Growth Mindset Lesson Plan You Can Grow Your Brain!
Growth Mindset Foundations • Tier 1 Lesson
60 Minutes
Why It Matters
Understanding growth mindset helps students realize their potential, build resilience, and approach challenges with a positive attitude. This foundational skill empowers them to learn and grow throughout their lives.
Objective
Students will be able to define growth mindset and fixed mindset, identify examples of each, and practice strategies for developing a growth mindset.
Materials
Whiteboard or Projector
Growth Mindset Slides
Brain Power Poll (Warm-Up)
"Your Amazing Growing Brain" Reading
Brain Builders Worksheet
Mindset Makeover Activity Cards
Growth Mindset Maze Game
Quiz & Answer Key
Project Guide & Rubric
Brain Growth Reflection
Prep (15 min)
• Review all generated digital and print materials.
• Prepare the projector for slides.
• Print copies of Reading and Worksheet for each student.
• Cut out the Mindset Makeover Activity Cards.
• Familiarize yourself with the Maze Game rules.
Lesson Procedure
5m
Warm-Up: Brain Power Poll
Project the poll and have students respond (hands up, stand up). Briefly discuss responses to activate prior knowledge about learning and challenges.
15m
Introduction: Slides & Discussion
Present the slides using the provided script. Introduce Growth vs. Fixed mindsets with clear examples. Show embedded videos and facilitate student discussion.
15m
Reading & Worksheet: Brain Builders
Students read "Your Amazing Growing Brain" independently or in pairs. Distribute the worksheet for students to complete as they reflect on the reading.
10m
Activity: Mindset Makeover
Small groups work with activity cards to transform fixed mindset statements into growth mindset statements. Groups share their "makeovers" with the class.
10m
Maze Game & Project Intro
Guide students through the Maze Game, reinforcing concepts. Briefly introduce the "My Growth Journey" project and review the rubric.
5m
Cool-Down: Reflection
Students complete the Brain Growth Reflection as an exit ticket, sharing one thing they learned about their brain today.
Growth Mindset Slides You Can Grow Your Brain!
Discover the Amazing Power of Your Mind!
Lesson One: Mindset Foundations
What is a Mindset?
Your mindset is how you think about yourself and your abilities.
It's how you approach learning new things and facing challenges.
Do you think your intelligence is fixed, or can it grow?
Fixed Mindset: The "I Can't" Voice
Believing your intelligence and abilities are set in stone.
Thinking, "I'm either good at this or I'm not."
Avoiding challenges because you're afraid to make mistakes.
Giving up easily when things get tough.
"I'm just not a math person."
Growth Mindset: The "I Can Grow!" Voice
Believing your intelligence and abilities can grow with effort.
Thinking, "I can learn anything if I work hard and keep trying."
Loving challenges because they help your brain grow.
Learning from mistakes and trying again.
"I'll keep trying until I get it!"
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
Watch & Learn
Embedded media
Watch for:
How they react to a challenge.
What they say when they fail.
Who keeps trying?
Challenges Grow Your Brain!
Your brain is like a muscle!
The more you challenge it, the stronger it gets.
Making mistakes is a sign you're trying and learning .
"Every time you try something hard, your brain forms new connections."
Your Brain Can Change!
Science Moment
Embedded media
Neuroplasticity
Your brain isn't stuck! It's like modeling clay that you can reshape with practice and effort.
The Superpower Word
YET
"I can't do this math problem... yet."
"I don't understand this... yet."
"Yet" means you're on your way to learning and growing!
Mistakes are Magic!
Don't be afraid to make mistakes!
Mistakes are how our brains learn best.
Ask yourself: "What can I learn from this mistake?"
Erasers exist for a reason!
Keep Growing Your Brain!
Challenge yourself every day.
Learn from your mistakes.
Brain Power Poll Warm Up Warm-Up: Brain Power Poll
Get ready to share your thoughts!
Instructions
Listen to each statement. If you agree , raise your hand (or stand up!). If you disagree , keep your hand down (or stay seated!). Be ready to share why you agree or disagree!
1
If you are good at something, you don't need to practice it.
