Nurturing a Growth Mindset in and Beyond the Classroom

“In one world, effort is a bad thing. It, like failure, means you’re not smart or talented. If you were, you wouldn’t need effort. In the other world, effort is what makes you smart or talented.” – Carol Dweck

Learners often believe that the reason they cannot learn a subject is because, unlike their peers, they don’t have the talent for it. They may therefore give up easily. On the other hand, learners who believe they have the talent may avoid stretching tasks that may show them up as not good enough. These learners are prone to plateauing verses reaching their full potential.

Carol Dweck (2006), a Stanford professor and the author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, describes two types of individuals. Those who believe that intelligence, talent and ability are innate and immutable (i.e. I was born with a certain amount and that’s that). And those who believe that qualities such as intelligence, talent and ability can change; they are mutable through application and adjustment. Dweck describes the former group as having a fixed mindset and the latter as having a growth mindset.

Mindset (growth or fixed), therefore, acts as a mental filter which determines your behaviours, outlooks and attitudes. Your mindset can have a limiting or enabling effect on your chances of reaching your potential. When students believe their intelligence can be improved, they are more willing to put extra time and effort into their learning.

We can all agree that one of the best ways to teach our learners to have a growth mindset is to model that thinking ourselves. But as much as we would like to believe that we are growth mindset oriented, most of us will likely discover upon reflection that there is old fixed mindset thought patterns that we hold onto.

Fortunately, we can support our children and ourselves by examining these self-defeating thoughts and habits and replace them with activities that promote a growth mindset. This includes:

1. Ensure we get enough sleep. A good night’s rest can improve memory, increase productivity and otherwise help us succeed in our daily tasks. Plus sticking to a good sleep routine can reduce the risk of anxiety and or depression. Should you feel like this, immediately consult with your doctor for further analysis.

2. Reduce the stresses in your immediate environment. In recent times (you know what we are talking about) the stresses of what to do next is overwhelming our thinking. Stress in any form can become a serious problem, therefore it is important to identify not only for our children what the stresses are but also for us as adults and try shift our mindset to the positive outcomes instead of the “what if’s” that places us in a fixed mindset.

3. Choose not to worry. Remember if frustrations and disappointments pile up, children can get stressed or worried. Worrying about things we cannot control and things which might or might not happen in the future. This robs us from being happy in the present and when dealing with the task at hand. What our children worry about is often related to the age and stage they're in. To help our children change their mindset, find out what’s on their minds. Show you care and understand. Keep things in perspective, guide children to solutions to reduce the worries and try and make a difference that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

4. Acknowledge and embrace imperfections. Nobody is perfect. In the imperfections of the world you can learn to problem solve, think differently and overcome weakness. A perfect example is how the author, Rochel Lieberman, of Pearla and her Unpredictably Perfect Day, teaches children how to embrace their mistakes and practice resilience. She also discusses how parents and professionals can use her book to help children who struggle with anxiety and perfectionism.

5. View every task as an opportunity. Having a growth mindset means relishing opportunities for self-improvement. Assist your child with real world learning. Foster a stronger understanding of concepts that your child has learnt in the classroom while assisting them to connect the study to their every day-to-day lives.

6. Try different learning tactics. There is no one-size-fits-all model for learning. There are different approaches to learning. It refers to the skills and behaviours that children use to engage in learning. It incorporates emotional, behavioural and cognitive self-regulation as well as initiative, curiosity and creativity. The method and approach for learning meets the child where they are at. What works for one child may not work for another, and that is okay.

7. Stop seeking approval and cultivate grit. When you prioritise approval over learning, you sacrifice your own potential for growth. Learners with that extra bit of determination will be more likely to seek approval from themselves rather than others.

8. Value the process over the end result. Enjoy the learning process, and do not mind when it continues beyond the expected time frame. Curiosity in learning is mandatory and far reaching than just the expected parameters.

9. Celebrate growth with others and make a new goal for every goal accomplished. If you truly appreciate growth, you will want to share your progress, outcomes, failures and successes with your peers, parents, teachers and community. You will never be done learning. Growth-minded people will know how to constantly create new goals to keep themselves stimulated and become lifelong learners.

10. Embrace criticism. You do not have to apply all constructive criticism received, but be mindful of other people's ideas, input and opinions. Allow them to also express their thinking. No one way is the right way, it is up to you to either include what was shared with you or discard it completely towards the end result.

By adopting a growth mindset, we see mistakes more as a challenge and don't mind failure because they realise it’s a path to improvement when they persevere. When parents focus more on a child’s hard work, instead of how smart he / she is, it fosters growth. Failure doesn’t disprove that a child is smart, athletic or artistic. It simply indicates he / she needs to try a different approach.

Once you begin to develop a growth mindset, own it. Acknowledge yourself as someone who possesses a growth mentality and be proud to let it guide you throughout your educational career.

