In any coaching or sport programme, not everything will go perfectly on the first try. Maybe an activity doesn’t engage a child as planned, or equipment fails unexpectedly. Instead of labelling this a failure, we treat it as a learning opportunity. Research on growth mindset reminds us that “failure is just a natural, and unavoidable, part of the learning process”mentorloop.com. For example, if a game feels too easy and players drift away, we might add more goals or shorter rounds to raise excitement (as Move Mojo’s coaching philosophy advocates through game adaptions). If one child struggles to grasp a concept, we find a different way to demonstrate it rather than just repeating instructions.
Coaches and educators can apply these principles day by day:
- View mistakes positively: Whenever something “doesn’t work,” consciously tell the group it’s just part of exploring. Praise the effort and curiosity that went into trying, rather than focusing on the outcome. This helps children understand that learning often comes through error, not in spite of it mentorloop.com.
- Iterate the activity: Change one element at a time. If children become disinterested, maybe change the scoring rules or introduce a new prop. Move Mojo’s founder has shown how small tweaks (like adding safe zones or timers) can guide players toward a breakthrough without direct instruction. Each adjustment is a response to a challenge, and it keeps learners in charge of discovery.
- Invite feedback: Ask participants what they enjoyed or what felt hard. Sometimes children with disabilities will point out exactly what could help them (e.g. “Can I try with a lighter ball?”). Listening and adapting in real time not only improves the session but empowers the child by valuing their input.
- Reframe language: Use positive, person-centered encouragement. Instead of saying “Don’t stop,” try “Keep going, you’re getting there!” Reinforce that effort matters more than perfection. This reinforces a sense of agency and resilience.
- Highlight every success: Even small steps deserve recognition. If a child with low confidence finally attempts a slide, celebrate that choice. These moments build motivation and reinforce the mindset that they can make progress by trying again.
By doing this consistently, we create a culture where improvement is the goal, not an instant win. Studies show that individuals who embrace failure and persevere are more likely to succeed in the long run mentorloop.com. In our inclusive programs, the same applies: today’s setback is tomorrow’s insight. This attitude not only builds more robust movement skills, but also teaches life lessons of resilience and adaptability. In the end, every “oops” or “try again” moves us closer to inclusive spaces where each child feels capable of learning and growing. To find out more about what we do visit www.movemojo.com
