Using a Growth Mindset in Early Years: Reflecting on Eagley School House Nursery and the Mini Minds Approach Supporting Emotional Wellbeing

In the sector of early childhood education, focusing on emotional wellbeing is paramount for holistic development. Eagley School House Nursery stands out as a beacon of progressive education, implementing the Mini Minds approach to cultivate a growth mindset among its young learners. It’s interesting to see how this innovative curriculum approach not only nurtures emotional wellbeing but also empowers children to embrace challenges, persevere through difficulties, and develop resilience.

Understanding the Growth Mindset

The idea of a growth mindset, comes from a term popularised by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This perspective is vital in early years as children are at a formative stage where their understanding of failure and success is being shaped. At Eagley School House Nursery, our staff introduce this concept through our mini mindful moments and other tailored activities to encourage children to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.

The Mini Minds Approach

The Mini Minds approach is a unique framework that incorporates principles of emotional intelligence using a dinosaur themed approach with hands-on learning experiences. At Eagley, this approach is woven into the fabric of daily activities, making it an integral part of the nursery environment. The philosophy behind Mini Minds is to create a nurturing atmosphere where children feel safe to express their emotions and explore their identities.

The Nursery conducts various activities that help children articulate their feelings through storytelling which have been written by the founders. Affirmations and meditations, children are encouraged to express their emotions, identifying and naming what they feel. This practice builds emotional vocabulary, aiding in the recognition and management of their emotions.

The staff celebrate effort over outcome at Eagley, and place significant emphasis on the process rather than the product. Children are praised for their effort, creativity, and determination, regardless of the outcome. This reinforces the idea that trying and learning from mistakes is more valuable than merely achieving success.

Mindfulness practices are incorporated into the daily routine helping children develop self-awareness and emotional regulation. Simple breathing exercises and guided imagery allow them to connect with their feelings and calm themselves in moments of distress.

Impact on Emotional Wellbeing

The implementation of the Mini Minds approach at Eagley School House Nursery has shown significant positive outcomes in the emotional wellbeing of children. By adopting a growth mindset, children develop resilience and a positive attitude towards learning. They become more willing to take risks, engage in problem-solving, and support their peers. The nursery environment becomes a safe space where emotional expressions are validated, and children feel empowered to grow both intellectually and emotionally.

The Nursery exemplifies how the integration of a growth mindset through the Mini Minds approach can profoundly impact early childhood education. By prioritising emotional wellbeing, the nursery not only prepares children for academic success but also equips them with essential life skills.

As they learn to embrace challenges and cultivate resilience, they are better positioned to navigate the complexities of life, creating a generation that values growth, empathy, and collaboration. The commitment of Eagley to this approach serves as an inspiring model for other educational institutions aiming to foster emotional wellbeing in early years.

In Ofsted’s words “our children are emotionally Intelligent and ready for modern Britain”.