ABSTRACT
We will start by considering what metacognition is and discuss why metacognitive skills are important, especially when we want to encourage our children to work independently, either at home or within school. This includes a look at what mindset is, how it develops and how we can support children to develop a growth mindset where we are open to learning new ideas. We will also look at the metacognitive cycle of learning and define what metacognitive strategies are and why it is so important that they be taught explicitly. We also consider some of the subliminal messages that may reinforce or undermine the development of a growth mindset.
