Strategy talk activity
3–4 yearsSuccess MindsetNo materials needed
During any activity you're doing together, pause occasionally to talk about the strategies you're both using. Ask 'What's your plan?' or 'How did you figure that out?' Help your child notice that thinking through different approaches is how we solve problems.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
During any activity you're doing together, pause occasionally to talk about the strategies you're both using. Ask 'What's your plan?' or 'How did you figure that out?' Help your child notice that thinking through different approaches is how we solve problems.
Why It Works
Children develop growth mindset when they learn that success comes from effort and strategy rather than fixed ability. Making thinking visible helps your child understand that problem-solving is a skill that improves with practice. Research shows that students with growth mindset are 30-40% more likely to complete challenging tasks because they understand that effort leads to improvement.
(Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087-1101.)
Tips for Parents
Focus your comments on the process, not the person. Say 'That strategy of sorting by color really worked' instead of 'You're so smart.'
Share your own thinking process out loud: 'I'm going to try this way first. If it doesn't work, I'll try something else.' This shows that everyone uses strategies and adjusts their approach.
Materials Needed
None
Learning Methods
Inquiry-Based LearningStructured Learning ActivitiesProject-Based Learning
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