Mindset Makeover: Growth Power!

Kourtney Adams

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindset Makeover: Growth Power!

Students will be able to identify characteristics of fixed and growth mindsets and apply strategies to transform negative thought patterns into positive, growth-oriented ones.

Understanding mindsets empowers students to approach challenges with resilience, improve their learning, and foster a more positive outlook on their personal and academic growth.

Audience

9-12 Grade, Therapeutic Program Students

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and presentation of key concepts.

Materials

Mindset Makeover Slide Deck

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

Review the Mindset Makeover Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content and talking points.
- Ensure projector and computer are set up for the slide deck.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

2 minutes

Begin by asking students what they think the word 'mindset' means.
- Introduce the concept of how our thoughts about our abilities can impact everything we do. (Refer to Mindset Makeover Slide Deck - Slide 1-2)

Step 2

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

5 minutes

Present the definitions and characteristics of 'fixed mindset' and 'growth mindset'.
- Use relatable examples to illustrate each type. (Refer to Mindset Makeover Slide Deck - Slide 3-6)

Step 3

Identifying Negative Mindsets

3 minutes

Facilitate a brief discussion on common negative thoughts students might have and how they relate to a fixed mindset. (Refer to Mindset Makeover Slide Deck - Slide 7)
- Teacher Note: Emphasize that it's normal to have these thoughts sometimes.

Step 4

Strategies for Change

4 minutes

Introduce actionable strategies for shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset (e.g., 'The Power of Yet,' seeing challenges as opportunities, learning from mistakes). (Refer to Mindset Makeover Slide Deck - Slide 8-10)

Step 5

Wrap-up & Challenge

1 minute

Briefly summarize the key takeaway: Mindsets can change!
- Encourage students to practice identifying their mindsets and applying growth mindset strategies. (Refer to Mindset Makeover Slide Deck - Slide 11)

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Slide Deck

Mindset Makeover: Growth Power!

How our thoughts shape our world and how to change them.

Today, we'll explore the incredible power of our minds.

Welcome students and introduce the topic of mindsets. Ask: 'What does the word mindset mean to you? How do your thoughts about yourself and your abilities impact what you do?' Encourage a few quick responses.

Your Mindset Matters

Thoughts ➡️ Feelings ➡️ Actions ➡️ Results

Your mindset is your mental attitude. It's how you see yourself, your abilities, and the world around you.
It's like a filter through which you experience everything.

Transition to thinking about how our thoughts directly influence our actions and results. Emphasize that it's a cycle.

What's a Fixed Mindset?

"I can't do it." or "I'm just not good at it."

Believing your basic abilities, intelligence, and talents are fixed traits.
You either have it or you don't.
Challenges are avoided.
Effort is seen as pointless if you're not naturally good.
Criticism is taken personally.

Introduce the first type: Fixed Mindset. Explain that this mindset believes abilities are static. Ask students if they've ever felt this way about something.

What's a Growth Mindset?

"I can learn anything I want to." or "I'll try my best!"

Believing your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.
Challenges are opportunities to grow.
Effort is essential for mastery.
Learning from mistakes is key.
Inspired by the success of others.

Now, introduce the Growth Mindset. Contrast it with the fixed mindset. Highlight the key difference: belief in improvement.

Fixed vs. Growth: An Example

Imagine you get a low grade on a test.

Fixed Mindset: "I'm so stupid. I'll never be good at this subject. There's no point in trying harder."

Growth Mindset: "Okay, that didn't go well. What can I learn from this? What strategies can I try next time to improve?"

Give a simple example for clarity. You can ask students to think of another example, perhaps from sports or a hobby.

Catching Fixed Mindset Thoughts

What are some common negative thoughts or phrases you (or people you know) might say when facing a tough challenge, a mistake, or something new?

Let's share a few examples and see if they sound like a fixed mindset.

This slide sets up the discussion on identifying negative thoughts. Emphasize that everyone has negative thoughts, but it's how we respond to them that matters.

Mindset Makeover: Instant Cheats!

When you hear a fixed mindset thought, try these instant cheats:

The Power of YET! Instead of "I can't do it," say "I can't do it... YET!"
Flip the Script! Change "I made a mistake" to "I'm learning!" or "That's a chance to improve!"
Ask "What Can I Learn?" Instead of "I failed," ask "What did this teach me?"

Introduce the concept of 'The Power of Yet' and other quick mental tools. Have students practice rephrasing a few fixed mindset statements using these cheats.

More Growth Mindset Strategies

Embrace Challenges: See them as puzzles to solve, not walls.
Learn from Mistakes: Every 'oops' is a chance to grow.
Value Effort: Hard work makes you smarter, not just busy.
Seek Feedback: Use advice to improve, not to feel judged.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge how far you've come, even small steps.

Provide more actionable strategies. Encourage students to think about how they can apply these in their own lives.

Your Mind, Your Power!

Remember:

Your brain is like a muscle; the more you use it and challenge it, the stronger it gets.
You have the power to change your mindset.
A growth mindset helps you learn, grow, and achieve amazing things!

What's one thing you'll try to say 'yet' to this week?

Summarize the main points and give them a final thought to take away. Reiterate that they have the power to change their mindsets.