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Mindset Makeover

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ebliss

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Session 1 Lesson Plan

Students will define fixed vs. growth mindsets, distinguish their characteristics, and reflect on personal examples through group discussion and interactive activities.

Understanding fixed and growth mindsets helps students embrace challenges, build resilience, and set the foundation for academic success and personal growth.

Audience

5th and 6th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, sorting activity, game, and reflection worksheet.

Materials

Poster of Fixed vs Growth Mindset Definitions, Printed Mindset Statements Cards, Mindset Sort Worksheet, and Timer or Stopwatch

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print and cut out the Printed Mindset Statements Cards.
  • Make copies of Mindset Sort Worksheet for each student.
  • Display the Poster of Fixed vs Growth Mindset Definitions in a visible area or load it as a slide.
  • Review Session 1 Lesson Plan to familiarize yourself with the flow and timing.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Mindset Check-In

5 minutes

  • Ask students to rate their own thinking style: thumbs up for growth mindset (enjoy challenges) or thumbs down for fixed mindset (avoid challenges).
  • Invite a few volunteers to share a recent time they thought “I can’t do this.” Transition by noting that today we’ll learn how to shift that thinking.

Step 2

Introduction to Mindset

7 minutes

  • Show the Poster of Fixed vs Growth Mindset Definitions.
  • Read aloud both definitions and ask students to give real-life examples of each.
  • Highlight key words (e.g., "yet," "effort," "abilities are fixed"). Transition to the sorting activity.

Step 3

Sorting Activity: Statement Cards

8 minutes

  • Pair up students and distribute a set of Printed Mindset Statements Cards.
  • Have pairs sort each card under Fixed or Growth columns on their desks.
  • After sorting, ask each pair to share one card and explain their choice. Transition to the game by collecting cards.

Step 4

Game: Mindset Race

7 minutes

  • Divide the class into two teams. Place two bins labeled Fixed and Growth at the front.
  • Show one card at a time; first team to correctly place it in the right bin scores a point.
  • Use the Timer or Stopwatch to keep rounds quick. Tally points and congratulate the winning team. Transition to reflection worksheet.

Step 5

Reflection: Mindset Sort Worksheet

3 minutes

  • Distribute Mindset Sort Worksheet.
  • Instruct students to write one area they’d like to approach with a growth mindset this week.
  • Collect worksheets for review and encourage students to post their growth goal somewhere visible.
lenny

Worksheet

Session 1 Mindset Sort Worksheet

Directions

For each statement below, write F if it shows a Fixed Mindset, or G if it shows a Growth Mindset.

  1. “I’m just not good at math.” ______

  2. “I can learn anything I want to.” ______

  3. “This is too hard for me.” ______

  4. “Mistakes help me learn.” ______

  5. “I can’t do this yet.” ______

  6. “I’m not smart enough to do this.” ______

  7. “I’ll keep trying until I get it.” ______

  8. “I’ll never be able to do this.” ______

Reflection Questions

  1. Which statement did you think was most challenging to sort? Why?






  2. Think of something you find difficult right now.

    • What would your fixed mindset voice say about it?



    • How could you change that voice to a growth mindset voice (use the word “yet”)?






  3. Growth Goal: Write one area you’d like to approach with a growth mindset this week.







  4. Action Steps: List two things you will do to show effort and persistence toward your goal.

    1. ______________________________________________

    2. ______________________________________________


lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 2 Lesson Plan

Students will identify common challenges, recognize fixed-mindset reactions, and practice reframing those reactions into growth-mindset language through scenario analysis and written rewrites.

Recognizing obstacles and learning to reframe negative self-talk fosters resilience and encourages students to embrace challenges with a growth mindset without on-stage performance.

Audience

5th and 6th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Scenario analysis, feedback framing, and reflection.

Materials

Printed Scenario Cards for Challenges, Chart Paper or Whiteboard, Markers, Sticky Notes, and Challenge & Feedback Worksheet

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print and cut out the Scenario Cards for Challenges.
  • Make copies of Challenge & Feedback Worksheet for each student.
  • Set up chart paper or whiteboard and markers in a visible area.
  • Review each scenario and group students for activities.
  • Familiarize yourself with growth-mindset feedback phrases.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Mindset Check-In

5 minutes

  • Ask students to share a recent challenge and give a thumbs-up if they tried to overcome it or thumbs-down if they avoided it.
  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to describe how they felt and transition by noting that today they’ll practice reframing negative thoughts.

