Growth Mindset Phrase Chart

Quick Swap: Replace “Why” with “What”

Process Praise Starters

✅ “I saw you go back and reread — smart move!”

 

✅ “I loved how you stuck with that word.”

 

✅ “You caught your own mistake — that’s what great readers do.”

 

✅ “You used the picture to help — what a smart strategy!”

 

✅ “I noticed you tried three different strategies. Tell me about your thinking.”

 

✅ “You didn’t give up even when it was hard. That takes courage.”

When They’re Stuck: Curious Questions

• “Hmm, what do you notice about this word?”

• “What could we try here?”

• “What part of the word do you know?”

• “How is this word similar to one you already know?”

• “What clues can you find in the picture?”

• “Does that word make sense in this sentence?”

💡 Remember: Your tone and body language matter more than the exact words. Take a breath, get curious, and let your child feel your calm confidence in their ability to figure it out.

Four-Step Response When Frustration Hits

• Pause & Breathe: Count to 5 silently

 

• Name It Neutrally: “This word is being tricky today”

 

• Get Curious Together: “What do you notice?”

 

• Celebrate the Process: “I loved how you looked for clues”