The Importance of Growth Mindset in Learning

Helping Children Learn to Say “I Can’t Do It… Yet”

Some children give up easily. Others push through even when something is tough. What’s the difference?
Often, it’s not ability; it’s mindset.

At Maidstone Learning Centre, we don’t just teach subjects, we teach students to believe in their ability to grow. That’s the heart of a growth mindset.

When children believe they can improve with effort, strategies, and support, they become more resilient, motivated, and confident learners.

What Is a Growth Mindset?

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can improve over time with practice, feedback, and effort.

This is different from a fixed mindset, where children believe they’re either “good” or “bad” at something and nothing can change that.

Here’s the difference:
❌ Fixed: “I’m just not a maths person.”
✅ Growth: “I can get better at maths if I keep practising.”

It sounds simple but it has a powerful impact on learning.

Why Fixed Mindset Holds Kids Back

Children with a fixed mindset often:
• Avoid difficult tasks
• Quit easily when things are hard
• Fear making mistakes
• Tie their self-worth to performance
• Think intelligence is fixed

Over time, this limits progress and confidence.

How We Build Growth Mindset at MLC

At MLC, growth mindset is part of our everyday language, praise, and practice. Here’s how we help students shift their thinking:

Praise Effort, Not Perfection– We say:
“You kept trying, that’s what made the difference.”
“That mistake helped you learn something new.”

Model Growth Language– We show how to say:
“I can’t do it… yet.”

Celebrate Progress– We highlight how far students have come, not just the final result.

Reframe Mistakes– Instead of “wrong,” we ask:
“What can we learn from that?”

Promote Reflection– Students are encouraged to set goals, reflect on challenges, and try new strategies.

Using Growth Mindset Language at Home

Parents play a huge role in reinforcing growth mindset. Try these swaps:

❌ “You’re so smart.”
✅ “You worked hard on that!”

❌ “That’s not your strength.”
✅ “Let’s keep practising and see how it improves.”

❌ “You’re just not good at writing.”
✅ “You’re still learning,every writer starts somewhere.”

Also helpful:
Read stories about characters who face setbacks
Talk about challenges you’ve faced and overcome
Use “yet” when they say “I can’t”

Mindset Shapes Motivation

Children with a growth mindset don’t just do better in school they become stronger problem-solvers, braver thinkers, and more confident people.

At MLC, we believe every child can improve with time, effort, and belief. And we make sure our students believe it too.