Lesson Plan
Grow Without Limits
Students will distinguish between fixed and growth mindsets, practice reframing fixed beliefs into empowering ones through scenarios, and reflect on applying growth strategies to personal challenges.
Building a growth mindset helps students persevere through setbacks, boosts resilience, and fosters a positive attitude toward learning and personal goals.
Audience
8th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Discussion, scenario practice, and reflective writing
Materials
Growth Mindset Scenario Cards, Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet, Whiteboard and markers, and Sticky notes
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review Growth Mindset Scenario Cards and Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet
- Print or make copies of scenario cards and reflection worksheets for each student or pair
- On the whiteboard, draw two columns labeled Fixed Mindset and Growth Mindset
- Gather sticky notes and markers for student responses
Step 1
Introduction to Mindsets
5 minutes
- Define fixed mindset (belief intelligence and abilities are static)
- Define growth mindset (belief abilities can develop with effort)
- Ask students for quick examples of each mindset and record responses under the two columns on the whiteboard
Step 2
Identify Beliefs
5 minutes
- Present a few statements (e.g., "I'm just not good at math," "I can improve with practice")
- Have students label each as fixed or growth mindset
- Discuss why labeling helps us recognize unhelpful thoughts
Step 3
Scenario Practice
10 minutes
- Distribute Growth Mindset Scenario Cards to pairs
- In each scenario, identify the fixed mindset statement and then reframe it into a growth mindset statement
- Pairs share one reframed statement with the group
Step 4
Personal Reflection
7 minutes
- Hand out Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet
- Prompt: Think of a recent challenge. Write the fixed mindset belief you held, then reframe it into a growth mindset belief
- Encourage honest reflection and concrete next steps for practicing the new belief
Step 5
Share and Wrap-Up
3 minutes
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share their reframed belief and next step
- Reinforce the power of language in shaping mindset and encourage students to use growth statements daily
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Slide Deck
Grow Without Limits
8th Grade Growth Mindset Session
Tier 2 • 30 Minutes
Objective: Learn to replace fixed beliefs with growth-oriented ones and turn setbacks into opportunities.
Welcome everyone! Today we’ll explore how our beliefs about ability can help us grow. Use this slide to introduce the session, set expectations, and get students excited.
What Is Mindset?
Fixed Mindset: Belief that intelligence and abilities are static.
Growth Mindset: Belief that abilities can develop with effort and practice.
Define the two mindsets clearly. Prompt students: “What makes you think you can’t improve at something?” Capture responses.
Spot the Mindset
• “I’m just not good at math.”
• “If I work hard, I can get better.”
• “I give up when it gets tough.”
• “Challenges help me learn.”
Read each statement aloud. Ask volunteers to signal “F” or “G.” After each, briefly discuss why it fits that mindset.
Scenario Practice
- In pairs, take a Growth Mindset Scenario Card.
- Identify the fixed mindset statement.
- Reframe it into a growth mindset statement.
- Select one reframed example to share.
Explain the group activity. Walk around to support pairs as they reframe statements. After 8 minutes, reconvene and ask a couple of pairs to share.
Personal Reflection
• Think of a recent challenge.
• Write the fixed mindset belief you held.
• Reframe it into a growth mindset belief.
• List two concrete steps to practice your new belief.
Distribute worksheets and give students time to reflect quietly. Circulate to provide prompts or examples if needed.
Share & Wrap-Up
• Volunteer reframed beliefs and action steps.
• Remember: Your language shapes your mindset.
• Use growth statements every day to keep improving!
Invite 2–3 students to share their reframed beliefs and next steps. Highlight strong examples. Encourage daily use of growth statements.
Activity
Growth Mindset Scenario Cards
Use these cards in pairs to identify fixed-mindset statements and reframe them into growth-mindset statements. Each card has space for your reframe.
Card 1
Scenario: Alex got a low score on the algebra test and said:
“I’m just not a math person.”
Fixed-Mindset Statement: “I’m just not a math person.”
Growth Mindset Reframe:
Card 2
Scenario: Jordan missed the basketball team tryouts and said:
“I’ll never be good at sports.”
Fixed-Mindset Statement: “I’ll never be good at sports.”
Growth Mindset Reframe:
Card 3
Scenario: Taylor struggled with the science fair project and said:
“I can’t do this; it’s too hard.”
Fixed-Mindset Statement: “I can’t do this; it’s too hard.”
Growth Mindset Reframe:
Card 4
Scenario: Sam has been practicing piano and said:
“I’m terrible at playing the piano.”
Fixed-Mindset Statement: “I’m terrible at playing the piano.”
Growth Mindset Reframe:
Card 5
Scenario: Riley showed an art sketch to friends and said:
“My drawings are ugly; I have no talent.”
Fixed-Mindset Statement: “My drawings are ugly; I have no talent.”
Growth Mindset Reframe:
Card 6
Scenario: Casey is learning a new language and said:
“I’ll never be fluent; this language is impossible.”
Fixed-Mindset Statement: “I’ll never be fluent; this language is impossible.”
Growth Mindset Reframe:
Worksheet
Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet
Use this worksheet to reflect on a personal challenge, identify and reframe any fixed-mindset beliefs, and plan concrete steps for growth.
- Describe a recent challenge you faced (in school, sports, relationships, etc.).
- What fixed-mindset belief did you hold about this challenge? How did this belief influence your effort or feelings?
- How do you think this fixed belief affected your ability to overcome the challenge?
- Reframe your fixed-mindset belief into a growth-mindset statement (e.g., change “I can’t do this” to “I can improve with practice”).
- List two specific actions you will take to practice this growth-mindset statement:
a. Action 1:
b. Action 2:
- How will you remind yourself to use this new mindset in the future? (e.g., sticky note on your desk, phone alarm, telling a friend).
- Additional reflections or thoughts (optional):
Cool Down
Mindset Exit Ticket
- What is the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset?
- Write a fixed-mindset statement you’ve heard or thought, then reframe it into a growth-mindset statement.
- Identify one challenge you are facing right now. Describe one concrete action you will take to approach it with a growth mindset.