2
It's okay to make mistakes when you are learning something new.
3
Some people are just born smart, and others aren't.
4
When something is hard, I should just give up.
5
My brain can get stronger if I work hard at challenging things.
Ask 1-2 students "Why?" for each statement to spark discussion.
Growth Mindset Script Growth Mindset Lesson Script
Instructional guide for the "You Can Grow Your Brain" lesson
Warm-Up: Brain Power Poll (5 Minutes)
Teacher Action:
Project the Brain Power Poll on the board.
Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To get our brains warmed up, we're going to do a quick 'Brain Power Poll.' I'm going to read some statements. If you agree with the statement, I want you to raise your hand (or stand up!). If you disagree, keep your hand down (or stay seated). Be ready to share why you agree or disagree!"
Teacher: *(Read Statement 1)* "If you are good at something, you don't need to practice it." [Pause for responses, call on 1-2 students]
Repeat for Statements 2-5, affirming positive growth mindset beliefs as they emerge.
Teacher: "Excellent job everyone! Those were some great thoughts. Today, we're going to explore these ideas even further and discover something truly amazing about our brains!"
Slides & Discussion (15 Minutes)
Slide 1: You Can Grow Your Brain!
Teacher: "Take a look at our title slide: 'You Can Grow Your Brain!' Doesn't that sound exciting? Today, we're going to talk all about how powerful your brain is and how you can actually make it stronger and smarter!"
Slide 2: What is a Mindset?
Teacher: "First, let's talk about something called a 'mindset.' Your mindset is how you think about yourself, about learning, and about facing challenges. It's like the way your brain sees the world. Has anyone heard this word before?" [Allow sharing. Guide towards beliefs and attitudes.]
Slide 3: Fixed Mindset
Teacher: "A **fixed mindset** is thinking your intelligence is set in stone. Like thinking, 'I'm either good at this, or I'm not.' Have you ever thought, 'I'm just not a math person'? That's a fixed mindset voice."
Slide 4: Growth Mindset
Teacher: "But a **growth mindset** is the magic! It’s believing your brain is like a muscle—it gets stronger with effort. You can learn anything with practice. Which mindset sounds better for learning? Why?"
Slide 8: The Power of "Yet"
Teacher: "We have a superpower word: **YET**. If you say, 'I can't do it,' just add 'YET' at the end. It means you are on your way! Let's practice..."
Reading & Worksheet (15 Minutes)
Teacher: "Now, you're going to read 'Your Amazing Growing Brain!' silently or with a partner. Then, we'll complete the 'Brain Builders' worksheet together to see what we've learned."
This script is a guide. Feel free to use your own words and student names to make the lesson more engaging!
Your Amazing Growing Brain Reading Your Amazing Growing Brain!
Hello, brain builders! Did you know your brain is one of the most amazing parts of your body? It helps you think, learn, play, and imagine. And guess what? Your brain can actually grow and change, just like a muscle!
Fixed Mindset: The "Stuck" Brain
Imagine someone who believes their brain is like a cookie that just came out of the oven. Once it's baked, it's done. It can't change its shape or get bigger. This is called a fixed mindset . People with a fixed mindset might think:
"I'm just not good at drawing." (And they stop trying!)
"This math problem is too hard. I'll never get it." (And they give up easily!)
"I made a mistake, so I must be bad at this." (And they feel sad about it!)
Growth Mindset: The "Growing" Brain
Now, imagine someone who believes their brain is like a powerful, growing tree. With water (effort), sunshine (new challenges), and good soil (learning from mistakes), that tree can grow taller, stronger, and sprout new branches! This is a growth mindset .
"I can't draw this yet , but if I practice, I will get better!"
"This math problem is tricky, but I can solve it if I keep trying!"
"Oops, I made a mistake! What can I learn from this?"
The Power of "Yet"
Adding "yet" means you believe you will get there with effort. Instead of "I can't do it," try "I can't do it YET."
You are a brain builder! Your brain is always ready to learn and grow.
Brain Builders Worksheet Brain Builders
My Growth Mindset Worksheet
Name:
Date:
After reading "Your Amazing Growing Brain!", answer the questions below. Remember, it's okay to think hard and try your best!
