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Growth Game Plan

A high-energy 30-minute goal-setting workshop for 7th and 8th graders using athletic playbook metaphors to master SMART criteria and proactive perseverance strategies.

EGElijah Glenn

Growth Game Plan

A high-energy 30-minute goal-setting workshop for 7th and 8th graders using athletic playbook metaphors to master SMART criteria and proactive perseverance strategies.

EGElijah Glenn

Game Plan Blueprint Worksheet

GP

Growth Mindset Playbook Grades 7–8

THE GAME PLAN BLUEPRINT

Player: ___________________________

Date: ____________ Period: _____

Locker Room Rule: A wish is just a dream without a drill. Champions don't rely on luck—they design a specific game plan and execute perseverance plays when obstacles strike.

1

Phase 1: Pre-Game Scouting Report

Identify one academic or personal challenge where you find yourself tempted to give up or say "I'm just not good at this yet":

Fixed Mindset Trap:

"If I fail on the first try, I don't have the talent."

Growth Mindset Flip:

"Mistakes are game film: analyze them, adjust, and re-attack."

2

Phase 2: Drafting Your SMART Target

Set 1 Academic or Personal Goal

S Specific

What exact result do you want? (Who, what, where?)

M Measurable

How will you count or prove progress? (Numbers, scores, dates)

A Achievable

Is it challenging yet realistic with effort? What tools exist?

R Relevant

Why does this matter deeply to you right now?

T Time-Bound

Exact deadline date or benchmark week

By when will you hit this milestone?

Growth Game Plan • Student Playbook Turn to Page 2: Perseverance Plays → Page 1 of 2

02

TACTICAL PLAYBOOK: TWO PERSEVERANCE PLAYS

Prepare for defense: map anticipated obstacles and execute your comeback routines.

Execution Phase

Master Goal Statement Synthesize Phase 2 into one punchy sentence

Write your complete SMART goal: "I will [Specific action & Measurable target] by [Time deadline] because [Relevant reason]."

3

Anticipate Defensive Pressure (The Opponents)

What two internal or external roadblocks could derail your progress? (e.g., screen distraction, fatigue, confusion, self-doubt)

Roadblock A

Roadblock B

4

The Two Perseverance Plays (If-Then Action Rules)

Perseverance is not just "trying harder." It is an exact procedure you trigger when you hit a wall.

PLAY #1 Immediate Strategy Pivot

When I feel stuck or hit Roadblock A...

IF (trigger situation):

THEN I WILL (exact action, reset tactic, or alternate study technique):

PLAY #2 Coaching & Support Call

When I need reinforcement or hit Roadblock B...

IF (trigger situation):

THEN I WILL (who I contact, what question I ask, or resource I open):

Next Step: Transfer your goal and plays to your SMART Goal Card for the Gallery Walk.

Coach Stamp: [ ]

Growth Game Plan • Student Playbook Ready for Peer Review Page 2 of 2

Level-Up Goals Slides

7th & 8th Grade Workshop 30-Minute Game Changer

Playbook Series

Mindset • Precision • Perseverance

GROWTH GAME PLAN

Turn vague wishes into unstoppable targets. Learn the SMART goal playbook and design two perseverance plays to crush roadblocks.

Today's Mission: 1 SMART Target + 2 Tactical Perseverance Plays

Coach Mode Activated

01

Game Film: The Anatomy of Grit

Hook • 5 Minutes

Highlight Reel Focus

Watch the athlete in the comeback highlight clip. Notice what happens the moment they make a critical mistake or fall behind on the scoreboard.

"Champions don't freeze when they trail—they pivot to their backup play."

Turn & Talk Cue:

What separates an athlete who gives up from one who mounts an epic comeback?

The Real Difference:

Not luck, not effortless talent—a predetermined plan to handle setbacks.

Discussion Question: When you get a tough grade or struggle, what is your default reaction?

02

Mindset Shift: Wishes vs. Game Plans

Mindset Check

The Vague Wish

"I want to do better in math this quarter."

• No measurable finish line
• Relies on feeling "motivated"
• Collapses when difficulty spikes

Result: Frustration & Giving Up

The Growth Game Plan

"Complete 3 practice sets weekly to hit 85% by Nov 20."

• Exact metrics and hard deadline
• Built on repeatable daily routines
• Has planned answers for obstacles

Result: Measurable Mastery

Key Rule: Hope is not a strategy. Precision creates power.

03

The SMART Goal Playbook

Direct Teach • 8 Min

S

Specific

Exactly what will you accomplish?

No Vague Words

M

Measurable

How will you prove you reached it?

Numbers & Stats

A

Achievable

Is it tough yet realistic with effort?

Stretch, Not Break

R

Relevant

Why does this goal matter to you?

Personal Why

T

Time-Bound

What is your exact target deadline?

Calendar Date

Open your to Phase 2. Draft your 5 elements now!