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Building Executive Function Skills in Primary School Children

February 10, 2026

Executive function skills are the mental processes that help children plan, focus, remember instructions and manage their behaviour. These skills act as the brain’s “control system,” guiding how children think, learn and interact with others. In primary school, strong executive function supports academic success as well as emotional maturity, independence and positive social behaviour. For parents and educators alike, understanding how these skills develop is critical to supporting child brain development in meaningful, practical ways. What Are Executive Function Skills? Executive function skills are commonly grouped into three core areas: 1. Working memory: This is the ability to hold and use information. For example, remembering multi-step instructions. 2. Cognitive flexibility. This is the ability to adapt, shift thinking and try new approaches. 3. Inhibitory control: This is the ability to pause, resist impulses and regulate behaviour. When a child remembers their homework, switches from maths to reading and waits their turn to speak, they are using executive functioning in kids in everyday situations. These skills develop gradually and are shaped by experience, guidance and environment. This is especially true during early and primary years. Read more on why early development is important. Why Executive Function Skills Matter in Primary School In school settings, executive skills directly affect learning as well as behaviour. · Working memory in children helps them to follow lessons · Self-regulation skills for students assists in managing emotions · Improving attention in school children is essential during tasks · Impulse control in classrooms helps to reduce disruptions Learners with strong executive functioning are better able to complete tasks, organise their work, manage frustration and collaborate with their peers. These skills also support independence and help children take responsibility for routines, deadlines and their personal behaviour. Key Challenges Children Might Face Some common signs of underdeveloped executive skills include: · Forgetting instructions or losing items · Struggling to switch between different tasks · Acting impulsively or interrupting the class · Difficulty managing emotions · Poor time awareness These challenges don’t mean that a child is lazy or incapable. They often reflect developing brain systems that simply need a little guidance and practice. How Parents Can Support Executive Function at Home Parents play a powerful role in shaping executive function. Simple daily strategies can be incorporated into their day to strengthen these skills naturally. Some helpful approaches include: 1. Create Structured Routines Consistent daily routines help children predict what comes next, strengthening organisation as well as emotional regulation. 2. Use Visual Schedules Charts or picture schedules support working memory in children by making expectations visible. 3. Play Memory and Focus Games Try matching card games, Simon Says, puzzles and sequencing games. These support attention, recall and flexible thinking. 4. Encourage Problem-Solving Let children help with cooking steps, packing school bags and planning simple outings. This builds independence and cognitive flexibility in primary education. When there is strong parental engagement, there is a direct impact on executive growth. Discover more on the impact of parental involvement . Classroom Strategies for Teachers Teachers are ideally positioned to reinforce executive skills on a daily basis. Some effective classroom strategies include: 1. Task chunking - Break assignments into smaller steps to reduce cognitive overload. 2. Use of timers and checklists – These are known to improve time awareness and self-regulation skills for students. 3. Positive Reinforcement - Praise effort, strategy and reflection, not just the outcomes. 4. Mindfulness and calm-down techniques - Simple breathing, quiet corners or reflection time can help strengthen emotional control and attention. These strategies are especially valuable in supporting impulse control in classrooms and improving overall learning flow. When to Seek Extra Help If challenges persist despite consistent support, children may benefit from professional assessment. Some signs for parents and educators to watch for include: · Chronic forgetfulness · Extreme impulsivity · Emotional dysregulation · Difficulty following basic routines Educational psychologists or SEN specialists can help identify neurodivergent patterns (such as ADHD) and guide tailored interventions. Early support ensures children build confidence rather than frustration. Encouraging Growth Through Play and Daily Practice Play is one of the most powerful tools for executive development. Activities that build executive function include: · Storytelling and role-play · Group games - Consider turn-taking or rule-based games · Pretend shops or restaurants · Reflection discussions about feelings or decisions These experiences strengthen executive functioning in kids in a natural and pressure-free way. Schools that prioritise early holistic learning , such as in strong preschool systems, give children a strong base for future academic success. Conclusion: Building Brains for Life Executive function skills are not fixed traits. They are trainable abilities that grow through consistent support, practice and patience. From working memory to impulse control, these skills shape how children learn, behave and relate to others. At Makini School we aim to create a supportive environment where our educators can nurture strong thinkers, confident learners and emotionally resilient students, building not just academic success, but lifelong capability. FAQs 1. What are the three main executive function skills in children? Working memory, cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control. 2. How can I tell if my child has weak executive functioning? Frequent forgetfulness, impulsivity, emotional difficulty and poor organisation are common signs. 3. What are fun activities to boost executive function in young children? Memory games, storytelling, puzzles, role-play and routine-based tasks. 4. How do executive function skills affect learning in school? They support focus, task completion, emotional control and classroom behaviour. 5. Can executive function skills be improved over time? Yes. With regular practice and supportive environments, executive skills develop steadily throughout childhood.