Growth mindset. We all know what it is very well, but only a few of us follow it. It is like one of those things we all know how good it could be, but when it comes to using it, we all shy away.
A growth mindset is what defines you as the achiever of your dreams. It is that mindset that you have to stand up no matter how hard you fall. It teaches you patience, confidence, intelligence, and, most importantly, willpower.
10 Proven Ways To Instill a Growth Mindset In Your Child While Reading
But how do you instill such a mindset in your child? It has always been rare among people of all ages; only leaders have that mindset. Fortunately for us, these leaders leave a trail of what they do so others can benefit from it, which are as follows:
- Praise the effort, not just the outcome. Your child loves putting effort, and praising it encourages them to read more.
- Embrace the mistakes instead of correcting them outright. Children usually don’t understand the concept of “wrong,” and explaining what wrong is instead of pointing out the mistake makes them understand.
- Ask open-ended questions like “What if…?”
- Focus on strategies like sounding out words, rereading, etc.
- Talk about your challenges when you were their age.
- Choose books that show growth and perseverance.
Apart from these, here are ten proven detailed strategies to instill a growth mindset in your child:
1. Encourage Self Correction – Make Them Learn By Their Mistakes
Kids love self-correction. They don’t usually like being interrupted for mistakes and want us to believe they are right. They thrive in correcting themselves and feel rewarded doing so.
Cash on that feeling. Give them room for self-correction, and see for yourself how they feel. They will appreciate it, and to top it off, the process will look adorable.
2. Celebrate Small Victories – You Win QFs and SFs To Win a Final
Life is all about small victories. If you don’t celebrate small victories, big wins hold less value. You never win a final unless you pass through the quarterfinals and semifinals.
The same applies to your child’s reading books. Instead of just celebrating the completion of a book, you should also celebrate your children’s more minor victories, like completing a page, correcting a mistake, and understanding the book on their own. Give them incentives like anything they like to eat.
3. It’s Not Just About Reading Words – It’s Also About Fluency
Reading with expression is key! Encourage your child to read with feeling, to use different voices for different characters, and to pay attention to punctuation. This makes reading more engaging and helps with comprehension, too. It is not just about getting the words right; it is about bringing the story to life.
4. Connect Reading to Real Life – Make Them Relate
Help your child see how the themes and events in the book relate to their own life or the world around them. Ask questions like, “Has anything like this ever happened to you?” or “How do you think this character is feeling?” This makes reading more meaningful and relevant.
5. Make It Fun!
Reading shouldn’t feel like a chore! Use silly voices, act out scenes, make sound effects, expressions, or whatever it takes to make it enjoyable. The more fun your child has with reading, the more likely they will develop a lifelong love of books.
6. Don’t Overcorrect – It Can Be Discouraging
While it’s essential to help your child with difficult words or passages, don’t interrupt them whenever they make a mistake. Constant correction can be frustrating and discouraging. Focus on a few key things at a time, and let them enjoy the flow of the story.
7. Read With Them, Not Just To Them
Even when your child can read independently, continue to share reading experiences. Take turns reading pages or chapters, discuss the story together, and make it a bonding activity. This shows them that reading is something you value and enjoy, too.
8. Give Them Choice – Leaders Always Give And Have Choice
Let your child have some control over what they read. Take them to the library or bookstore and let them choose books that interest them, even if they’re not what you would pick. Giving them a sense of ownership over their reading choices increases their motivation and engagement.
9. Reread Their Favorite Books – It Adds To Fun and Fluency
Don’t be afraid to reread their favorite books. Rereading builds fluency, confidence, and comprehension. Each time they read a familiar book, they’ll pick up on new details and deepen their understanding of the story. Plus, it’s comforting and enjoyable to revisit beloved stories.
10. Visit Library Regularly – They Will Get Habitual of Reading
Make the library a regular destination. Let your child explore the shelves, discover new authors, and participate in library programs. The more they’re surrounded by books and reading culture, the more likely they are to develop a love of reading themselves.
Let’s take this the other way. If you surround yourself with unethical people, you are more likely to be influenced by them than vice versa, right? The same goes with your child; if you surround them with books, they will most likely grow interested in reading.
Think and Grow Your Dreams – A Book Based on The Growth Mindset
Want to instill a growth mindset in your child? How about a book that is written for that purpose? Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
“Think and Grow Your Dreams” follows a group of young characters who learn how to use the power of their imagination to manifest their dreams into reality. With themes of creativity and self-belief, this small book encourages young readers to dream big and take positive steps towards making their dreams come true, just as Melanie did when she wrote it.
If you want your child to think and grow their dreams, buy the book at https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Dreams-Melanie-Crumpton/dp/1966468083/. Cheers!
