Mindset Relay Game

Objective: Engage students kinesthetically to categorize mindset statements, reinforcing their ability to distinguish fixed vs growth language while building teamwork and movement breaks.

Materials:

• Statement Cards (shuffled into a face-down pile)
• 2 bins or baskets labeled Fixed Mindset and Growth Mindset
• Cones or tape to mark a Start Line and a Sorting Station

Setup (5 minutes):

1. Place the two labeled bins at the Sorting Station about 15–20 feet from the Start Line.
2. Lay the shuffled Statement Cards face-down in a stack next to the bins.
3. Mark a clear line for students to stand behind at the Start Line.
4. Divide the class into two equal teams and have each team line up behind the Start Line.

Instructions (10 minutes):

1. On “Go,” the first student from each team runs to the Sorting Station.
2. The student flips over the top Statement Card, reads it aloud, and decides whether it’s a fixed or growth mindset statement.
3. They place the card into the matching bin, then run back and tag the next teammate in line.
4. Teammates continue until all cards are sorted.
5. Once complete, gather as a class and quickly review any cards in the wrong bin. Correct together and discuss why each belongs where it does.

Tips for Success:

• Encourage students to read each card out loud so teammates hear the mindset language.
• If students hesitate, model one or two examples before starting the relay.
• Keep the pace lively: cheer each team on and celebrate correct sorts.

Variation:

• Timed Challenge: After one full round, shuffle cards and challenge teams to beat their previous time with all cards correctly sorted.

Mindset T-Chart Worksheet

Sort the statements below by writing each statement’s number under the correct column in the boxes provided.

Statements:

1. This is too hard; I’m not smart enough.
2. I’ll try another strategy.
3. I never get this right.
4. I can improve with practice.
5. I’ll give up.
6. I haven’t figured it out yet, but I will.

Fixed Mindset

1. ________
   
   
   
2. ________
   
   
   
3. ________
   
   
   

Growth Mindset

1. ________
   
   
   
2. ________
   
   
   
3. ________
   
   
   

Extension (optional):
After sorting, talk with your partner: Why does each statement belong in its column?
Use your own words to explain one choice below.

___________________________________________________________

Mindset Sort Script

Introduction and Definitions (5 min)

Teacher (T):
“Good morning, friends! Today we are going to talk about two ways people think about learning. One is called a fixed mindset, and the other is called a growth mindset.

A fixed mindset is when we believe our abilities and intelligence can’t change. A growth mindset is when we know we can get smarter and better with practice and effort.

Let’s look at some examples:

• If someone says, ‘I can’t do this—I’m just not smart enough,’ that’s a fixed mindset.
• If someone says, ‘This is tricky, but I’ll keep trying until I get it,’ that’s a growth mindset.

T: What clues in those sentences helped you decide which was fixed and which was growth?
(Wait for 2–3 volunteers.)
T (follow-up): Great! Words like ‘can’t’ and ‘not smart enough’ signal a fixed mindset, and phrases like ‘keep trying’ and ‘will get it’ show a growth mindset.

Mindset Relay Sort Support (Mindset Relay Game) (10 min)

T (before starting):
“Remember, a fixed mindset sounds like giving up before we even begin. A growth mindset sounds like a promise to keep working.”

During the Relay:

• If students hesitate, prompt: “What word in that sentence tells you whether it’s fixed or growth?”
• If a card is placed incorrectly, ask: “Hmm—why do you think this might belong in the other bin?”
• Praise quick thinking: “Great reading out loud! That helps everyone hear the mindset.”

T (after relay, reviewing misplaced cards):
“Let’s look at this card together: ‘I never get this right.’ Why did we first think it was growth? No—this is fixed. What could we say instead to make it growth?”
(Encourage students to rephrase: ‘I haven’t got it yet, but I will.’)

T-Chart Worksheet Guidance (Mindset T-Chart Worksheet) (8 min)

T:
“Now, you’ll work with a partner to sort six new statements on your T-Chart. Remember the clues:

• Fixed mindset: gives up, says ‘I’m not good at this’
• Growth mindset: tries different strategies, uses the word ‘yet’

As you work, I’ll come around and ask: ‘Why did you put that statement here?’

Possible Prompts While Circulating:

• “Tell me more about why you think that one is growth.”
• “If this sounds fixed, how could we change it to sound growth?”
• “Which sentence uses the word ‘yet’ and why does that help?”

Discussion and Reflection (5 min)

T:
“Let’s sit together and share one example of changing fixed language into growth language.

Discussion Prompts:

1. “Who wants to tell us how they changed a fixed statement?”
2. “Why does changing our words help us learn?”

(Call on 2–3 volunteers. Celebrate creative rephrasings.)

Exit Slip Instructions (2 min)

T:
“On your exit slip, please write:

1. A fixed mindset statement you’ve said before.
2. Rewrite it into a growth mindset statement.

Use the word ‘yet’ if you can—it’s a growth keyword!

Thank you, everyone. I can’t wait to read your sentences!”