Planting Potential: My Growth Mindset Seed

Objective: To create a tangible representation of your commitment to a growth mindset.

Materials:

• Small pot or cup for each student
• Potting soil
• One easy-to-grow seed per student (e.g., bean, marigold, radish)
• Watering can/cups for water
• Optional: Markers or labels to write names on pots

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Pot: Each of you has a small pot. This pot represents you and your amazing brain!

2. Add the Soil: Carefully scoop soil into your pot, filling it almost to the top. The soil represents all the knowledge, experiences, and opportunities you have to learn.

3. Plant Your Seed: Gently make a small hole in the center of the soil with your finger. Place your seed in the hole and cover it lightly with soil. This tiny seed represents a skill, a challenge, or an area where you want to grow this year. What is one thing you want to get better at, or one big challenge you want to face?
   
   
   

4. Give it Water: Carefully pour a little water into your pot. Just like this seed needs water to sprout and grow, your brain needs effort, practice, and a growth mindset to develop and get stronger.

5. Reflect and Connect: As you care for your seed, remember that every day you have the power to nurture your own potential. Think about the connection:

   • What will you do to "water" your brain garden?
   • How will you protect your seed from "weeds" (fixed mindset thoughts)?
   • What do you hope your "plant" (your ability/skill) will look like when it grows?

Take your plant home and care for it, just like you will care for your growth mindset! Each time you see it, remember your commitment to growing and learning.

My Growth Garden Worksheet

Name: ________________________

Part 1: My Growing Brain

Just like the seed you planted, your brain can grow! Think about something you want to learn or get better at this school year. It could be in math, reading, art, sports, or even a personal skill like being a better friend.

Draw a picture or write about one skill, subject, or challenge you want to nurture and grow this year. How will you use a growth mindset to help it grow?

Part 2: Fixed vs. Growth - Which Seed Will You Plant?

Read each statement below. Decide if it shows a Fixed Mindset (F) or a Growth Mindset (G). Write 'F' or 'G' in the box next to each statement.

1. "I'm not good at drawing, so I won't even try." [ ]
   
   
   
2. "This math problem is hard, but I'll keep trying different strategies." [ ]
   
   
   
3. "I made a mistake in my essay. I'm just not a good writer." [ ]
   
   
   
4. "I practiced playing the guitar every day, and now I'm much better!" [ ]
   
   
   
5. "I failed the test, so I guess I'm just not smart enough for this subject." [ ]
   
   
   
6. "I don't understand this science concept yet, but I'll ask for help." [ ]
   
   
   

Part 3: Nurturing My Garden

What are two specific things you will do this week to show a growth mindset in school or at home? (Think about watering with effort, weeding out mistakes, and using the power of 'yet'!)

1. ____________________________________________________________________________
   
   
   

2. ---

My Growth Mindset Project Guide

Objective: To demonstrate your understanding of a growth mindset by creating a visual or written representation of your personal growth journey or how you will apply a growth mindset.

Due Date: ________________________

Project Options: Choose ONE of the following to create.

1. Growth Garden Poster/Diorama:

• Design a poster or build a small diorama that visually represents your "Mind Garden."
• Include:
  • Seeds: New skills or challenges you want to grow.
  • Water/Sunlight: Efforts, strategies, or people that help you learn and grow.
  • Weeds: Fixed mindset thoughts or obstacles and how you overcome them.
  • Blooming Plants: Goals you've achieved or areas where you've shown growth.
• Label all parts clearly and explain their connection to a growth mindset.

2. "The Power of Yet" Story/Comic Strip:

• Write a short story or create a comic strip about a character who faces a challenge and uses a growth mindset to overcome it.
• Your story/comic must:
  • Show the character initially struggling or having a fixed mindset thought.
  • Introduce the concept of "yet" or a growth mindset strategy.
  • Show the character applying effort, learning from mistakes, or asking for help.
  • End with the character showing progress or a positive outcome.
• Include dialogue and clear illustrations (for comic strip) or descriptive language (for story).

3. Growth Mindset Action Plan:

• Create a detailed plan for how you will apply a growth mindset in a specific subject, hobby, or personal goal for the rest of the school year.
• Your plan should include:
  • My Goal: A specific learning or personal goal (e.g., "I want to improve my math grades," "I want to learn to play a new song on the piano").
  • Current Challenge: What makes this goal difficult for you right now?
  • Growth Mindset Strategies: At least three specific strategies you will use (e.g., "practice for 15 minutes daily," "ask my teacher questions," "try different approaches when stuck," "use the power of yet").
  • Learning from Mistakes: How will you handle mistakes or setbacks related to this goal?
  • Celebrating Progress: How will you recognize your small steps of growth?

Project Requirements (for all options):

• Clearly demonstrate an understanding of what a growth mindset is.
• Be creative and well-organized.
• Use appropriate language and concepts for your age level.
• Your name should be clearly visible on your project.