilience and embracing challenges with enthusiasm. A study conducted by Dweck revealed that adolescents praised for their efforts, rather than their test scores or inherent intelligence, were more likely to take on more challenging tasks. On the other hand, students solely praised for their test results were less inclined to tackle a new and demanding task where success was uncertain.
It’s worth noting that people of all ages can adjust their approach to success, failure, and new experiences. Here are some practical strategies for aiding children, students, or even yourself in developing a growth mindset and cultivating a hunger for continuous learning:
Equating the Brain with a Muscle: Help children understand that their brain functions similarly to a muscle, where growth is achieved through consistent practice.
Focusing on Effort and Hard Work: Instead of labeling children as “smart,” commend their efforts and dedication. Praise the hard work they invest in their endeavors.
Embracing Failures as Learning Opportunities: Create an environment where failures and setbacks are acknowledged and even rewarded as integral components of the learning journey.
Encouraging Deep Understanding: Encourage children to delve into subject matter deeply, fostering discussion and exploration beyond mere correctness.
With the current academic season underway for most children, the concept of nurturing a growth mindset aligns perfectly with the principles of social-emotional learning and parenting. Engaging in simple daily activities, such as establishing a family idea jar, modeling a willingness to try new things, and sharing personal experiences of learning from mistakes, can significantly contribute to your child’s ability to embrace novel challenges and sustain a thirst for learning.
Empower your child to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience by fostering a growth mindset and prioritizing social and emotional learning. Together, we can shape a future of thriving individuals equipped with the skills they need to excel in various aspects of life.
Unlock the Full Potential with Our Calendar: Looking to dive deeper into fostering social and emotional learning while nurturing a growth mindset? Explore our comprehensive 12-month theme-based calendar, available for just $11.99. Packed with 365 ideas, tools, and activities, this calendar empowers you to infuse intention into your daily interactions with your child. By focusing on skills like active listening, coping mechanisms, empathy, and social engagement, you equip your child with essential social and emotional skills crucial for success in friendships, academics, and life as a whole.
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