Praising Persistence: Helping Canadian Kids Grow with Confidence
Have you ever noticed how often kids rush through homework just to “get it done”? Sometimes the answers are right, sometimes not — but either way, the goal is speed, not understanding.
At MathConcept, we know that confidence in learning doesn’t come from being the fastest in the room. It comes from persistence — the courage to slow down, think carefully, and keep trying, even when it’s tough.
Why Speed Isn’t Everything
In many classrooms or even at home, kids feel pressure to be the first to finish. But finishing quickly doesn’t always mean learning deeply.
Think about it: how many times have you seen your child rush through homework just to say it’s “done”? Pages get filled, answers appear on the paper — but when you look closer, small mistakes slip in, or steps are skipped.
Now compare that to the times your child slowed down, explained their thinking, and double-checked their work. The answers may have taken longer, but the understanding was stronger — and that confidence lasts far beyond one worksheet.
When kids believe that being “fast” is the ultimate goal, they can feel discouraged if they’re not the quickest in the room. Some even start to think, “I’m just not good at this because I’m slower.” That’s a heavy burden for a child to carry.
And it’s true no matter where your family is — whether it’s a Grade 4 student in Vancouver working on long division or a Grade 7 in Toronto tackling algebra. When effort is praised, every child — quick or careful — has the chance to succeed.
When we shift the focus from finishing first to thinking deeply, children start to realise that learning isn’t a race — it’s a journey of understanding.
The Power of Praising Effort
The words we use matter. They shape how children see themselves and what they believe is important.
Think about the difference between these two moments:
“Wow, you finished so fast!” — It sounds encouraging, but it teaches a child that speed is the main thing to be proud of.
“I like how you kept working through that tricky part.” — Now the focus is on persistence, patience, and problem-solving.
When children hear praise like this, something shifts. They start to believe that effort, not quick answers, is what really matters. Over time, they value the process of learning just as much as the result.
Research shows that specific praise focused on effort and strategy helps children build what psychologists call a growth mindset — the belief that abilities grow with practice and persistence.
Understood.org offers simple growth mindset activities for families here.
What Persistence Builds in Children
When parents and tutors praise persistence, something powerful happens — children stop worrying about being the fastest and start believing in their ability to keep going, no matter how challenging the problem.
Over time, that shift plants seeds that grow into lifelong strengths:
✅ Resilience — learning to bounce back from challenges.
✅ Confidence — knowing they can solve problems step by step.
✅ Calm focus — less pressure to rush, more energy for accuracy.
✅ Lifelong skills — persistence applies far beyond the classroom.
That’s why at MathConcept Canada, we encourage persistence in every classroom — because confidence grows one thoughtful step at a time.
Curious how we help children build this kind of persistence?
Discover how our assessment helps uncover learning strengths.
How We Encourage Persistence at MathConcept
In our classrooms, tutors often remind students: “It’s okay if it takes time — keep going.”
We celebrate when a child tries a second method, checks their work carefully, or explains their reasoning. These small habits matter far more than finishing quickly — they build confidence and independence.
Parents often tell us they notice the difference at home too: their children start approaching challenges with calm, focus, and patience instead of panic.
Tips for Parents at Home
Want to try this at home? Here are a few quick ways to shift the focus from speed to persistence:
✅ Praise effort and strategies, not just quick answers.
✅ Encourage your child to explain how they solved a problem.
✅ Normalise taking time — remind them accuracy matters more than finishing first.
✅ Share your own experiences where persistence paid off.
A Final Word for Parents
Your child doesn’t need to be the fastest to succeed. What truly matters is persistence — the quiet strength to keep trying until understanding clicks.
At MathConcept, we believe effort > speed — every time. By praising persistence, you’re helping your child build the confidence to face challenges in learning and in life.
💛 Want to see this approach in action? Book a free math assessment with us today, and discover how we help Canadian kids grow through persistence, one step at a time.
Read more:
Celebrate Mistakes: How Parents Can Turn Math Slip-Ups into Success [Read now]
Discover Your Child’s Strengths and Confidence with a Singapore Math Assessment [Read now]
Pomodoro Technique for Kids: Make Math Time Calmer and Focused [Read now]
