Growing a Growth Mindset: Nurturing Little Learning Aged 0-5 Years

As early childhood professionals, we understand the importance of giving our little ones the ultimate head start in life. That's why we're excited to dive into the topic of nurturing a growth mindset in children aged 0-5 years.

A growth mindset is the idea that abilities can be developed and improved through effort and practice. Research has shown that children with a growth mindset tend to have better academic outcomes, are more likely to achieve their goals and have better resilience in the face of challenges. So, how can we make sure our little learners have a growth mindset? Keep reading to find out!

We'll be sharing some fun and effective ways to promote a growth mindset in young children, including: praising effort over ability, encouraging children to take risks and try new things, using positive language, setting goals and working towards them, leading by example, and providing opportunities for play-based learning.

We'll also be discussing some of the key experiences and actions that can support the development of a growth mindset in children aged 0-5 years. So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to learn about how you can help your little ones grow and thrive.

Featured in the new EYLF 2.0 within the vision for children's learning and under Learning Outcome 4 - Children are confident and involved learners - Key component 1 is now: "Children develop a growth mindset and learning dispositions such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity.

Here are some fun ways to get started nurturing growth mindsets in your service:

1. "Try, try again" should be our mantra: Instead of praising children for being naturally good at something, let's praise them for their determination and hard work.

2. Let's make mistakes cool: Encourage children to take risks and try new things, and remind them that mistakes are just a natural part of the learning process.

3. Use positive language: Let's use phrases like "You're getting better at this" or "You're making progress" to emphasise the potential for growth and improvement.

4. Set goals and work towards them: Help children set small, achievable goals and work towards them, this will help them develop a sense of agency and mastery.

5. Lead by example: As early childhood professionals, let's practice a growth mindset ourselves, and let the children see that it's a cool thing to do.

6. Make learning fun: Play-based learning allows children to explore and experiment in a safe and nurturing environment, which is perfect for encouraging a growth mindset.

Remember, every child is unique and what works for one may not work for another, so let's be patient, flexible and responsive to children's needs and interests.

In addition to these fun tips, there are several experiences and actions that can promote a growth mindset for children aged 0-5 years, such as: providing opportunities for children to solve problems, encouraging children to persevere, celebrating progress and small successes, fostering a love of learning, providing opportunities for children to learn through play, encouraging children to take on new challenges, encouraging children to ask questions and seek out answers and emphasising the value of making mistakes.

In summary, developing a growth mindset in children aged 0-5 years is crucial for their cognitive, emotional, and social development, and for their future success. As early childhood professionals, we can help our little learners develop a growth mindset by praising effort over ability, encouraging children to take risks and try new things, using positive language, encouraging children to set goals and work towards them, leading by example, and providing opportunities for fun, play-based learning. So, let's get growing!