The Little Engine That Could: Fostering Growth Mindset and Self-Esteem in Children
“I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” This simple yet powerful mantra from Watty Piper’s beloved children’s book, The Little Engine That Could, has been inspiring generations of young readers to believe in themselves and persevere through challenges (Piper, 2005). While primarily aimed at children, this timeless tale offers valuable lessons on developing a growth mindset and building self-esteem that resonate with readers of all ages.
The Story
The story follows a little blue engine who takes on the daunting task of pulling a long train over a high mountain when larger, seemingly more capable engines refuse to help (Wikipedia, 2025). Despite her small size and inexperience, the little engine repeats the encouraging phrase “I think I can” as she slowly but surely makes her way up the mountain, eventually succeeding in her mission (Piper, 2005).
Fostering a Growth Mindset
The Little Engine That Could exemplifies the core principles of a growth mindset, a concept popularised by psychologist Carol Dweck. A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence (Dweck, 2006). The little engine’s willingness to take on a challenge beyond her perceived capabilities and her determination to succeed embody this mindset perfectly.
By focusing on the engine’s effort and perseverance rather than innate ability, the story encourages children to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles (Cohen, 2009). This approach helps develop resilience and a positive attitude towards learning and problem-solving. As Dweck (2006) posits, the belief that failure is a stepping stone to improvement rather than a fixed end fosters long-term success.
Moreover, the book’s repeated emphasis on trying aligns with practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset in education. Teachers and parents can use similar affirmations to guide children in reframing difficulties as chances to grow. Research by Haimovitz and Dweck (2017) underscores the importance of such language in shaping children’s attitudes towards learning and effort.
Growth and Fixed Mindsets Carol Dweck
Test Your Kids for a Growth or Fixed Mindset
Ask them:
When you draw a whole picture without breaking your crayon/pencil, is that because
(1) you were very careful?
Or because (2) it was a good crayon?
When somebody brings you a present, is that because
(1) you are a good boy / girl?
Or because (2) they like to give people presents?
The answers are at the end.
Building Self-Esteem
The book also provides a valuable lesson in building self-esteem by emphasising the importance of effort and specific praise. Rather than praising the engine for being inherently special or clever, the story celebrates her determination and specific actions (Gordon, n.d.). This approach aligns with modern psychological research, which suggests that praising effort and specific achievements is more beneficial for children’s self-esteem and motivation than generic praise or focusing on innate qualities (Haimovitz & Dweck, 2017).
By highlighting the process rather than the outcome, the story teaches children to value their efforts and persist even when success isn’t immediate. This mindset is a cornerstone of healthy self-esteem, as it encourages children to see themselves as capable of growth and improvement.
Dweck (2006) emphasises in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success that adopting a growth mindset can transform how individuals approach challenges. She introduces the concept of two distinct mindsets: the fixed mindset, where individuals believe that intelligence and talents are static and cannot be changed, and the growth mindset, where people see these qualities as malleable and improvable through effort and perseverance. According to Dweck, individuals with a growth mindset embrace challenges, persist through obstacles, learn from criticism, and find inspiration in others’ successes. Conversely, a fixed mindset often leads to avoiding challenges and giving up easily. By shifting to a growth mindset, people can develop resilience, foster self-improvement, and achieve greater success both personally and professionally. This transformative perspective also underscores the importance of viewing failure not as a defeat but as an opportunity to learn and grow, making it an essential stepping stone in the journey of development.
Growth Mindset Carol Dweck
Engaging Young Readers
Despite its profound messages, The Little Engine That Could remains, at its heart, an engaging children’s story. The colourful illustrations by George and Doris Hauman bring the tale to life, making it visually appealing to young readers (Goodreads, n.d.). The repetitive phrase “I think I can” is not only memorable but also helps beginning readers build confidence in their reading skills. This element of repetition reinforces key themes while fostering a sense of accomplishment in early literacy.
“If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.”
J.K. Rowling
Read about Children’s reading and how to teach a child to read faster and speed reading
Relevance to Speed Reading
The principles of growth mindset exemplified in The Little Engine That Could also resonate deeply with the practice of speed reading. Many individuals approach speed reading with doubts about their ability to improve their reading pace and comprehension. By adopting a growth mindset and believing that skills can be developed with practice and effort, readers can overcome initial struggles and achieve remarkable progress.
Speed reading techniques often require persistence and adaptation, much like the little engine’s journey up the mountain. By maintaining the mindset of “I think I can,” learners are more likely to embrace challenges, experiment with new strategies, and celebrate incremental improvements. This not only boosts reading efficiency but also fosters confidence and motivation—critical components of lifelong learning.