Step 2

Identify Challenges

7 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and give each group a set of Scenario Cards for Challenges.
  • On chart paper or whiteboard, have groups list the challenge and predict a fixed-mindset reaction.
  • Invite groups to share one and stick a sticky note with their fixed reaction next to it.

Step 3

Scenario Analysis & Written Rewrites

7 minutes

  • In pairs, students choose one scenario card and write down the fixed-mindset reaction they predict.
  • Next, under their prediction, they rewrite the statement using growth-mindset language (using “yet” or emphasizing effort).
  • After 4 minutes, invite a few pairs to quietly post their rewrites on the board and review as a class, highlighting strong growth-mindset language.

Step 4

Feedback Framing

6 minutes

  • Introduce sample growth-mindset feedback frames (e.g., “You improved because…,” “Keep practicing, you can master this yet.”).
  • Model turning a fixed statement (e.g., “I’m not good at this”) into growth feedback.
  • In pairs, students select another fixed reaction from their written rewrites and craft a feedback sentence using one of the sample frames.

Step 5

Reflection: Challenge & Feedback Worksheet

5 minutes

  • Distribute Challenge & Feedback Worksheet.
  • Instruct students to:
    1. Write one personal challenge.
    2. Note their fixed reaction and reframe it in growth language.
    3. List one action step to approach that challenge.
  • Collect worksheets for review and encourage posting growth reframes visibly.
lenny

Worksheet

Session 2 Challenge & Feedback Worksheet

Directions

Complete the sections below to identify a personal challenge, notice your fixed mindset reaction, reframe it into growth mindset language, and plan action steps.

  1. Personal Challenge: Write one challenge you are currently facing.







  2. Fixed Mindset Reaction: What would your fixed‐mindset voice say about this challenge?







  3. Growth Mindset Reframe: Rewrite the fixed reaction using growth mindset language (use “yet” or emphasize effort).







  4. Action Steps: List two things you will do to apply a growth mindset to this challenge.

    1. ____________________________________________________________

    2. ____________________________________________________________


lenny
lenny

Discussion

Session 1 Discussion: Getting to Know Mindsets

Discussion Guidelines

  • Listen respectfully when others are speaking
  • Speak using kind and supportive language
  • There are no “wrong” answers—just honest thinking
  • Build on each other’s ideas

Opening Prompt

Question: What do you think the word mindset means?




Follow-up: How might your way of thinking affect how you try new things?

Core Questions

  1. What is a fixed mindset?

    • How might someone sound or act if they have a fixed mindset?
    • Can you share a time you thought, “I can’t do this”?






  2. What is a growth mindset?

    • What words or phrases show a growth mindset?
    • Why do you think adding the word “yet” can change our thinking?






  3. Think of something challenging you’ve worked on recently.

    • What did your fixed-mindset voice say?



    • How could you rephrase it with a growth mindset?






Deeper Exploration

  • How can our mindset affect our learning in subjects like math or reading?
  • What are two strategies you can use to remind yourself to think with a growth mindset when things get hard?











Closing Reflection

  • Turn to a partner and share one specific way you will practice a growth mindset today.
  • Who would like to share their idea with the class?



You can use your ideas on the Mindset Sort Worksheet later when we write our growth goals.

lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 3 Lesson Plan

Students will explore the power of effort and specific perseverance strategies, collaborate via a jigsaw activity to teach peers, and reflect on how to apply these strategies personally.

Focusing on effort and sharing concrete strategies builds persistence, deepens understanding of growth mindset, and empowers students to overcome challenges through peer teaching and personal reflection.

Audience

5th and 6th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Jigsaw collaboration, strategy relay game, and reflection worksheet.

