Growing Minds Lesson Plan Growing Minds
Lesson Plan
15 Minutes
1st Grade
WHY THIS LESSON?
In this lesson, students will learn about the concept of a growth mindset and how it can help them overcome challenges. This builds resilience and a positive attitude toward learning, crucial skills for lifelong success.
Objective
Understand and identify the core concepts of a growth mindset.
Materials
Brain Power Slides
Mindset Talk Guide
Brain Bloom Worksheet
Crayons or Markers
Approach
Active Learning Project-Based
Instructional Steps
01 2 min
Introduction
Greet the student and introduce the topic: Growth Mindset. Ask if they know what a "mindset" is. Explain: "It's simply how we choose to think about things!"
02 3 min
Mojo's Story
Introduce the video featuring Mojo, a monster who learns about his brain. Watch the video together. Check for Understanding: "What did Mojo learn about how his brain works?"
03 6 min
Brain Bloom Activity
Student draws and describes something they had to practice to master (riding a bike, drawing, shoes). Use the Brain Bloom Worksheet . Offer encouragement as they work!
04 3 min
Mindset Talk
Use the Mindset Talk Guide to reflect. Focus on how effort feels and how mistakes are actually "brain food" that help us grow.
05 1 min
Positive Wrap-up
Recap the growth mindset. Praise the student's effort and remind them: "It's okay to make mistakes; that's just your brain getting stronger!"
Growing Minds Slides GROWING
OUR MINDS!
Discover the Power of Yet
What is Mindset?
A mindset is simply how we choose to think about things!
๐ง
Your brain is like a muscle!
๐ฑ
It can grow and get stronger.
MOVIE TIME: MOJO'S BRAIN
Launch Video
bpsk12.lennylearning.org/view/growth-mindset
Watch carefully: What does Mojo learn about his brain?
Let's Think!
"What did Mojo learn about how his brain gets stronger?"
๐ช
Trying Hard
๐จ
Mistakes
๐
Practicing
BRAIN BLOOM!
Grab your Brain Bloom Worksheet . Draw something you practiced until you got better at it!
๐ฒ Bike Riding ๐จ Drawing ๐ Tying Shoes
The Magic Word
YET!
"I can't do this... YET!"
Mindset Talk Guide Mindset Talk Guide
Discussion prompts to help students reflect on the power of growth.
Use these questions after watching the video and completing the drawing activity. The goal is to help students connect the concept of "brain growth" to their own lived experiences.
1
What did Mojo learn about his brain?
Key Takeaway:
Mojo learned that his brain is like a muscleโit gets stronger when he tries hard things and learns from his mistakes!
2
Can you think of a time when you had to practice something to get better at it?
Teacher Tip: If the student is stuck, suggest common 1st-grade milestones:
๐ฒ Riding a Bike
โ๏ธ Writing Names
๐ Tying Shoes
3
How did you feel when you were learning something new and it was hard?
Teacher Facilitation:
Validate their feelings (frustration, confusion, "I can't do this"). Then, introduce "The Power of Yet." Remind them: "You couldn't do it yet, but your brain was busy growing!"
Closing Thought
Praise the process and effort, not just the result. Instead of saying "You're so smart," try:
"I love how hard you worked on that!"
Brain Bloom Worksheet Brain Bloom!
Growth Mindset Activity
Name
Date
Think about something that was hard at first, but you got better at by practicing!
1 Draw a picture of something you practiced to get better at.
Examples: Riding a bike, drawing, tying shoes, or reading.
2 Describe your drawing. How did you feel while learning?
I practiced...
I felt...
The Power of Yet!