Students will be able to define 'growth mindset' and 'fixed mindset' and identify examples of each. Students will understand that their brains can grow stronger with effort and practice.
Teaching a growth mindset early helps students develop resilience, embrace challenges, and view mistakes as opportunities to learn. This foundational understanding empowers them to approach academic and personal growth with a positive outlook.
Audience
1st Grade Class
Time
35 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, engaging activities, and reflection.
Gather markers and ensure whiteboard/chart paper is accessible.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up
5 minutes
Begin the lesson by presenting the Mindset Mover Warm-Up to the class. Engage students by asking them to share their initial thoughts on the questions.
Facilitate a brief discussion, encouraging students to think about times they've felt stuck or unsure about learning something new.
Introduce the lesson's main question: "Can our brains really grow?"
Step 2
Exploring Growth Mindset
10 minutes
Present the My Brain Can Grow Slide Deck, starting with the slide that defines 'fixed mindset' and 'growth mindset' in kid-friendly terms.
Use engaging examples from the slide deck to illustrate the difference. For instance, comparing "I can't draw" (fixed) to "I can't draw YET, but I can practice!" (growth).
Encourage students to share their own examples of when they've used
Ask students to reflect on one thing they learned about their brains today and to draw or write about a goal they have and how they will use a growth mindset to achieve it.
Conclude by reiterating the main message: Their brains are amazing and can always grow with effort and a positive attitude!"
Slide Deck
Your Amazing Brain!
Did you know your brain is like a muscle? The more you use it, the stronger it gets!
Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of how their brains work and how they can make them stronger. Ask them what they think about learning new things. Can everyone learn anything?
Sometimes We Think...
Have you ever thought: "I can't do it!" "This is too hard!" "I'm not smart enough!"
Explain what a 'fixed mindset' is using simple language. Give examples like, "I'm not good at drawing," or "Math is too hard for me." Ask students if they've ever felt this way.
The Power of YET!
When you say "I can't do it... YET!" You tell your brain: "I'm still learning!" "I can try again!" "I will get better!"
Introduce the 'power of YET'. Explain that saying 'yet' means you are still learning and growing. It changes a negative thought into a positive, hopeful one. Practice adding 'yet' to the fixed mindset statements from the previous slide.
What's a Growth Mindset?
It's believing your brain can grow and learn new things! Mistakes help your brain grow! Challenges make your brain stronger!
Define 'growth mindset'. Emphasize that a growth mindset means believing you can improve with effort. Use the analogy of a growing plant. Encourage students to share how they could use 'yet' in their own learning.
Effort Makes Your Brain Grow!
Every time you try, learn from a mistake, or keep going when it's tough... Your brain gets stronger! You are building new brain connections!
Reinforce the idea that effort is key. Discuss how trying hard, even when things are difficult, helps their brain make new connections and become smarter. Connect it back to their muscle analogy.
Keep Growing!
Remember to use the power of YET! Don't be afraid of challenges! Your brain is amazing and always growing!
Summarize the main points and look ahead to future learning. Encourage students to remember to use the power of YET and embrace challenges. Transition to the activity.
Warm Up
Mindset Mover Warm-Up
Think about a time when you found something really hard to do.
What was it?
How did it make you feel?
What did you do next? Did you keep trying or give up?
Share your thoughts with a partner or the class!
Activity
I Can't YET! Activity
Directions: Think about something you find challenging or think you can't do. In the first box, draw or write about it. In the second box, change your thinking by adding the
Journal
My Growth Journey Journal
Name: _________________________
Date: _________________________
Today, I learned that my brain is amazing because:
