Growth Mindset

Encouraging children to become confident and resilient learners

Learn, explore and grow together. This is what we embed in all of our pupils here at St. Colman's Primary School. We know that in order to fulfil the potential of our pupils and encourage them to become confident and resilient learners we, as a team of parents and staff, need to be modelling the mindset of a learner who is not afraid of making mistakes but who thrives upon them, knowing that this is all part of the learning process. The way in which we encourage children to learn and explore is vital to their success, not only at school but at home as well.

At St. Colman's, we consistently endeavour to challenge and develop the attitudes of all pupils and staff towards learning by considering what makes a successful learner. In school assemblies and in class we will ask children to reflect upon kind of learners they want to be and how they can positively approach challenges inside and outside the classroom. With your help at home, the school will soon be buzzing with talk of perseverance, challenge, risks and celebrating mistakes. Progress through partnership.

Central to this attitude and approach to learning, are the theories and proven evidence of Growth Mindset. This is a term coined by psychologist Carol Dweck and her research has identified the characteristics of learners with a fixed and a growth mindset:

Key aspects of growth mindset at St. Colman's Primary School:

• We celebrate making mistakes – we can learn from them;
• We never give up – perseverance is the key if we are to succeed;
• We learn from each other;
• We don’t compare ourselves with others;
• We challenge ourselves and take risks;
• We remember that our brains are making new connections and growing all the time.

For further information on how to encourage confident and resilient learners at home, have a look at some of the links below. I have also attached a quick guide of the Do's and Don't's as well as a more detailed presentation.

https://www.mindsetworks.com/parents/growth-mindset-parenting https://www.oxfordlearning.com/growth-mindset-tips-for-parents/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/help-your-child-try-new-things

"If parents want to give their children a gift, the best thing they can do is to teach their children to love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort, and keep on learning." Dr. Carol Dweck