Lesson Plan
Growth Mindset Lesson Plan
Developing a growth mindset boosts resilience, encourages persistence, and fosters lifelong learning habits. It helps students view setbacks as opportunities and improves academic performance and well-being.
Audience
9th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive activities and reflection to practice reframing challenges.
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print enough copies of the Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet and Growth Mindset Quotes Handout for your class.
- Queue up the Brain Research and Growth Mindset Video to play in class.
- Review the Growth Mindset Vignette Slides to familiarize yourself with discussion prompts.
- Ensure classroom technology (projector, speakers) is working properly.
Step 1
Introduction to Mindset
5 minutes
- Display the first two slides of Growth Mindset Vignette Slides defining "Fixed Mindset" vs. "Growth Mindset."
- Ask: “What beliefs have you heard about talent and effort?”
- Solicit 2–3 student responses and record key ideas on the board.
Step 2
Watch and Discuss Video
8 minutes
- Play the Brain Research and Growth Mindset Video (3 minutes).
- After, ask students: “What surprised you about how the brain changes with effort?”
- In pairs, have students share one takeaway and report back to the class.
Step 3
Fixed vs. Growth Sorting Activity
7 minutes
- Distribute the Growth Mindset Quotes Handout.
- In small groups, students sort quotes into "Fixed" or "Growth" columns on the slide or a poster sheet.
- Each group presents one quote and explains its category choice.
Step 4
Reflection Practice
7 minutes
- Hand out the Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet.
- Prompt students to write a challenging academic scenario they faced and reframe it from a fixed to a growth perspective.
- Encourage sharing of one reflection with a peer for feedback.
Step 5
Wrap-Up and Next Steps
3 minutes
- Ask for two volunteers to share how their reframing changed the scenario.
- Summarize: "Changing our self-talk helps us tackle challenges."
- Encourage students to use one growth mindset strategy this week and reflect on outcomes in their journals.
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Slide Deck
Fixed Mindset
• Belief that intelligence and abilities are permanent
• Avoid challenges to prevent failure
• Effort is seen as pointless if you “don’t have it”
Introduce the concept of a fixed mindset. Emphasize that this view sees intelligence and talent as unchangeable. Use real-life examples, like assuming someone is “just born smart.”
Growth Mindset
• Belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed
• Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn
• See effort as the path to mastery
Contrast with growth mindset. Stress that brain science shows abilities can develop through practice and effort.
Vignette #1
Emma got a B on her math test and said, “I’m just not a math person. I guess I’m never going to understand this.”
Read the vignette aloud. Ask: “Is this fixed or growth?” Encourage students to explain clues in Emma’s words.
Vignette #2
After struggling with the guitar, Alex said, “I have no musical talent. I’ll never get better at this.”
Invite a quick pair‐share: “What could Emma say instead if she had a growth mindset?” Take 1–2 responses.
Quote Sorting
- “I don’t like math. I’ll never be good at it.”
- “Mistakes help me learn.”
- “If I have to work hard, I’m not smart.”
- “I can improve with practice.”
- “This is too hard; I give up.”
- “Challenges help me grow.”
Explain that you’ll sort these quotes into Fixed vs Growth. Encourage students to look for the mindset behind each statement.
Sorting Template
Fixed Mindset | Growth Mindset
(Place each quote under the correct heading)
Draw two columns labeled Fixed and Growth. In groups, students place each quote under the column they think fits. After sorting, one group presents a quote and explains their choice.
Worksheet
Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet
1. Describe a recent academic challenge you faced.
Write down a specific situation where you struggled or didn’t meet your own expectations.
2. How did you initially talk to yourself or think about this challenge?
Record the fixed mindset statement you might have used (for example, “I’m just not good at this,” or “I’ll never get it right”).
3. Reframe this statement into a growth mindset perspective.
Write a new, positive statement that focuses on learning, effort, and improvement (for example, “With practice I can improve,” or “Challenges help me grow”).
4. Identify two concrete actions you can take to help you grow from this challenge.
- Action 1:
- Action 2:
5. How will you track your progress and celebrate small successes?
Describe one way you will monitor your growth (e.g., keeping a log, setting mini-goals) and how you’ll reward yourself for effort.
Reading
Brain Research and Growth Mindset Video
In the video, neuroscientist Dr. Elena Torres explains how our brains form new connections when we learn and practice challenging tasks. She highlights three key findings:
- Neuroplasticity: The brain’s wiring isn’t fixed—neurons can grow new connections throughout life.
- Effort and Myelin: Repeated practice strengthens pathways by building myelin, the protective coating around nerve fibers.
- Mistakes as Feedback: Struggling and making errors triggers the brain to adapt and learn more effectively.
Video Link
Watch the full 3-minute video here: Brain Research and Growth Mindset Video
Discussion Questions
- What did you find most surprising about how the brain changes with effort?
- How does understanding neuroplasticity help you reframe a difficult task?
- Think of a time you learned something new through practice. Which part of your brain do you imagine was getting stronger?
Reflect on these questions in pairs for 2–3 minutes, then share one insight with the class.
Worksheet
Growth Mindset Quotes Handout
Directions
In your small group, sort the quotes below into Fixed Mindset or Growth Mindset. Discuss the clues in each statement that indicate the speaker’s mindset. Be prepared to explain your choices.
- “I don’t like math. I’ll never be good at it.”
- “Mistakes are proof that I’m learning.”
- “If I have to work hard, I’m not smart.”
- “With practice, I can improve at anything.”
- “This is too hard; I give up.”
- “Challenges help me grow.”
- “I’m not naturally talented, so there’s no point in trying.”
- “Every failure is an opportunity to learn something new.”
- “I avoid tasks that feel risky because I might fail.”
- “I welcome feedback to help me get better.”