1. In your own words, what is a fixed mindset?
2. What is a growth mindset?
3. Circle the statement that shows a growth mindset:
A
"I'm not good at puzzles, so I won't try this one."
B
"This puzzle is hard, but I'll keep trying different pieces until I solve it!"
4. Fall on a skateboard. Fixed mindset thought:
5. Fall on a skateboard. Growth mindset thought:
6. What does the word "YET" help you do when learning something new?
7. Transform a thought about something hard for you:
Fixed Mindset Thought:
New Growth Mindset Thought:
8. Draw a picture of your brain growing and getting stronger. What does it look like?
Growth Mindset Discussion Questions Let's Talk About...
Our Growing Brains
Instructions: Discuss these questions with your classmates. Remember to listen to each other and share your ideas about how our brains can grow!
Question 1
What is one thing you learned today about how your brain works?
Question 2
Can anyone give an example of a time they had a fixed mindset about something? What happened?
Question 3
Can someone share a time they had a growth mindset? How did it feel, and what was the result?
Question 4
Why is it important to have a growth mindset when you're trying to learn something new or challenging?
Question 5
What does the phrase "The Power of Yet" mean to you? How can you use it in your own life?
Question 6
How can making mistakes actually help your brain grow stronger?
Reflection Challenge
What is one specific thing you will try to do this week to practice having a growth mindset?
Mindset Makeover Activity Cards Mindset Makeover Activity Cards
Transform these "stuck" thoughts into "growing" thoughts!
Card 1
Fixed Mindset:
"I'm just not good at drawing. My picture looks terrible!"
Growth Mindset Makeover:
Card 2
Fixed Mindset:
"This math problem is too hard. I'm going to ask my teacher for the answer."
Growth Mindset Makeover:
Card 3
Fixed Mindset:
"I practiced riding my bike once and I still can't do it. I guess I'll never learn."
Growth Mindset Makeover:
Card 4
Fixed Mindset:
"I got a bad grade on my test. I'm just not smart enough for this subject."
Growth Mindset Makeover:
Card 5
Fixed Mindset:
"My friend is better at soccer than me, so there's no point in trying hard."
Growth Mindset Makeover:
Card 6
Fixed Mindset:
"I always make mistakes when I try to write stories, so I'm not going to write anymore."
Growth Mindset Makeover:
Card 7
Fixed Mindset:
"I don't understand this game. I'm just going to sit out."
Growth Mindset Makeover:
Card 8
Fixed Mindset:
"I failed at something new today. I should just stick to what I know I'm good at."
Growth Mindset Makeover:
Growth Mindset Maze Game Growth Mindset Maze Game
The Path to Brain Growth!
How to Play
Help the "Brain Builder" navigate through the maze to reach the Strong, Smart Brain! You can only move through paths that show a Growth Mindset thought or action. If you hit a Fixed Mindset statement, you must find another way!
START
Path A
I'll try again!
Path B
I'm not good at this.
Path C
I can learn this!
Path D
Practice helps!
Path E
It's too hard.
Path F
What can I learn?
Path G
I give up.
Path H
I'll ask for help.
Path I
I can't do it YET!
Path J
I'll never get it.
Path K
I'll work harder.
Path L
Every try helps!
Path M
Challenges are fun!
Path N
I'm just lucky.
Path O
I love to learn!
Path P
My effort matters!
Strong, Smart Brain!
Discussion Questions:
• Which paths were easy to identify?
• Were there any paths that tricked you?
• What is one growth mindset statement from the maze you want to remember?
Growth Mindset Quiz Growth Mindset Quiz
Show what you know about growing your brain!
Name:
Date:
1
Which of these shows a fixed mindset?
A) "I can learn anything if I try hard."
B) "I'm not good at drawing, so I won't even try."
C) "I'll practice until I get better."
D) "Mistakes help me learn."
2
What does having a growth mindset mean?
A) Believing your brain can't change.
B) Believing you are either smart or not smart, and it won't change.
C) Believing your intelligence and abilities can grow with effort.
