This post is all about how to teach growth mindset

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Fostering a growth mindset in the classroom is one of the most powerful things we can do as teachers. By helping students develop resilience, embrace challenges, and view mistakes as learning opportunities, we set them up for lifelong success. But how do we teach growth mindset in a way that is both engaging and effective?

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through how to teach growth mindset in your classroom with practical strategies, engaging activities, and personal insights from my own teaching experience.

Step 1: Understand the Difference Between Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset

Before teaching growth mindset to students, it’s important that we fully understand it ourselves. Growth mindset, a concept developed by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. On the other hand, a fixed mindset is the belief that intelligence and talent are static traits that cannot be changed.

When I first started teaching, I had a student who would shut down the moment he struggled with a task. He believed that if he wasn’t immediately good at something, he never would be. Once I started teaching growth mindset explicitly, his confidence grew, he began to see challenges as opportunities instead of obstacles. This transformation was a turning point for me, solidifying the importance of integrating growth mindset into daily classroom life.

Step 2: Introduce Growth Mindset with a Class Discussion

One of the best ways to introduce growth mindset is through an open class discussion. Start by asking students questions like:

• Have you ever struggled with something but improved over time?
• What does it feel like when you make a mistake? How do you react?
• Can anyone think of a time when they kept practicing and got better at something?

Share examples of famous people who failed before they succeeded, like Michael Jordan, who was cut from his high school basketball team, or J.K. Rowling, who faced multiple rejections before publishing Harry Potter.

I also love using videos to spark discussion. One of my favourites is The Power of Yet, which introduces the idea that we may not be able to do something yet, but with practice and perseverance, we will improve.

Step 3: Teach the Brain Science Behind Growth Mindset

Students are fascinated when they learn that their brains can actually grow and form new connections through effort and practice! I like to use simple, kid-friendly explanations about neuroplasticity to show that learning strengthens brain pathways.

A great classroom activity is the ‘Neural Pathway Challenge.’ Give students an easy task and a difficult one (e.g., writing their name with their non-dominant hand). Ask them how it felt doing something unfamiliar. Explain that just like muscles, our brains get stronger with practice.

When I first tried this with my class, one student excitedly said, “So my brain is like a muscle stronger every time I try something” That moment alone made it worth teaching!

Step 4: Model Growth Mindset as a Teacher

Students learn best by example. If they see you demonstrating a growth mindset, they are more likely to adopt it themselves.

Be open about your own struggles and mistakes. I often share stories of times I found something difficult, like learning a new language. I tell them about the mistakes I made and how I kept going. This normalises struggle and shows them that even adults need to persist to improve.

When you make a mistake in class, model how to react positively. Instead of saying, “Oops, I messed up,” try saying, “I made a mistake, but I’ll learn from it.”

Step 5: Use Growth Mindset Language in the Classroom

The language we use in our classrooms has a huge impact on how students view their abilities. Swap fixed mindset phrases for growth mindset alternatives:

❌ “I can’t do this.” → ✅ “I can’t do this yet.”

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

❌ “This is too hard.” → ✅ “This is challenging, but I can improve with practice.”

Create a ‘Growth Mindset Wall’ with encouraging phrases and student examples. This serves as a visual reminder that abilities are not fixed.

Step 6: Encourage Reflection with Growth Mindset Journals

Journaling is a great way to help students reflect on their learning and progress. Have students write about times they overcame challenges, made mistakes, or learned something new.

Some reflection prompts I use include:

• What was something challenging you did today?
• How did you handle a mistake you made?
• What is one thing you want to get better at, and what steps will you take?

Over time, students begin to see how their mindset affects their progress.

Step 7: Integrate Growth Mindset into Daily Lessons

Rather than treating growth mindset as a one-off lesson, embed it into everyday teaching.

• In maths, praise effort over correctness: “I love the strategy you used here!”
• In writing, show drafts from famous authors to highlight revision and persistence.
• In group work, encourage students to embrace mistakes and collaborate to problem-solve.

One of my proudest moments was hearing a student say to a peer, “It’s okay if you got it wrong! Mistakes help us learn.” That’s when I knew the message was sticking.

Step 8: Celebrate Growth and Effort

Recognising progress, no matter how small, helps reinforce growth mindset. Create a ‘Growth Mindset Shout-Out Board’ where students can acknowledge their classmates’ perseverance.

You can also have a ‘Mistake of the Week’ discussion where students share a mistake they made and what they learned from it. This normalises mistakes and removes the fear of failure.

Step 9: Read Growth Mindset Books Together

Books are a fantastic way to reinforce growth mindset messages. Some of my favourites include:

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
• Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak
• The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett & Gary Rubinstein

These books lead to rich discussions about resilience, persistence, and learning from failure.

Step 10: Encourage a Home-School Connection

Growth mindset is most effective when reinforced at home. Share tips with parents, such as praising effort over ability and using growth mindset language.

A great idea is to send home a ‘Growth Mindset Challenge’ where students teach their families about growth mindset strategies and report back on their discussions.

Final Thoughts

Teaching growth mindset isn’t just about helping students in the classroom—it’s about setting them up for lifelong success. By following these steps, you’ll create a classroom culture where students embrace challenges, persist through setbacks, and believe in their ability to improve.

I’d love to hear how you teach growth mindset in your classroom! Drop your favourite strategies in the comments.