Developing our Growth Mindset

We have been learning about developing our 'Growth Mindset' based on the work of psychologist Carol Dweck. When you approach a task or a challenge you can decide how you are going to approach it. If you use your 'Growth Mindset' rather than your 'Fixed Mindset' then you will get much more out of it, however well you do at it. A person with a Growth Mindset knows that they can develop their intelligence and get better and better with effort. So, if you use your 'Growth Mindset' you will embrace a challenge, learn from a set back and know that you will do better if you put more effort and practice in. The two mindsets are summarised below:

We have been talking about effort in class and assembly and Olympic swimmer, David Carry, has visited Lane End (twice now!) to talk to us about the effort and practice needed to succeed.

We have been very impressed with how the children have embraced the idea and that they are showing a real determination to face a challenge and improve by putting the effort in. Our VLE has some great resources and videos for children and parents at the school about this topic - just click on the VLE button at the top of the website and log-on!

Coaching Your Child

Coaching involves helping your child to find out how she is doing and what she can do to improve.  Every parent can learn to be a coach, giving their child feedback as a natural part of daily life.  Coaching will help to develop your child’s seft-esteem.

Focus on one issue at a time.  For example, don’t’ just say, ‘Try to make your writing neater’; explain what you mean by ‘neater’ – such as, write on the lines, start on the left margin.

Focus on what your child is doing and don’t start criticising her personality.  Try to avoid saying, ‘That’s typical of you, Rachael, to be doing…’  and instead say, ‘Please put that down and let me show you how to …’

Timing is all-important.  If your child is distressed, it is better to calm her down before attempting to give any advice.

Try to concentrate on one issue at a time, using the RESPECT method outlined below.

Reassuring: ‘I know you thought this would be a good way of doing this and …’

Enthusiastic: ‘I really liked the way you …’

Steady: ‘That’s okay.  I’ll wait while you pick them all up again

Practical: ‘Let’s see what happens when we try this again.  You stand over there and I’ll…’

Engaging: ‘I’ll do it first and then you try.’

Clear: ‘When you move your hand more slowly, you will stop smudging your writing.’

Truthful: ‘You’re not as good at kicking with your left foot as your right, so we should practice…’