Materials

Strategy Topic Cards, Chart Paper or Whiteboard, Markers, Stopwatch or Timer, and Perseverance Strategies Worksheet

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print and cut out the Strategy Topic Cards (each card outlines one perseverance strategy).
  • Make copies of Perseverance Strategies Worksheet for each student.
  • Set up chart paper or whiteboard and markers at each group station.
  • Review the Strategy Topic Cards to ensure clear group assignments.
  • Familiarize yourself with each perseverance strategy to support student discussions.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Effort Check-In

5 minutes

  • Ask students to stand if they remember a time when effort led to success.
  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to share briefly how working hard helped them.
  • Transition by explaining that today they’ll learn specific strategies to help sustain that effort.

Step 2

Introduction: Effort vs. Talent

5 minutes

  • Display an Effort Quote Poster (e.g., “Genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work”).
  • Discuss the difference between relying on talent versus applying effort.
  • Ask: “Why might focusing on effort help us learn more?”
  • Transition to jigsaw by explaining each group will become experts on one strategy.

Step 3

Activity: Jigsaw Strategy Groups

10 minutes

  • Divide students into 4 expert groups and give each group a different Strategy Topic Card (e.g., goal-setting, self-talk, breaking tasks into steps, asking for help).
  • In their expert groups, students read the card and list key points or steps on chart paper.
  • After 5 minutes, form new mixed groups so each contains one expert from each original group.
  • In mixed groups, each student teaches their strategy to peers, and peers take quick notes.
  • Transition to game: “Now let’s see how quickly we can recall and apply these strategies!”

Step 4

Game: Strategy Relay

5 minutes

  • Divide the class into two teams at the board or chart paper.
  • Call out a strategy name (e.g., “goal-setting”).
  • One student from each team races to write one action step for that strategy on the board.
  • The first correct entry earns the team a point. Rotate runners for 2–3 rounds.
  • Transition to reflection by applauding team effort and distributing worksheets.

Step 5

Reflection: Perseverance Strategies Worksheet

5 minutes

  • Distribute Perseverance Strategies Worksheet.
  • Instruct students to:
    1. Choose one strategy they learned today.
    2. Describe how they will use it on a real challenge this week.
    3. List two specific action steps to apply that strategy.
  • Collect worksheets or have students post them visibly to remind themselves of their plan.
lenny

Worksheet

Session 3 Perseverance Strategies Worksheet

Directions

Use what you learned today about perseverance strategies to plan how you will apply one strategy to a real challenge. Complete each section below.

  1. Strategy Name: Which strategy will you focus on?




  2. Strategy Description: In your own words, describe what this strategy involves.







  3. Personal Challenge: What is a challenge you want to work on this week?







  4. Application Plan: Explain how you will use the strategy to tackle your challenge.












  5. Action Steps: List two specific things you will do to put this strategy into action.

    1. ______________________________________________

    2. ______________________________________________


lenny
lenny

Discussion

Session 2 Discussion: Reframing Challenges

Discussion Guidelines

  • Listen respectfully and let others finish speaking
  • Use kind, supportive language
  • Share honestly—there are no wrong answers
  • Build on each other’s ideas

Opening Prompt

Question: Think of a recent challenge you faced (in class, at home, or with friends).
What was the first thought that popped into your head?




Follow-up: How did that thought make you feel?



Core Questions

  1. Fixed-Mindset Reactions

    • What are some phrases or thoughts that show a fixed mindset when you face a challenge?



    • Why might those thoughts make it harder to keep trying?



  2. Noticing Negative Self-Talk

    • Why is it helpful to notice your fixed-mindset voice instead of just ignoring it?



  3. Growth-Mindset Reframes

    • What words or strategies did you use today to reframe a fixed reaction into a growth mindset response?






    • How did it feel to use that growth language compared to the fixed-mindset voice?



  4. The Power of “Yet”

    • How does adding the word yet change the way you think about difficulty?



Deeper Exploration

  • How can reframing your thoughts change what you do next when something is hard?
  • When might you need to ask for help, and how can you use growth-mindset language to do that?











Closing Reflection

  • Turn to a partner and share:
    1. Your personal challenge
    2. Your fixed-mindset reaction
    3. Your growth-mindset reframe



  • Who would like to share their reframe with the class?



