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Cultivating a Growth Mindset

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Lesson Plan

Cultivating a Growth Mindset Lesson Plan

Students will understand the core principles of a growth mindset, differentiate it from a fixed mindset, and apply strategies to reframe challenges into learning opportunities, fostering resilience and a positive attitude towards setbacks.

Embracing a growth mindset is crucial for navigating academic pressures and personal challenges. It equips students with the mental tools to overcome obstacles, learn from failures, and continuously develop their skills, leading to greater success and well-being.

Audience

10th-12th Grade Students

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, case studies, and reflective journaling.

Materials

Smartboard or Projector, Markers or Whiteboard, Growth Mindset Slide Deck, Growth Mindset Journal Prompts, and Growth Mindset Activity: Reframe It!

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What's Your Mindset?

10 minutes

  • Hook: Begin by asking students: "How many of you believe that people are born with a certain amount of intelligence and there’s not much you can do to change it? How many believe your intelligence can grow and change throughout your life?" (2 minutes)
  • Share Objective: Introduce the lesson objectives using Growth Mindset Slide Deck (Slide 1). Explain that today's lesson is about understanding how our beliefs about intelligence and ability shape our lives. (3 minutes)
  • Define Mindsets: Use Growth Mindset Slide Deck (Slides 2-3) to introduce and explain Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets. Encourage students to think about which mindset resonates more with them. (5 minutes)

Step 2

Deep Dive: The Power of 'Yet'

15 minutes

  • Carol Dweck & 'Yet': Present Dr. Carol Dweck's research and the concept of 'the power of yet' using Growth Mindset Slide Deck (Slide 4). Emphasize how adding "yet" to a statement can transform a perceived failure into an opportunity for growth.
  • Discussion - Mindsets in Action: Facilitate a class discussion using Growth Mindset Slide Deck (Slide 5). Ask students to share examples of how a fixed or growth mindset might impact different areas of their lives (e.g., trying a new sport, learning a difficult subject, dealing with peer pressure). (8 minutes)
  • Case Study: Present the "Case Study: The Tough Math Problem" from Growth Mindset Slide Deck (Slide 6). Have students discuss in pairs which Maria learns and grows more and why. Share answers as a class. (7 minutes)

Step 3

Reflect and Practice

20 minutes

  • Journal Activity: Distribute the Growth Mindset Journal Prompts. Explain that personal reflection is a powerful tool for cultivating a growth mindset. Instruct students to complete the prompts individually. (10 minutes)
  • Activity: Reframe It! Introduce the Growth Mindset Activity: Reframe It!. Divide students into small groups or pairs. Explain that they will be given fixed mindset statements and their task is to reframe them into growth mindset statements. Circulate and provide support as needed. (10 minutes)

Step 4

Wrap-Up: Embrace the Journey

5 minutes

  • Share & Discuss: Briefly bring the class back together. Ask a few groups to share one of their reframed statements and explain the growth mindset behind it. (2 minutes)
  • Key Takeaways: Use Growth Mindset Slide Deck (Slides 9-10) to reiterate that developing a growth mindset is a continuous journey. Encourage them to notice their internal dialogue and practice reframing thoughts daily. (3 minutes)
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Slide Deck

What Do You Believe About Your Brain?

Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset
Why does it matter?

Welcome students and introduce the topic of mindset. Ask a thought-provoking question to get them thinking.

Fixed Mindset

Belief that your intelligence and talents are fixed traits.

  • Challenges are avoided.
  • Effort is seen as fruitless.
  • Criticism is ignored or taken personally.
  • Success of others is threatening.

Explain the two mindsets. Use clear definitions and examples. Encourage students to think about which mindset they lean towards.

Growth Mindset

Belief that your intelligence and talents can grow through dedication and hard work.

  • Challenges are embraced.
  • Effort is essential for mastery.
  • Criticism is a source of learning.
  • Success of others is inspiring.

Detail the growth mindset. Emphasize that intelligence and abilities can grow with dedication and hard work. Provide motivating examples.

The Power of 'Yet'

Developed by Dr. Carol Dweck.

'I’m not good at this... yet!'

This simple word transforms a fixed mindset statement into a growth mindset opportunity.

Introduce Carol Dweck and her research. Explain how these concepts were developed.

Mindsets in Action

How does your mindset affect:

  • Your schoolwork?
  • Learning a new skill?
  • Dealing with a problem?
  • Relationships?

Lead a discussion on how mindsets impact daily life, both academically and personally. Ask students to share examples.

Case Study: The Tough Math Problem

Maria received a low grade on her last math test. She feels discouraged.

  • Fixed Mindset Maria: 'I'm just not a math person. I'll never get this.'
  • Growth Mindset Maria: 'Okay, I struggled with that. What can I do differently next time? I'll ask the teacher for help and practice more.'

Which Maria learns and grows?

Present a brief case study or scenario. Ask students to identify fixed vs. growth mindset responses.

Reflect and Grow

Take some time to reflect on your own mindset.

Complete the Growth Mindset Journal Prompts activity.

Introduce the journal activity. Explain its purpose and allow time for students to work.

Activity: Reframe It!

Let's practice transforming fixed mindset statements into growth mindset statements.

Work in pairs or small groups using the Growth Mindset Activity: Reframe It!.

Explain the 'Reframe It!' activity. Guide students through the process of changing fixed mindset statements to growth mindset statements.

Your Mindset Journey

Your brain is like a muscle – the more you challenge it, the stronger it gets!

You have the power to cultivate a growth mindset. It's a journey, not a destination.

Summarize the key takeaways and reinforce the idea that mindsets can be changed and developed over time.

Embrace the 'Yet'!

Remember to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and always believe in the power of 'yet'!

Provide a closing thought and encourage continued practice.

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Journal

Growth Mindset Journal Prompts

Instructions: Read each prompt carefully and respond thoughtfully in the space provided. There are no right or wrong answers, just honest reflection.

Prompt 1: Identifying Your Mindset

Think about a time recently when you faced a challenge or struggled with something. How did you react? Did you feel discouraged, or did you see it as an opportunity to learn? Describe your thoughts and feelings in that moment.











Prompt 2: The Power of 'Yet'

Consider an area where you feel like you're

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Activity

Growth Mindset Activity: Reframe It!

Objective: To practice transforming fixed mindset statements into growth mindset statements.

Instructions:

  1. Work in pairs or small groups.
  2. Read each
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