Building block towers
1–2 yearsSuccess MindsetMaterials: 4-6 blocks
Set out four to six blocks and invite your child to stack them. Let them try on their own first. When blocks fall, say 'You're trying so hard' or 'Let's try again together.' Show them how you build your own tower and let it fall too. This helps them see that everyone needs practice and that falling blocks are part of learning, not failure.
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How to Do This Activity
Set out four to six blocks and invite your child to stack them. Let them try on their own first. When blocks fall, say 'You're trying so hard' or 'Let's try again together.' Show them how you build your own tower and let it fall too. This helps them see that everyone needs practice and that falling blocks are part of learning, not failure.
Why It Works
Praising effort and process rather than outcomes helps children develop a growth mindset from an early age. Research shows that children of parents with higher growth mindset demonstrate greater persistence in challenging tasks, and this positive association is unaffected by socioeconomic status (Song, Barger, & Bub, 2022). When you praise your child's hard work instead of calling them 'smart,' you teach them that abilities develop through effort.
Tips for Parents
Focus your words on effort, not results. Instead of 'Good job,' try 'You worked hard on that' or 'You tried three different ways.'
When blocks fall, stay calm and cheerful. Your response teaches them how to handle setbacks.
Let them struggle a bit before helping. This builds problem-solving skills and shows you believe they can figure things out.
Materials Needed
4-6 blocks
Learning Methods
Hands-On ExplorationImitation and ModelingMontessori Practical Life Activities
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