Lesson Plan

Mindset Magic Lesson Plan

Students will define growth versus fixed mindsets, analyze scenarios to identify mindset examples, and apply growth strategies through personal reflection.

Learners with a growth mindset persevere through challenges, view mistakes as learning opportunities, and build resilience—critical skills for academic success and lifelong learning in 7th grade and beyond.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive scenarios, group discussions, and individual reflections.

Materials

Growth Mindset Scenario Cards, - Reflection Journal Template, - Sticky Notes, - Chart Paper, and - Colored Markers

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Review the scenarios in the Growth Mindset Scenario Cards to anticipate student responses.
Print enough Reflection Journal Template pages for each student.
Pre-draw a T-chart titled “Challenges vs. Opportunities” on Chart Paper using Colored Markers.

Step 1

Introduction to Mindsets

5 minutes

Write definitions of “Growth Mindset” and “Fixed Mindset” on Chart Paper.
Ask students to share recent challenges and note responses under each mindset.
Explain that viewing challenges as opportunities fuels improvement.

Step 2

Scenario Exploration

10 minutes

Divide students into small groups and distribute Growth Mindset Scenario Cards.
Have each group read scenarios and discuss how a growth-oriented response differs from a fixed one.
Students record their responses on Sticky Notes.

Step 3

Group Discussion

5 minutes

Collect Sticky Notes and place them on the T-chart under “Challenges vs. Opportunities.”
Invite groups to explain their placements.
Highlight patterns that reflect growth mindset thinking.

Step 4

Reflection Activity

7 minutes

Provide each student with the Reflection Journal Template.
Prompt students to write about a personal challenge, the mindset they used, and how they can apply growth strategies moving forward.
Encourage honesty and detail.

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Assessment

3 minutes

Ask a few volunteers to share key insights from their reflections.
Summarize that mistakes and challenges are pathways to growth.
Encourage students to practice growth mindset daily.

Slide Deck

Mindset Magic

Exploring Growth vs. Fixed Mindsets

7th Grade • 30-Minute Lesson • Tier 1 Classroom Activity

Welcome students and introduce the session. Explain that today we’ll learn about mindsets—how our beliefs about ability can shape how we tackle challenges.
Script: “Good morning! Today we’re exploring ‘Mindset Magic.’ By the end of our time together, you’ll understand two types of mindsets and learn strategies to turn obstacles into opportunities.”

Growth vs. Fixed Mindset

• Fixed Mindset: Abilities are static. Mistakes mean you’re ‘not good enough.’
• Growth Mindset: Abilities can improve. Mistakes are opportunities to learn.

Define the two mindsets on chart paper as you go through the slide. Encourage students to ask questions if definitions aren’t clear.
Script: “A fixed mindset believes you are born with a set amount of intelligence and talent. A growth mindset sees intelligence and ability as skills you can develop through effort.”

Introduction Activity

Reflect on a Recent Challenge:

Write your challenge on a sticky note.
Note your first reaction.
Be ready to share.

Ask students to think of a recent challenge (academic, social, or personal) and jot it on sticky notes. Then invite a few volunteers to share their challenge and initial reaction.
Script: “Take one minute to write down a challenge you faced this week. How did you react? Share briefly.”

Scenario Exploration

Form groups of 3–4.
Read each scenario card.
Discuss fixed vs. growth responses.
Write your group’s growth-mindset responses on sticky notes.

Explain group setup and distribute the printed scenario cards.
Script: “Now we’ll work in small groups. Each group gets Growth Mindset Scenario Cards. Read each card, discuss how a fixed mindset response differs from a growth mindset response, and record examples on sticky notes.”

Scenario Example

“You practice the guitar and still make mistakes.”
• Fixed: “I’ll never get this.”
• Growth: “Mistakes help me learn—I'll focus on small sections and practice slowly.”

Display one sample scenario so students see formatting of the cards.
Script: “Here’s an example scenario: ‘You study for a test and still get a low score.’ A fixed-mindset response might be ‘I’m just not good at this.’ A growth-mindset response might be ‘I can review mistakes and try new study strategies.’”

Group Discussion

Post your sticky notes on the T-chart: Challenges vs. Opportunities.
Groups share their responses.
Identify common growth-mindset strategies.

After 10 minutes, gather sticky notes and place them under the T-chart on chart paper. Invite 2–3 groups to share.
Script: “Let’s post your growth responses under ‘Opportunities’ and discuss. What patterns do you notice?”

Reflection Activity

In your journal:
• Describe a personal challenge.
• Which mindset did you use?
• How will you apply a growth strategy next time?

Hand out the Reflection Journal Templates. Circulate to support students.
Script: “Now, individually reflect. Write about a personal challenge, describe your current mindset, and plan a growth-mindset strategy for next time.”

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

• Mistakes = Learning Opportunities
• Effort Builds Ability
• Keep a Growth Mindset Journal

Thank you for your participation!

Wrap up by reinforcing core message. Encourage daily practice and point to future opportunities to apply these skills.
Script: “Remember: Challenges and mistakes are stepping stones to growth. Practice a growth mindset every day—at school, at home, and with friends!”

Worksheet

Growth Mindset Scenario Cards

Below are scenarios you might face. For each one, write how someone with a fixed mindset might respond, and then how someone with a growth mindset would respond.

You studied for a test and still got a low score.