Coachs Pep-Talk Teacher Guide

TG

Educator Facilitation Plan Grades 7–8 • 30-Minute Arc

COACH'S PEP-TALK & FACILITATION GUIDE

Classroom Ready

Total Pacing 30 Minutes

Target Audience 7th & 8th Grade

Core Deliverable 1 SMART + 2 Plays

Delivery Stance Locker Room Coach

Minute-by-Minute Pacing Clock (30 Min Total)

Time

Phase

Teacher Action

Student Deliverable

0:00–5:00

1. Film & Pep Talk

Play highlight clip; deliver Locker Room Pep Talk.

Turn & talk: Spot grit vs. giving up.

5:00–13:00

2. SMART Playbook

Teach SMART criteria; contrast fuzzy vs sharp.

Complete Phase 1 & 2 on Blueprint.

13:00–21:00

3. Tactical Plays

Model If-Then plays; facilitate peer review.

Draft 2 plays; peer audit with Quality Check.

21:00–26:00

4. Gallery Walk

Signal silent walk; cue peer encouragement.

Post Goal Card; review 3 teammate cards.

26:00–30:00

5. Exit Ticket Call

Collect verbal commitments at door.

Verbal call: state goal & Play #1.

Verbatim Script: Opening Locker Room Pep Talk (Min 0:00–3:00)

Voice: High Energy & Direct

[Huddle students in. Deliver with quiet intensity]: "Think about the last time you felt completely defeated in school or sports. Maybe you opened a test, saw a problem you didn't understand, and your brain whispered: 'I'm just not a math person.' Or maybe you missed three shots in a row and wanted to bench yourself."

"Here is the locker room truth: Nobody in human history ever achieved greatness on accident. Nobody woke up and accidentally mastered algebra or made varsity. The difference between people who level up and people who stay stuck isn't raw talent. It’s this: Champions don't rely on wishes; they execute game plans."

"A wish sounds like: 'I hope my grades go up.' That wish collapses the second TikTok pops up or you get tired. Today, we build your Growth Game Plan: one laser-sharp SMART target, and two defensive perseverance plays so when failure hits you in the mouth—and it will—you already know what audible to call."

Video Clip Framing Guidance (Min 3:00–5:00)

Recommended Clip Type: A 90–120 second clip of an athlete suffering a major mistake/fall and immediately bouncing back (e.g., Simone Biles resetting after a landing, an NBA buzzer-beater rally, or runner Heather Dorniden falling in the 600m and winning).

SMART Goal Card Activity

Official Locker Goal Badge • Card 1

#1

GROWTH GAME PLAN: OFFICIAL GOAL CARD

Gallery Walk Display Badge

Player: ______________________ No: ___

Target Deadline: _________________

My SMART Target (Specific, Measurable, Time-Bound) "I will [action/metric] by [date]"

PERSEVERANCE PLAY #1 Strategy Pivot

IF I hit this obstacle / feel stuck:

THEN I will execute this tactic:

PERSEVERANCE PLAY #2 Support Call

IF I miss my milestone / need help:

THEN I will contact this person/tool:

Gallery Walk Peer Sign-offs:

Peer 1: [ ] Peer 2: [ ] Coach Stamp: [ ]

Cut Line (2 Cards Per Sheet)

Official Locker Goal Badge • Card 2

#2

GROWTH GAME PLAN: OFFICIAL GOAL CARD

Gallery Walk Display Badge

Player: ______________________ No: ___

Target Deadline: _________________

My SMART Target (Specific, Measurable, Time-Bound) "I will [action/metric] by [date]"

PERSEVERANCE PLAY #1 Strategy Pivot

IF I hit this obstacle / feel stuck:

THEN I will execute this tactic:

PERSEVERANCE PLAY #2 Support Call

IF I miss my milestone / need help:

THEN I will contact this person/tool:

Gallery Walk Peer Sign-offs:

Peer 1: [ ] Peer 2: [ ] Coach Stamp: [ ]

Growth Game Plan • Locker Badge Master Sheet Cut and post on locker or bulletin board Print Ready

Goal Quality Check Rubric

QC

Peer Review & Exit Ticket Grades 7–8

GOAL QUALITY CHECK & COMMITMENT PASS

Reviewer: ______________________

Goal Owner: ___________________

Coach’s Directive: Great teammates push each other to get better. Score your partner honestly—if a criteria is missing, help them rewrite it before the gallery walk!

1 SMART Criteria Quality Audit

Check one column per criterion

Criterion

Audit Question

Championship (2)

Needs Drill (1)

S Specific

Is the action crystal clear? No vague words like "better" or "more"?

[ ] Yes

[ ] Rewrite

M Measurable

Is there a countable number, grade target, or frequency?

[ ] Yes

[ ] Needs #

A Achievable

Is it challenging yet realistic within their daily schedule?

[ ] Yes

[ ] Adjust

R Relevant

Does it connect to a real personal or academic passion?

[ ] Yes

[ ] Unclear

T Time-Bound

Is there an exact target calendar date or deadline?

[ ] Yes

[ ] Add Date

2 Pressure Test: Perseverance Plays

Verify defensive backup tactics

Play #1 (Strategy Pivot): [ ] Pass [ ] Revise

Does it name a concrete action to take when stuck, instead of just "trying harder"?