You can record your ideas and reframe on the Challenge & Feedback Worksheet.

lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 4 Lesson Plan

Students will practice giving and receiving feedback using growth mindset strategies through interactive carousel stations and a bingo game.

Learning to share and accept constructive feedback fosters communication, collaboration, and continued growth by focusing on effort and improvement.

Audience

5th and 6th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Carousel stations, bingo game, and reflection worksheet

Materials

Feedback Carousel Station Signs, Chart Paper or Large Poster Paper, Markers, Feedback Bingo Cards, Tokens or Bingo Chips, and Feedback Strategies Worksheet

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print and post the Feedback Carousel Station Signs at 4 stations around the room.
  • Place large sheets of Chart Paper or Poster Paper and Markers at each station.
  • Print and cut out the Feedback Bingo Cards and gather Tokens or Bingo Chips.
  • Make copies of Feedback Strategies Worksheet for each student.
  • Review key feedback strategies and the flow of rotations and game rules.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Feedback Mindset Check

5 minutes

  • Ask students: “Why is feedback important for learning?”
  • Have students think-pair-share a time they received helpful feedback.
  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to share how that feedback helped them improve.

Step 2

Activity: Feedback Carousel

10 minutes

  • Explain that each station focuses on a different feedback strategy (e.g., praising effort, asking questions, offering suggestions, using “yet” language).
  • Group students into 4 teams and assign each to a starting station.
  • At each station, students write a feedback example on the chart paper based on a prompt.
  • After 2 minutes, rotate teams clockwise until all stations are visited.
  • Debrief by highlighting strong growth-mindset language observed.

Step 3

Game: Feedback Bingo

7 minutes

  • Distribute one Feedback Bingo Card and tokens to each student.
  • Call out different classroom scenarios requiring feedback (e.g., “A classmate makes a mistake on a math problem”).
  • Students mark a feedback strategy on their card that they would use in that scenario.
  • The first student to get a bingo (5 in a row) shares the strategies and wins the round.

Step 4

Reflection: Feedback Strategies Worksheet

8 minutes

  • Distribute Feedback Strategies Worksheet.
  • Instruct students to:
    1. List two feedback strategies they learned today.
    2. Describe how they will use each strategy to give feedback to peers.
    3. Identify one personal area where they would like to receive feedback and how they will ask for it using growth mindset language.
  • Collect worksheets or have students post them on a feedback board.
lenny

Worksheet

Session 4 Feedback Strategies Worksheet

Directions

Use this worksheet to plan how you will give and receive feedback using the growth mindset strategies you practiced today. Complete each section below.

  1. Feedback Strategy #1
    Strategy Name: _______________________________________________


    What this strategy involves:






    How I will use this strategy to give feedback to peers:







  2. Feedback Strategy #2
    Strategy Name: _______________________________________________


    What this strategy involves:






    How I will use this strategy to give feedback to peers:







  3. Area I Would Like to Receive Feedback On







  4. How I Will Ask for Feedback Using Growth Mindset Language
    (Use “yet” or emphasize effort)









lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 5 Lesson Plan

Students will reflect on their growth journey, celebrate shifts in mindset, and plan next steps through a gallery walk, timeline activity, quiz game, and self-reflection.

Reviewing progress helps solidify growth mindset habits, recognize improvements, and set goals for continued resilience and learning.

Audience

5th and 6th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Gallery walk, timeline creation, quiz game, reflection worksheet

Materials

Gallery Walk Station Labels, Sticky Notes, Chart Paper or Bulletin Board, Markers, Growth Reflection Worksheet, and Mindset Quiz Cards

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Post student growth goals and strategies from previous sessions on walls or bulletin board as gallery stations.
  • Prepare and label Gallery Walk Station Labels for each area.
  • Make copies of Growth Reflection Worksheet for each student.
  • Print and cut out Mindset Quiz Cards.
  • Gather Sticky Notes, Markers, and Chart Paper or Bulletin Board space.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Growth Gallery Walk

5 minutes

  • Invite students to walk around the room and read peers’ posted growth goals and strategies.
  • Encourage them to leave a Sticky Note with a compliment, question, or encouragement at each station.
  • Transition by asking: “What stood out to you about someone’s growth?”