Conclusion
The Little Engine That Could is more than just a charming children’s story; it’s a powerful tool for introducing and reinforcing the concepts of growth mindset and healthy self-esteem. By encouraging children to believe in their ability to overcome challenges through effort and perseverance, this classic tale lays the foundation for a lifetime of resilience and positive self-belief. Similarly, the story’s lessons can inspire individuals of all ages to approach new skills, like speed reading, with determination and a belief in their potential to grow.
Answers to the Growth Mindset Test
The first answers in each question are correct. Why? Because they emphasise self-belief and intrinsic qualities over external factors, encouraging children to see themselves as active participants in their own success. For example, the first question highlights carefulness—an actionable skill that children can consciously practise and improve—instead of attributing success to the quality of the crayon, which is beyond their control (of course, the crayon could have been broken, but this not what it’s meant here). Similarly, the second question shifts focus from external validation (“being good”) to the joy and generosity of giving, helping children recognise that their worth is not defined by external opinions or rewards. These examples teach children to take ownership of their actions and foster an internal locus of control, a key component of the growth mindset. By focusing on what they can influence, children learn to embrace effort, responsibility, and the belief that they have the power to shape their outcomes.
Why Parents Hold the Key to Their Child’s Mindset Development – How Praise Shapes Their Future Success and Resilience (if you’re a parent – do read this!)
Parents play a pivotal role in helping children develop either a growth or fixed mindset through the way they praise and interact with them. For instance, when parents praise their child’s effort by saying things like, “You worked really hard on this,” they reinforce the idea that success comes from persistence and effort, connecting to and fostering a growth mindset. This approach signals to the child that hard work and dedication are valuable and can lead to improvement over time.
Conversely, if parents consistently focus on praising fixed attributes, such as saying, “You’re so clever” or “You’re naturally smart,” children might internalise these labels and feel pressure to always meet these expectations without effort. For example, a child who believes their intelligence is innate may avoid challenging tasks to protect their “smart” identity. This can lead to avoiding challenges for fear of failure and a reluctance to try new things, as they may believe their abilities are static and unchangeable.
By being mindful of their language and approach, parents can nurture resilience and a lifelong love of learning in their children. They can create an environment where effort is celebrated, and setbacks are seen as opportunities to learn and grow. For example, when a child struggles with a difficult puzzle, instead of focusing on how “smart” they are for completing it, parents can say, “You really stuck with it, and your hard work paid off.” This approach instils confidence and encourages a mindset oriented towards growth and perseverance.
More tests… Exploring your mindset can provide valuable insights into how you approach challenges and opportunities. Here are several online assessments designed to help you determine whether you lean towards a growth or fixed mindset:
1. IDRlabs’ Growth Mindset / Fixed Mindset Test This assessment evaluates your beliefs about intelligence and abilities, distinguishing between fixed and growth mindsets. It presents 20 statements for you to agree or disagree with, offering immediate feedback upon completion.
2. Big Life Journal’s Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset Quiz Designed to help you identify your current mindset, this quiz consists of 15 questions. At the end, it provides an interpretation of your score along with suggestions for fostering a more positive outlook.
3. Mindset Health’s Mindset Quiz: Growth Mindset or Fixed Mindset? This quiz helps you understand your mindset spectrum, from a strong fixed mindset to a strong growth mindset. It offers insights into how your mindset influences various aspects of your life.
4. London Academy of IT’s Interactive Quiz: Fixed vs Growth Mindsets This interactive test presents a series of statements to assess your beliefs about intelligence and talent, helping you discover your mindset type.
5. WDHB’s Growth Mindset Quiz Aimed at determining your resilience to failures or setbacks, this quiz assesses whether you have a fixed or growth mindset and provides insights into your approach to challenges.
Engaging with these assessments can offer a clearer understanding of your mindset, highlighting areas where you might cultivate a more growth-oriented perspective.
References
- Piper, W. (2005). The Little Engine That Could. Philomel Books.
- Wikipedia. (2025). The Little Engine That Could.
- Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
- Cohen, A. (2009). Be The Little Engine that Could – Positive Psychology News.
- Gordon, J. (n.d.). Leadership Lessons from “The Little Engine That Could”.
- Haimovitz, K., & Dweck, C. S. (2017). The Origins of Children’s Growth and Fixed Mindsets: New Research and a New Proposal. Child Development, 88(6), 1849-1859.