Play #2 (Support Call): [ ] Pass [ ] Revise

Does it name a specific person (teacher, tutor, parent, peer) and when they will reach out?

3 Teammate Feedback (Glow & Grow)

One Major Strength (Glow):

One Level-Up Recommendation (Grow):

EXIT TICKET Verbal Commitment & Obstacle Reset Pass

Hand to Coach at the door

1. My Master SMART Goal (Verbalized to my partner/coach):

2. When my #1 Obstacle strikes, my instant play is:

3. Verification & Signature:

[ ] Verbalized to Coach Sign: _________________

Growth Game Plan • Quality Audit & Exit Ticket Turn in completed sheet upon dismissal Classroom Ready

Game Plan Blueprint

04

Two Perseverance Plays: The If-Then Strategy

Strategy Calling

PLAY #1 Immediate Strategy Pivot

When you hit mental fatigue or get stuck on a tough concept:

IF: I study for 20 minutes and feel confused...

THEN: I switch to flashcards or draw a diagram for 10 minutes.

Fix: Don't quit the workout—change the drill.

PLAY #2 Support & Coaching Call

When you miss a score benchmark or lose momentum:

IF: I score below my target on a checkpoint quiz...

THEN: I attend office hours with 2 written questions within 48 hours.

Fix: Seeking feedback is what elite players do daily.

Perseverance is an action, not an emotion. Script your 2 plays on Page 2!

05

Huddle Up: Peer Quality Audit

Peer Review • 7 Min

1. Check S & M

Can a spectator clearly see whether they achieved the goal? Are numbers and dates included?

No Fuzzy Language

2. Pressure Test

Are both perseverance plays realistic? Does Play #1 trigger immediately when obstacles arise?

Action-Ready Backup

3. Coach Feedback

Offer 1 specific praise and 1 refinement tweak using your Goal Quality Check sheet.

Help Your Teammate Win

Partner switch cue: Swap cards, run the audit, sign off. Transfer to SMART Goal Card!

06

Gallery Walk & Game Day Launch

Final 5 Minutes

Step 1: Post Your Goal Card

Tape your official SMART Goal Card along the classroom locker wall.

Silently walk the perimeter: read 3 teammates' cards and leave one sticky-note encouragement or high-five icon.

Public accountability turns commitments into reality.

Step 2: Exit Ticket Verbal Call

Before you leave the locker room today, complete the bottom of your Goal Quality Check sheet:

• State your 1 SMART goal to your coach/partner.

• Name your #1 perseverance play when obstacles appear.

You are now game-ready!

"Champions do daily what others do occasionally."

Prompt to Class Before Hitting Play: "Watch the athlete's eyes right after the fall. Do they pout? Watch how fast they transition from setback to their reset routine."

Growth Game Plan • Teacher Facilitation Guide Continue to Direct Teach & Interventions → Page 1 of 2

02

FACILITATION PLAYBOOK & INTERVENTIONS

Direct instruction talking points, peer review facilitation cues, and troubleshooting.

Execution Guide

Direct Teach Script: Dismantling Fuzzy Goals (Min 5:00–10:00)

Teaching S & M (The Scoreboard):

Say: "If a referee walked in, could they tell if you scored? If you say 'I want to read more,' the ref blows the whistle—what does 'more' mean? Make it countable: 20 pages, 4 nights a week."

Teaching A, R, & T (Reality & Clock):

Say: "Achievable doesn't mean easy; it means stretching your muscle without tearing it. And Time-Bound means a real calendar date. 'Someday' is not a day on the calendar."

Modeling the 2 Perseverance Plays (Min 10:00–13:00)

Key Concept to Emphasize: Research shows students are 3x more likely to persevere when they pre-decide their defensive response using an IF [obstacle] → THEN [action] rule.

Play #1 (Strategy Pivot): "When I'm tempted to shut my laptop, I will set a 5-minute timer and switch to diagramming."

Play #2 (Support Call): "When I score under 80%, I will take my quiz to coach/teacher during homeroom Tuesday."

Common Student Pitfalls & Live In-Class Fixes

Pitfall 1:

"I will get all A's." (Too broad, no daily habit)

Coach Correction: "That's an outcome, not a game plan. What specific subject is your biggest challenge right now? Let's build a play for that subject first."

Pitfall 2:

"When I get stuck, I'll just try harder." (Vague perseverance)

Coach Correction: "Trying harder with the wrong technique just wears you out. What new tool, person, or strategy will you deploy? Name the exact resource."

Differentiation & Scaffolding Strategies

For Striving Writers / ELL Students:

Provide sentence starters: "By [date], I will increase [score/minutes] from [X] to [Y] by doing [habit]." Allow pairing with a peer partner.

For Advanced / Fast Finishers:

Challenge students to create a "Milestone Track" with 2 mini-deadlines and identify a peer accountability partner they must check in with weekly.

Growth Game Plan • Teacher Facilitation Guide Ready for Classroom Execution Page 2 of 2

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