The term ‘growth mindset’ refers to a way of thinking, learning and taking on challenges. A person with a growth mindset learns from their mistakes, takes feedback and uses it, takes on new challenges, pushes themselves outside of their comfort zone and shows resilience and perseverance.

Studies show that it is people with a growth mindset (as opposed to a fixed mindset) who achieve in life, are successful in all they do and are happy. Of course, this is exactly what we want for all our children.

The children have been introduced to the language of Growth Mindset. Rather than say ‘I Can’t’ they have been encouraged to say ‘I Can’t Do it Yet’.

We are introducing the children to ‘The Riverview Yeti’ and using stories to show the children it is ok to make mistakes, and we can learn from mistakes we make.

At our school we already used many strategies to encourage children to have a growth mindset but we hope by having a clear focus on this it will help all children to have a love of learning.

If you have any questions or want to know how to support your child at home to have more of a growth mindset please feel free to ask your child’s class teacher.

• We remember it’s always OK to make mistakes – we learn from them.
• We never give up! We try a different approach, or use a different strategy.
• We learn from each other – you guys often make the best teachers!
• We don’t compare ourselves with others, but we do learn from others.
• We challenge ourselves – which really helps us make progress.
• We take risks – we don’t limit ourselves by taking the easy option.
• We join in as much as possible – and we learn much more by being involved.
• We remember that mastering something new feels so much better than doing something you can already do.
• We remember that the brain is making new connections all the time – the only thing you need to know is that you can learn anything!