What Is a Growth Mindset?
Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities aren’t fixed—they can grow with effort and practice. This contrasts with a fixed mindset, where children may feel discouraged by mistakes or believe their abilities are limited.
At Kumon, every worksheet is an opportunity to develop a growth mindset by encouraging:
- Resilience: Tackling challenges one step at a time.
- Perseverance: Overcoming setbacks and trying again.
- Confidence: Seeing improvement through effort and repetition.
Tips for Parents: Creating a Growth-Mindset Environment at Home
- Use Positive Language
- Instead of saying, “You’re so smart,” try saying, “You put in a lot of hard work on that!” This shifts the focus from natural talent to the effort put forth.
2. Encourage embracing risk
- Help your child understand that stepping out of his or her comfort zone and attempting new things, even when they seem difficult, is a vital aspect of personal growth.
3. Model a Growth Mindset
- Discuss your personal learning experiences with your child, highlighting your mistakes and the ways you managed to overcome them.
4. Be Patient
- Remember, growth is a gradual process—support your child in advancing at his or her own pace.