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Mindset: Level Up!

Lesson Plan

Growth Mindset Lesson Plan

Enable 8th graders to identify growth vs. fixed mindsets, practice reframing fixed‐mindset thoughts into growth‐oriented strategies, and commit to applying a growth mindset when facing challenges.

Developing a growth mindset builds resilience, motivates effort, and boosts academic risk-taking—key skills for lifelong learning and success.

Audience

8th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive activities and guided reflection

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials and Classroom Space

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Mindset in Action

5 minutes

  • Distribute one Growth Mindset Quote Card to each student.
  • Read each quote aloud; students stand if they believe it reflects a growth mindset, sit if they think it shows a fixed mindset.
  • Briefly discuss: Why did you choose stand or sit? What clues in the quote pointed to growth or fixed?

Step 2

Introduction: Defining Mindsets

5 minutes

  • On chart paper, write two columns: “Growth Mindset” and “Fixed Mindset.”
  • Invite volunteers to share real‐life examples of each; record student responses under the correct column.
  • Emphasize key features: effort, learning from mistakes, vs. fear of failure, giving up early.

Step 3

Group Activity: Sorting Scenarios

10 minutes

  • In small groups, give each team a full set of Growth vs Fixed Mindset Sorting Cards.
  • Groups sort the scenarios or statements into the two mindset categories on chart paper.
  • After sorting, groups pick one scenario they found tricky and explain their reasoning to the class.

Step 4

Practice: Reframing Thoughts

7 minutes

  • Hand out the Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet.
  • Students read one fixed‐mindset statement or challenge and rewrite it as a growth‐oriented response.
  • Encourage pairing to compare reframes and offer peer feedback.

Step 5

Cool-Down: Commitment & Share

3 minutes

  • Ask each student to write one growth‐mindset commitment (e.g., “Next time I struggle with math, I will…” ) on a sticky note.
  • Have students post their notes on the board and quickly scan a few aloud.
  • Reinforce: effort and strategies lead to improvement—keep these commitments visible!
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Slide Deck

Mindset: Level Up!

Growth Mindset Workshop
8th Grade | 30 Minutes

Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself and the session title. Explain that today’s focus is on understanding how our beliefs about learning affect our success.

Agenda

  • Warm-Up: Mindset in Action
  • Defining Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets
  • Group Activity: Sorting Scenarios
  • Practice: Reframing Thoughts
  • Cool-Down: Commitment & Share

Review the flow of activities so students know what to expect. Keep this slide visible as you transition between sections.

Session Objectives

  • Recognize fixed and growth mindset traits
  • Reframe fixed-mindset statements
  • Commit to growth-minded strategies

Highlight today’s goals. Refer back to these objectives after each activity to reinforce purpose.

What Is a Mindset?

Fixed Mindset:
• Belief that abilities are static
• Avoiding challenges to prevent failure

Growth Mindset:
• Belief that abilities can improve
• Embracing challenges and effort

Explain key terms. Ask for examples of each mindset from their own experiences.

Warm-Up: Mindset in Action

• Read your quote aloud
• Stand if it reflects a growth mindset; sit if fixed
• Discuss: What clues helped you decide?

Distribute one quote card per student. Read aloud and guide the stand/sit activity, then facilitate a brief discussion.

Group Activity: Sorting Scenarios

• In groups, sort scenarios into ‘Fixed’ or ‘Growth’ categories
• Use chart paper to record your decisions
• Choose one tricky scenario to share your reasoning

Divide into small groups and hand out sorting cards. Circulate to prompt discussion and keep groups on task.

Example Sort

Scenario: “I’m just not good at math.”
Sorted as: Fixed Mindset
Growth Reframe: “I can improve in math by practicing and asking for help.”

Model with this sample so students see how to sort and reframe. Emphasize the growth reframe language.

Practice: Reframing Thoughts

• Complete the Reflection Worksheet
• Rewrite fixed statements as growth-focused
• Pair up to share and refine your reframes

Pass out the reflection worksheet. Give a 5-minute timer and encourage students to work quietly then pair up.

Cool-Down: Commitment & Share

• Write your growth commitment on a sticky note
• Post it on the board
• Read a few aloud and keep them visible

Provide sticky notes and direct students to write one concrete commitment. Invite a few volunteers to read theirs aloud.

Keep Growing!

Effort + Strategies = Improvement
Remember: Challenges help you learn and grow. Check your commitment often!

Wrap up by reinforcing that mindset is a choice. Encourage students to revisit their commitments regularly.

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Worksheet

Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________

Part 1: Reframe Fixed Mindset Statements

For each fixed mindset statement below, rewrite it as a growth mindset statement.

  1. Fixed Mindset Statement: “I’m just not good at this.”

    Growth Mindset Reframe:

    --------------------------------------------------------------











  2. Fixed Mindset Statement: “I give up when it gets too hard.”

    Growth Mindset Reframe:

    --------------------------------------------------------------











  3. Fixed Mindset Statement: “If I make a mistake, it means I’m a failure.”

    Growth Mindset Reframe:

    --------------------------------------------------------------











  4. Fixed Mindset Statement: “I’ll never understand math.”

    Growth Mindset Reframe:

    --------------------------------------------------------------











  5. Fixed Mindset Statement: “This assignment is stupid.”

    Growth Mindset Reframe:

    --------------------------------------------------------------











Part 2: Personal Reflection

  1. Describe a recent challenge you faced in school. What happened? Why was it difficult?

    --------------------------------------------------------------













  2. How could you apply a growth mindset to that challenge? What actions or strategies could you use?

    --------------------------------------------------------------













Part 3: Growth Mindset Commitment

Write one specific commitment using a growth mindset. Start with “Next time I encounter a challenge, I will…”

--------------------------------------------------------------









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Activity

Growth vs. Fixed Mindset Sorting Cards

Cut out each scenario card and sort into two piles: Fixed Mindset or Growth Mindset. There are 6 fixed mindset scenarios and 6 growth mindset scenarios.

Fixed Mindset Cards

  1. “I’m just not good at this; I’ll never get it right.”
  2. “If I try and fail, it means I’m not smart.”
  3. “I avoid this subject because it’s too hard for me.”
  4. “I’ll never get faster at running; I’m not an athlete.”
  5. “I’m terrible at public speaking; I should just avoid presentations.”
  6. “If I don’t ace the test, I’m a complete failure.”

Growth Mindset Cards

  1. “I didn’t get it this time, but I can practice until I do.”
  2. “Mistakes help me learn, so I’ll try again differently.”
  3. “Challenges make me stronger and more skilled.”
  4. “I will ask for help to improve on this assignment.”
  5. “I can improve my writing by getting feedback and revising.”
  6. “I can grow my math skills by working through extra problems.”
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Activity

Growth Mindset Quote Cards

Cut out each quote card. During the warm-up, read each aloud and stand if it reflects a growth mindset; sit if it reflects a fixed mindset.

1. “If I keep practicing, I can get better at anything.”

2. “I’m just not smart enough to learn this.”

3. “Mistakes are proof that I’m trying and learning.”

4. “Challenges help me grow stronger.”

5. “I avoid anything that I’m not already good at.”

6. “Feedback lets me see how to improve.”

7. “My effort won’t change how good I am.”

8. “I can solve hard problems by breaking them into smaller steps.”

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