Mindset Matters Lesson Plan Your Mindset Matters
Lesson Facilitation Guide
30 Minutes
Big Idea
Understanding self-esteem and growth mindset helps students develop resilience, embrace challenges, and cultivate a positive attitude towards learning.
Learning Objective
Students will define self-esteem and growth mindset, differentiate between them, and recognize their impact on personal growth.
Preparation
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Review the Growth Mindset Video Slide Deck and test video playback.
Print copies of the Mindset Reflection Activity for each student.
Ensure projector and speakers are ready for audio/visual components.
Materials
Smartboard or Projector
Speakers
Growth Mindset Slide Deck
Mindset Reflection Activity
Instructional Approach
Discussion • Video Analysis • Reflection
Audience
6th Grade
Instructional Flow
1
Introduction & Warm-Up
5 MIN
• Hook students with the questions: "What does it mean to believe in yourself?" and "What does it mean to learn from mistakes?"
• Briefly introduce lesson objectives using Slide 1 .
2
Core Concepts
10 MIN
• Define Self-Esteem : How you value and respect yourself.
• Define Growth Mindset : Believing abilities can be developed through effort.
• Show the Power of Yet video (embedded in slide deck) to illustrate these concepts visually.
3
Video Discussion
5 MIN
• Facilitate a short discussion about the video. Focus on: How did they overcome challenges? How does this relate to learning?
• Connect video themes back to both self-esteem (worth) and growth mindset (effort).
4
Mindset Reflection Activity
7 MIN
• Distribute the Mindset Reflection Activity .
• Students work individually to reflect on their own beliefs and strengths.
• Circulate to provide support and encourage deeper reflection.
5
Wrap-Up & Share
3 MIN
• Ask for volunteers to share one key takeaway or personal insight.
• End with a positive affirmation: "You have the power to grow and learn every day."
Teacher Tip
When students are working on the reflection activity, watch for those who struggle to identify their own strengths. Use this as a moment to offer gentle, specific praise to help boost their self-esteem.
Mindset Matters Slides Your Mindset Matters!
Understanding Self-Esteem and Growth Mindset to unlock your potential.
6th Grade Life Skills Session 1
What is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem is simply how you feel about yourself.
Valuing your unique strengths
Believing in your own worth
Respecting who you are
"Why is it important?"
It helps you try new things, bounce back from challenges, and feel good about being YOU!
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
Fixed Mindset
"I'm either good at it or I'm not."
Believing your talents and abilities are set in stone and cannot change.
Growth Mindset
"I can get better if I keep trying!"
Believing abilities can be developed through hard work, strategy, and learning from mistakes.
The Power of Yet!
Watch how a growth mindset helps us face challenges.
Embedded media
Reflection & Discussion
1
What did you notice about the characters who succeeded?
2
How did they show a growth mindset?
3
How does this connect to believing in yourself (self-esteem)?
4
Can you think of a time when you used "the power of yet"?
Time for Reflection!
Individually complete your
Mindset Reflection Activity
7 Minutes
Keep Growing!
Self-Esteem
"You are capable and worthy. Believe in yourself!"
Growth Mindset
"Your abilities can grow with effort. Keep learning!"
You've got this!
Mindset Mastery Script Mindset Mastery Script
Instructional Script • Your Mindset Matters
Teacher Resource
Slide 1
Introduction & Warm-Up (5 min)
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to dive into two really powerful ideas that can totally change how we think about ourselves and our learning. To start, I want you to quickly think about this: What does it mean to truly believe in yourself? And what does it mean to learn from your mistakes? You don't have to share yet, just let those ideas sit with you for a moment."
Pause for a few seconds to allow students to think.
"By the end of our lesson today, we'll be able to define what self-esteem and a growth mindset are, understand the differences between them, and see how these powerful ideas can help us in school and in our daily lives. Are you ready? Let's do this!"
Slide 2
Introducing Self-Esteem (10 min)
"First up, let's talk about something called self-esteem . Has anyone heard that term before? What do you think it means?"
Allow 1-2 student responses.
"That's right! Self-esteem is basically how you feel about yourself . It's about recognizing your own strengths, understanding your value, and respecting the unique person you are. It's not about being better than anyone else, it's about feeling good about being YOU. Why do you think it's important to have good self-esteem?"
Allow 1-2 responses. Guide towards confidence, resilience.
"Exactly! When you have good self-esteem, you're more likely to try new things, to believe you can succeed, and to bounce back when things get tough."
Slide 3
Mindset: Fixed vs. Growth
"Now, let's look at another important idea: mindset . Your mindset is like the way your brain thinks about learning and challenges. There are two main types: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset ."
Fixed Mindset Talk
"If you have a fixed mindset , you might think, 'I'm either good at this, or I'm not.' You might avoid challenges because you don't want to make a mistake."
Growth Mindset Talk
"But with a growth mindset , you believe that your abilities, intelligence, and talents can grow and improve with effort, practice, and learning from mistakes!"
"Think about it: which mindset do you think helps us learn more and achieve more? Why?"
Allow responses. Guide towards effort and perseverance.
Slide 4-5
Video & Reflection (10 min)
Mindset Reflection Activity Worksheet Mindset Reflection Activity
Name
Date
1
Believing in Yourself (Self-Esteem)
1. In your own words, what does self-esteem mean?
2. Think about something you are good at or something you like about yourself (a skill, a personality trait, or anything!). Write it down here:
3. Why is it important to feel good about who you are?
2
Growing Your Brain (Growth Mindset)
1. What is the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset?
The Math Challenge
Imagine you are trying to learn a new, difficult math concept. If you had a fixed mindset, what might you say or do?
Now, if you had a growth mindset, what might you say or do instead?
4. Can you think of a time when you used a growth mindset to overcome a challenge, either in school or outside of school? Briefly describe it.
3
Putting It All Together
1. How do you think having strong self-esteem helps you use a growth mindset?
My Weekly Goal
"What is one thing you will try to do this week to practice either building your self-esteem or using a growth mindset?"
You have the power to learn and grow!