D) Believing you should only do things you are already good at.
3
Explain in your own words what the "Power of Yet" means.
4
How do mistakes help your brain grow?
A) They show you that you are not smart.
B) They stop your brain from learning.
C) They make your brain work harder to build new connections.
D) They mean you should give up.
5
Rate how much you agree: "When something is difficult, I feel motivated to try even harder."
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree
Growth Mindset Quiz Answer Key Answer Key
Growth Mindset Quiz
1
B | "I'm not good at drawing, so I won't even try."
Reasoning: A fixed mindset believes abilities are set. Statement B reflects this by concluding an inability and refusing to try.
2
C | Believing your intelligence and abilities can grow with effort.
Reasoning: The core of a growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.
3
Sample Answer:
"The 'Power of Yet' means that even if you can't do something right now, you believe that with effort and practice, you will be able to do it in the future."
Reasoning: Students should articulate that "yet" transforms a statement of inability into one of potential and future achievement.
4
C | They make your brain work harder to figure things out...
Reasoning: Mistakes signal to the brain where more effort or a different strategy is needed, leading to new neural pathways.
5
Agree / Strongly Agree
Reasoning: A student with a growth mindset sees difficulty as motivation to improve rather than a reason to stop.
My Growth Journey Project Guide My Growth Journey
Creative Project Guide
Your Goal
To show what you have learned about growth mindset and how you can apply it to your own life! Choose ONE of the creative options below to share your journey.
Option 1: Storybook
Writing & Art
Create a 3-5 page story about a character who learns to develop a growth mindset.
Character faces a challenge
Fixed mindset examples
Learning about growth
Pictures on every page
Option 2: "Power of Yet" Poster
Visual Design
Design a colorful and creative poster that teaches others about growth mindset.
"The Power of Yet" title
3 "Mindset Makeovers"
Brain growth drawings
Key vocabulary words
Option 3: Growth Skit
Performance
Perform a 2-3 minute skit with a partner demonstrating mindset changes.
Clear problem/challenge
Fixed vs Growth dialogue
Benefits of growth
Partners working together
Assigned
Work Time
Due Date
Growth Project Rubric Project Rubric
My Growth Journey
Student:
Choice:
Category 4 - Exceeds 3 - Meets 2 - Approaches 1 - Needs Imp. Growth Concepts Clearly and creatively demonstrates deep understanding of both mindsets. Demonstrates good understanding of both mindsets with clear examples. Shows some understanding, but examples may be limited. Shows little to no understanding of mindset concepts. "Yet" & Mistakes Masterfully integrates the "Power of Yet" and learning from mistakes. Clearly applies the "Power of Yet" and understanding of mistakes. Attempts to apply "Yet" or discuss mistakes, but inconsistent. Does not apply "Yet" or acknowledge the role of mistakes. Creativity Highly original, exceptionally creative, significant effort shown. Creative and shows good effort with thoughtful details. Shows some creativity and effort, but could be more developed. Project lacks creativity and shows minimal effort. Clarity Exceptionally clear and organized with a logical flow. Clear and well-organized with a generally logical flow. Some organization, but may be a bit confusing. Disorganized and difficult to understand.
Teacher Feedback & Reflections:
Total Score:
/ 20
Brain Growth Reflection Cool Down Cool-Down
Brain Growth Reflection
Student Name:
1. What is one new thing you learned today?
2. How could you use a growth mindset next time something is hard?
3. What is your new "Power Word" instead of "I can't"?
I can't...
Exit Ticket
Daily Growth Journal Handout My Growth Journal
Daily Brain Building Exercises
Builder Name:
Entry 01
Starting My Journey
What does "growing your brain" mean to you? How does it feel to know your intelligence can get stronger?
Entry 02
My Challenge Today
Describe a challenge you faced today. How did you react? How COULD you have used a growth mindset?
Entry 03
The Power of "Yet"
Think about something you couldn't do yet. What steps will you take to learn? How does adding "yet" change things?
Entry 04
Learning from Mistakes
Describe a mistake you made recently. What did you learn? How did it make your brain stronger?
