Growth Goals Worksheet

Name: ______________________ Date: __________

1. My Reading Goal

What is one goal you can set to help you become a stronger reader?

Choose a Positive Self-Talk phrase from Positive Self-Talk Cards that will help you with this reading goal:

2. My Writing Goal

What is one goal you can set to help you become a better writer?

Choose a Positive Self-Talk phrase from Positive Self-Talk Cards that will help you with this writing goal:

3. Reflection

How will using your goals and positive self-talk help you grow as a reader and writer?

Great work! Remember our class cheer when things get tough:

“I grow when I try!”

Growth Mindset Story Cards

Use these scenario cards in pairs. Read each short story. Then discuss: Does the character show a growth or fixed mindset? How can you tell?

Card 1
Liam is trying to read a new chapter book. The words are hard, and he trips over many of them. At first, he feels frustrated and wants to give up. Then he remembers: “I can learn by sounding out each part.” He slows down, tries again, and figures out the tricky words.

Card 2
Ava is writing a poem for class. She starts with one verse but thinks it isn’t good enough. She crumples the paper and says, “I’m terrible at writing poems.” She tosses it aside and walks away without trying again.

Card 3
Ethan has been practicing his spelling words. He spells “disappear” wrong five times in a row. Instead of giving up, he writes the word slowly, breaks it into parts, and uses his notebook to remember each syllable.

Card 4
Sophia is asked to summarize a story she read. She’s nervous because summarizing is new for her. She takes a deep breath, tells herself, “Mistakes help me grow,” and tries writing a short summary. Even though it’s rough, she improves it after feedback.

Card 5
Noah is drawing a picture to illustrate a poem. His first sketch doesn’t look right, so he says, “I’m no artist. Why bother?” He erases the whole page and starts a video game instead.

Card 6
Mia practices reading aloud in front of the class. She stumbles over several words and feels embarrassed. Then she reminds herself, “I can improve with practice,” and volunteers to read again the next day.

Positive Self-Talk Cards

Use these cards to choose a phrase that will help you stay positive when challenges come up. Cut them apart and let each student pick one for their reading goal and one for their writing goal.

Card 1
“I can learn from my mistakes.”

Card 2
“Mistakes help me grow.”

Card 3
“I get stronger when I practice.”

Card 4
“Challenges help me learn.”

Card 5
“I keep trying until I succeed.”

Card 6
“My effort makes me smarter.”

Card 7
“I can ask for help and learn.”

Card 8
“I learn from feedback.”

Growth Mindset Anchor Chart

What Is Mindset?

• Our mindset is the way we think about our abilities and learning.

Growth Mindset 💡

• Belief: I can learn new things with effort and practice.
• Language: “I can’t do it… yet!” “Mistakes help me grow.”
• Behavior: Tries again after mistakes, asks for help, uses strategies.
• Brain Picture: Picture a brain that gets bigger with each challenge.

Examples:
• When tasks are hard, I keep going.
• I celebrate small steps and progress.
• I say, “I haven’t mastered this—so I’ll practice more.”

Fixed Mindset 🧊

• Belief: I have a set level of talent or intelligence.
• Language: “I’m just not good at this.” “Why bother if I’ll fail?”
• Behavior: Gives up easily, avoids challenges, ignores feedback.

Examples:
• If I make mistakes, I think I’m not smart.
• I only do things I already know how to do.

Anchor Chart Reminders

• Challenge = Chance to Grow: Embrace new tasks.
• Mistakes = Important Clues: Learn and improve.
• Effort + Strategies + Help = Success

“The more we practice, the stronger our brains get!”

Use this chart during our lesson to decide if characters and you are showing a Growth or Fixed Mindset.