Each child is unique: Let’s start with what they can do
At The Brainery, we believe in building education around children’s strengths rather than their limitations. This idea is rooted in the Froebelian principle that “Each child is unique, and what children can do rather than what they cannot, is the starting point for learning.”
Children are not problems to be solved. They are curious, capable individuals with their own pace of growth, ways of thinking and interests. When we recognise each child’s unique abilities, we both nurture their confidence and unlock their natural motivation to learn.
Today’s education system makes it easy to focus on what a child can’t yet do - whether that’s reading fluently, grasping fractions, or writing with a varied vocabulary. However, if we focus only on the gaps, we risk narrowing their sense of self as a learner. Froebel’s principle reminds us to flip that perspective:
A child that struggles with reading aloud may have a remarkable memory for stories
A hesitant mathematician may show great logical thinking when solving puzzles
A reluctant writer may have a powerful imagination waiting to be drawn out
When we notice and build on these strengths, learning becomes joyful and empowering.
The Brainery Approach
In tuition, we begin with what a child can do. Our lessons are carefully scaffolded:
Confidence first - we acknowledge successes and use them as springboards for new challenges.
Personalised learning - sessions adapt to the child’s pace, interests, and ways of engaging.
Strengths as foundations - instead of patching weaknesses in isolation, we build skills upon areas where the child already feels competent.
This approach doesn’t ignore challenges; instead, it reframes them. A child who believes “I’m good at this” is far more willing to persevere with what feels tricky.
How Parents Can Nurture This at Home
You don’t need to be a tutor to apply Froebel’s principle at home. Small shifts in focus can make a big difference:
Start with success - Before tackling something tricky, ask your child to show you something they already know. This builds confidence and momentum.
Spot hidden strengths - Notice where your child shows persistence, creativity, or problem-solving outside of schoolwork (e.g. Lego building, football tactics, baking). Link new learning back to these strengths.
Reframe mistakes - When errors happen, treat them as evidence of growth. Try saying, “Great – now we know the next step!” instead of focusing on what went wrong.
Celebrate effort, not just outcomes - Praise the strategy they used (“I like how you kept trying different ways to solve that problem”) rather than only the correct answer.
Connect learning to interests - If your child loves animals, use that in reading choices or maths examples. Relevance makes learning stick.
By focusing on what your child can do, you give them the confidence to take on the challenges ahead.