Black Learners, Bright Futures

In the journey of raising motivated, resilient, and growth-oriented children, celebrating small wins is a powerful strategy that can have a lasting impact on their self-belief, motivation, and mindset. By rewarding their efforts and recognising their incremental achievements, we help children develop a “growth mindset” – a term coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, which emphasises the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This is crucial because children who adopt this mindset tend to see challenges as opportunities for growth, and they are more likely to persist in the face of setbacks.

So, how does celebrating small wins foster a growth mindset, and why is it essential to praise effort over outcomes? Research sheds light on these questions, offering evidence and guidance for parents, educators, and caregivers alike.

The Science Behind Celebrating Small Wins

Psychological studies highlight the power of small achievements in maintaining motivation and reinforcing positive behaviour. A 2011 study by Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer, published in the Harvard Business Review, found that recognising small accomplishments every day led to a stronger sense of progress and motivation. While the study primarily looked at employees in a workplace, these findings are equally relevant to children and young adults. When children are praised for small steps and incremental improvements, they are more likely to feel capable, engaged, and ready to tackle new challenges.Research on reward systems and learning reinforces this idea. A 2018 study by Moè, T., & Katz, I., published in Learning and Instruction, emphasised that feedback focusing on effort rather than results was significantly more effective in increasing persistence and motivation in school-aged children. When children are praised solely for outcomes, they may develop a “fixed mindset” and become more likely to shy away from tasks that might risk failure. In contrast, focusing on effort and gradual progress helps them embrace challenges without fearing mistakes, a trait that can benefit them well into adulthood.

Effort vs. Outcome: Nurturing Growth Mindset

To foster resilience and a growth mindset, it is critical to focus more on the effort children put into a task rather than the final outcome. For example, instead of saying, “You’re so smart!” parents and teachers might say, “I’m so impressed with the effort you put into learning this.” This encourages children to value persistence, practice, and diligence rather than simply aiming to “be good” at something. Celebrating the small wins – whether a day of dedicated study, a kind act towards a friend, or a step forward in a challenging subject – reinforces the idea that success is a journey.

Carol Dweck’s research further supports this approach. She found that children who receive praise focused on effort, rather than innate abilities, tend to embrace challenges and view mistakes as a natural part of the learning process. They were also more inclined to persist in tasks that required sustained effort. By celebrating each step forward, no matter how small, parents and teachers can help children build the resilience and tenacity needed for lifelong learning.

Age-Appropriate Ways to Celebrate Small Wins

How we celebrate small wins can vary depending on the age of the child, as each stage of development brings unique needs and preferences. Here are some effective approaches for different age groups:

• Ages 3-6: Immediate Acknowledgement and Simple Rewards

Young children thrive on immediate and tangible reinforcement. For example, after a successful attempt at tidying up toys or trying a new food, simple praise such as “Well done for trying something new!” or a sticker can go a long way. Additionally, creating a small reward chart that tracks each small win helps children visualise their progress. A fun “reward” for completing a chart could be a family outing or special time reading their favourite story together.

• Ages 7-10: Encouragement through Responsibility and Fun Activities

At this stage, children begin to appreciate autonomy and can feel motivated by small rewards that include responsibility. For example, recognising their efforts in completing homework regularly could mean they “earn” the right to choose a family game or decide on a weekend activity. Acknowledging their effort in helping a friend or learning a new skill could also be celebrated with personalised notes or a reward for continuous improvement, like a special family meal.

• Ages 11-14: Building Confidence Through Recognition and Personal Goals

Tweens are more receptive to praise that acknowledges their independence and personal growth. Here, goal-setting and self-reflection are effective. For example, helping them to create personal goals and celebrating each milestone – be it through verbal praise, a journal, or a specific privilege – reinforces that the small steps are building towards a larger accomplishment. Recognising their progress in mastering a new sport, instrument, or academic subject can be celebrated with words of affirmation that highlight the effort, dedication, and resilience they have demonstrated.

• Ages 15-18: Reinforcing Growth Through Mentorship and Milestone Recognition

Teenagers are preparing to enter adulthood, so celebrating small wins can take a more nuanced approach. Acknowledging their achievements through mentorship, such as pairing them with someone who has experience in their area of interest, can reinforce the value of growth and learning. Verbal praise is still powerful, but incorporating discussions on how they have progressed over time can help teens see their growth more clearly. Recognising milestones, such as improved grades or enhanced skills, with privileges or celebrations that acknowledge their maturity – like a family dinner out or a day dedicated to their favourite hobby – can be motivating.

The Importance of Recognising Process Over Results

In a world where children are often under pressure to achieve high marks, win competitions, and meet other societal benchmarks of success, it’s essential to remember that true learning and growth come from the process, not the outcome. Celebrating small wins and encouraging effort over results helps children learn that progress is cumulative, that skills develop gradually, and that every step forward matters. This perspective fosters a more fulfilling, less anxious approach to challenges, helping children learn to enjoy and value the process itself.

Thoughts ?

The benefits of celebrating small wins and encouraging effort over outcomes in children are backed by science, practical experience, and common sense. These approaches build a foundation for a resilient, growth-oriented mindset that serves children throughout their lives.

But as we move towards a more mindful approach to rewards and recognition, a question remains: Do you believe that celebrating small wins might reduce the motivation for larger achievements, or does it build a more sustained and meaningful form of resilience?