Mindset Matters: Fostering Children's Growth Mindsets in the Early Years (4-part series)

This professional learning series explores how educators can nurture children’s confidence, persistence, and love of learning by fostering growth mindsets in early childhood settings. Grounded in Dr Fiona Boylan’s research, the workshops introduce a set of nine design principles that can be used every day to create a growth mindset culture.

Participants will gain the knowledge, tools, and reflective practices needed to help children view themselves as capable learners who embrace challenges, persist through difficulty, and celebrate effort as the path to mastery. 

 

Session 1:

Understanding Mindsets – What They Are and Why They Matter 

Focus: 

  • Explore Carol Dweck’s theory of fixed and growth mindsets 
  • Examine how young children develop beliefs about their abilities 
  • Identify why mindset are important in the early years 
  • Reflect on your own mindset as an educator and its influence on teaching and learning 
  • Understand how mindsets connect to EYLF Outcome 4 and the characteristics of confident, involved learners 
  • Takeaways: 
  • Clarity on mindset theory, what a growth mindset is and how your mindset forms the foundation for lifelong learning. 
  • Identify links to Early Years Learning Framework. 

 

Session 2:

Modelling Mindsets in Action 

Focus: 

Explore Principles 1 -3 as follows with practical examples to support: 

1- Educators develop knowledge of their own mindset and model effective learning using a growth mindset. 
2- Educators incorporate and model a common language to teach children about mindsets. 
3- Educators assist children to set goals and reflect on their learning. 

 

Session 3:

Amplify the Design Principles for Fostering Growth Mindsets 

Focus: 

Explore Principles 4-6 as follows with practical examples to support: 

4- Educators encourage persistence, focused effort and normalise making mistakes in a safe and supportive learning environment. 
5- Educators provide feedback for effort rather than talent or ability. 
6- Educators teach children how brains work when learning. 

 

Session 4:

Foster a Growth Mindset Culture in Your Context 

Focus: 

Explore Principles 7-9 as follows with practical examples to support: 

7- Educators hold high expectations and believe all children can learn and grow.  
8- Educators provide children with strategies for struggle as they work towards achieving a goal. 
9- Educators share mindset practices with parents, carers and community 

 

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this series, participants will: 

  • Understand how mindsets shape children’s learning and development 
  • Apply evidence-based design principles to foster growth mindsets daily 
  • Strengthen alignment with EYLF Outcome 4 
  • Build a sustainable culture of learning that values effort, curiosity, and resilience 

 

 

Recommended audience: Early childhood educators, early childhood leaders and parents of young children

    • $360

    • Date

      Tue 21 July – Tue 11 August
      • Session 1: Understanding Mindsets – What They Are and Why They Matter
        21 July 2026
        6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
      • Session 2: Modelling Mindsets in Action
        28 July 2026
        6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
      • Session 3: Amplify the Design Principles for Fostering Growth Mindsets
        4 August 2026
        6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
      • Session 4: Foster a Growth Mindset Culture in Your Context
        11 August 2026
        6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

    • Location

      Online via Zoom

    • Presented by

      • Dr Fiona Boylan
    Register

About the presenters

  • Dr Fiona Boylan Bio Pic - Arlo
    Dr Fiona Boylan

    Dr Fiona Boylan is a lecturer and researcher in Early Childhood Education at Edith Cowan University, renowned for her pioneering contributions to global research on growth mindset in the early years. Her work has been instrumental in shaping Australian early childhood policy and practice, particularly through the integration of mindset theory into early learning contexts.Dr Boylan’s research emphasises the importance of nurturing a positive and adaptable mindset from the earliest stages of development. Her innovative studies have led to the creation of evidence-based design principles that support early childhood educators in fostering children’s growth mindsets. These principles are outlined in her recent book, Fostering Children’s Growth Mindset in the Early Years. An active scholar and presenter, Dr Boylan has shared her research nationally and internationally, advocating for a growth mindset culture across early learning centres, classrooms, and schools. Her work continues to inspire educators and influence early childhood education globally.