Step 2

Introduction: Growth Timeline Example

5 minutes

  • Share a personal or fictional growth timeline on Chart Paper (e.g., challenge onset, setbacks, strategy use, success moments).
  • Highlight key mindset shifts and strategies used at each stage.
  • Ask students what they notice about how effort and language helped progress.
  • Transition to the timeline activity.

Step 3

Activity: Create Growth Timeline

10 minutes

  • Distribute Growth Reflection Worksheet.
  • Instruct students to:
    1. Identify a challenge they focused on during this unit.
    2. Map at least three points showing how their mindset shifted and strategies they applied.
    3. Note outcomes and ongoing goals.
  • Circulate to support and prompt deeper reflection.
  • Transition to the quiz game by collecting timelines.

Step 4

Game: Mindset Quest Quiz

5 minutes

  • Divide the class into two teams.
  • Shuffle Mindset Quiz Cards and place them face-down.
  • Teams take turns drawing a card, reading the question, and answering within 30 seconds.
  • Award a point for each correct answer. Keep a running tally. Transition to reflection when time is up.

Step 5

Reflection: Self-Reflection and Next Steps

5 minutes

  • Ask students to revisit their Growth Reflection Worksheet.
  • Have them complete the final section: one concrete next step to continue using a growth mindset.
  • Pair students to share their next step and offer one peer suggestion.
  • Collect or have students keep their worksheets as a reminder of their journey.
lenny

Worksheet

Session 5 Growth Reflection Worksheet

Directions

Use this worksheet to reflect on your growth journey during this unit and plan next steps. Complete each section below.

  1. Challenge Focus
    What challenge did you work on during these sessions?







  1. Growth Timeline
    Map at least three key moments showing how your mindset changed and which strategies you used.

Point 1: Describe an early moment (challenge or setback).







Point 2: Describe a time you applied a growth mindset strategy.







Point 3: Describe a breakthrough or progress you experienced.







  1. Outcomes and Insights
    What positive results or insights did you gain from shifting your mindset?









  1. Next Steps: Continuing Growth
    What is one concrete step you will take to keep using a growth mindset going forward?







  1. Partner Suggestion
    After sharing your next step with a partner, write one suggestion or encouragement they gave you:







lenny
lenny

Game

Session 5 Mindset Quiz Cards

Use these cards for the Mindset Quest Quiz game. Shuffle and place face-down. On their turn, a team draws a card, reads the question aloud, and answers within 30 seconds. Award a point for each correct response.

  1. What is the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset?

  2. Why is the word “yet” powerful in growth mindset language?

  3. Name two strategies we’ve learned this unit to persevere when something is hard.

  4. Give an example of turning a fixed-mindset statement into a growth-mindset statement.

  5. What does it mean to give “growth mindset feedback” to a peer?

  6. Why is asking for help a growth mindset strategy?

  7. What are two action steps you can take to work toward a growth goal?

  8. How can reframing negative self-talk change what you do next?

  9. What is one benefit of reflecting on your growth journey?

  10. Describe a time you used a growth mindset strategy and what happened next.

lenny
lenny

Activity

Session 4 Feedback Carousel Stations

Instructions

  • Students will rotate through four stations, spending 2 minutes at each.
  • At each station, read the prompt and write your response on the chart paper.
  • Use kind, growth-mindset language.
  • Rotate clockwise when the timer rings.

Station 1: Praising Effort

Prompt: Write a feedback sentence praising a peer’s effort on a task they found challenging (e.g., finishing a tough math problem, practicing a new skill).







Station 2: Asking Questions

Prompt: Write a thoughtful question to help a classmate reflect on how they can improve or build on their work (e.g., “What strategy helped you solve that part?”).







Station 3: Offering Suggestions

Prompt: Offer one specific, supportive suggestion for improvement on a peer’s project, focusing on effort and next steps (e.g., “Maybe try breaking it into smaller steps…”).







Station 4: Using “Yet” Language

Prompt: Rewrite the fixed-mindset statement below into a growth-mindset statement using the word yet.

Fixed statement: “I can’t do this.”

Growth rewrite:







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lenny