Lesson Plan
I Can't ... Yet!
Students will understand the difference between fixed and growth mindsets and practice reframing negative self-talk using “yet,” culminating in a personal goal reflecting a growth mindset.
Fostering a growth mindset equips students to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and build resilience—skills key to academic success and lifelong learning.
Audience
7th Grade, Middle School Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Video, discussion, hands-on practice, and reflection.
Materials
- Projector, - Whiteboard and markers, - Growth Mindset Video Clip, - Growth Mindset Prompt Cards, - Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet, and - Growth Mindset Exit Ticket
Prep
Prepare Lesson Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Growth Mindset Video Clip
- Print and cut out the Growth Mindset Prompt Cards
- Make copies of the Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet and Growth Mindset Exit Ticket
- Arrange desks facing the display and ensure whiteboard markers are available
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Play the Growth Mindset Video Clip
- Ask students to jot down any examples of fixed versus growth thinking
- Facilitate a quick pair share: What stood out to you?
Step 2
Define Growth vs. Fixed
5 minutes
- On the whiteboard, draw two columns labeled “Fixed Mindset” and “Growth Mindset”
- Elicit student definitions and real-life examples
- Record key phrases under each column
Step 3
Think-Pair-Share with Prompt Cards
10 minutes
- Distribute the Growth Mindset Prompt Cards to pairs
- Partners take turns reading cards and reframing fixed statements by adding “yet” or a growth-oriented twist
- Invite pairs to share one reframed statement with the class
Step 4
Individual Reflection
5 minutes
- Students complete the Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet
- Prompt: Describe a recent challenge and how adopting a growth mindset could help you overcome it
Step 5
Exit Ticket
5 minutes
- Distribute the Growth Mindset Exit Ticket
- Students write one academic goal phrased with a growth mindset
- Collect tickets as students leave
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Slide Deck
I Can’t… Yet!
• Learn what a growth mindset is
• Compare fixed vs growth mindsets
• Practice adding “yet” to challenging statements
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Explain today we’ll learn about growth mindset and how saying “yet” can change how we think about challenges. Review the lesson objective: identify fixed vs growth mindsets and reframe negative statements.
Fixed vs Growth Mindset
Fixed Mindset:
• Belief that ability is static
• Avoids challenges
• Gives up easily
Growth Mindset:
• Belief that ability can improve
• Embraces challenges
• Persists through setbacks
Guide a discussion defining each mindset. Invite student examples and record on the board.
Play the video clip. Ask students to jot down one example of fixed thinking and one of growth thinking they notice.
Reframing Statements
- Get a Growth Mindset Prompt Card (#growth-mindset-prompt-cards)
- Read the fixed mindset statement aloud
- Reframe it by adding “yet” or a growth twist
- Be ready to share your best reframe
Explain the activity: students will work in pairs to reframe statements on prompt cards.
Individual Reflection
On your Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet (#growth-mindset-reflection-worksheet):
• Describe a recent challenge
• Explain how a growth mindset could help you
Distribute the reflection worksheet. Circulate and support students as they write.
Exit Ticket
On the Growth Mindset Exit Ticket (#growth-mindset-exit-ticket):
• Write one academic goal using a growth mindset statement
Hand out exit tickets and collect as students leave. Reviewing these will help plan follow-up support.
Activity
Growth Mindset Prompt Cards
Description:
Prompt cards containing fixed‐mindset statements. In pairs, students will read each statement aloud and reframe it into a growth mindset statement by adding “yet” or emphasizing effort and learning.
Instructions:
1. In pairs, take one prompt card.
2. Read the fixed‐mindset statement aloud.
3. On the back of the card, rewrite it as a growth mindset statement (add “yet” or focus on effort).
4. Be ready to share your reframed statement with the class.
Cards:
1. I’m not good at math.
2. I’ll never learn French.
3. This is too hard for me.
4. I’m just not a science person.
5. I always mess up spelling.
6. I can’t run fast.
7. I’m bad at art.
8. I’ll never be as good as her.
Example Reframe (for card #1): “I’m not good at math yet, but with practice I’ll get better.”
Worksheet
Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet
Name: ________________________________ Date: ________________
- Describe a recent challenge you faced in school. How did it make you feel?
- What were your initial thoughts or beliefs about your ability to handle this challenge? (Fixed mindset thoughts)
- Rewrite your initial thought into a growth mindset statement by adding “yet” or focusing on learning and effort.
- What are two specific actions you can take to move forward and improve?
a. ________________________________
b. ________________________________
- Write a personal, academic goal that reflects a growth mindset. Start with “I can ... yet.”
- How will you monitor your progress and celebrate small wins along the way?
Remember: Challenges are opportunities to learn and grow!
Warm Up
Mindset Quick Poll (#mindset-warm-up)
Time: 5 minutes
Purpose: Quickly gauge students’ fixed vs. growth mindset tendencies and spark discussion.
1. Individual Rating
Read each statement and circle your rating (1 = Strongly Disagree, 4 = Strongly Agree):
| Statement | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I can learn new things if I try hard. | __ | __ | __ | __ |
| If I don’t succeed immediately, I’m not good at it. | __ | __ | __ | __ |
| Mistakes help me learn and improve. | __ | __ | __ | __ |
| My intelligence is something I can develop with effort. | __ | __ | __ | __ |
2. Pair & Share (2 minutes)
Turn to a partner and compare ratings:
- Which statement did you rate highest? Why?
- Which statement did you rate lowest? Why?
3. Whole-Class Debrief (2 minutes)
• Invite 2–3 students to share insights.
• Highlight language or beliefs that reflect a fixed mindset vs. a growth mindset.
• Reinforce: adding “yet” and focusing on effort can shift how we think about challenges.
Transition: We’ll now dive deeper into what fixed and growth mindsets look like and practice reframing statements in today’s lesson.
Cool Down
Growth Mindset Exit Ticket (#growth-mindset-exit-ticket)
Name: ________________________________ Date: ________________
- Write one academic goal you will work toward this week, using a growth mindset statement that starts with “I can ... yet.”
I can ___________________________________________________ yet.
- What is one concrete step you will take this week to move closer to this goal?
_________________________________________________________
- How confident do you feel about achieving this goal by the end of the week? (Circle one)
1 - Not confident at all 2 - A little confident 3 - Somewhat confident 4 - Very confident
Thank you! Your responses will help guide our next steps in building a growth mindset.