Lesson Plan
Growth Mindset Group Lesson
Students will learn and apply growth mindset strategies by reframing challenges, collaborating on solutions, and reflecting on personal goals to build perseverance and resilience.
Developing a growth mindset empowers 6th graders to embrace challenges, improve problem-solving skills, and persist through setbacks, boosting confidence and academic success.
Audience
6th Grade Small Groups
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on activities paired with personal reflection.
Materials
- Growth Mindset Journal Template, * Challenge Reframe Cards, * Growth Mindset Strategies Poster, * Timer, and * Whiteboard and Markers
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print enough copies of Challenge Reframe Cards for each student.
- Print one Growth Mindset Journal Template per student.
- Display or print the Growth Mindset Strategies Poster.
- Gather a timer and set up seating in small groups.
Step 1
Introduction to Growth Mindset
5 minutes
- Define growth vs. fixed mindset with student-friendly language.
- Show the Growth Mindset Strategies Poster as a visual reference.
- Invite students to share moments they faced a challenge and how they responded.
Step 2
Challenge Reframing Activity
10 minutes
- Distribute Challenge Reframe Cards so each student has one.
- In pairs, students read their card describing a classroom challenge.
- Together, students reframe the challenge using growth-oriented language (e.g., adding “yet” statements).
- Volunteers share their original and reframed challenges with the group.
Step 3
Strategy Mapping Discussion
5 minutes
- Refer back to the Growth Mindset Strategies Poster.
- As a group, match each reframed challenge to one or more strategies on the poster.
- Highlight key approaches like perseverance, seeking help, and positive self-talk.
Step 4
Personal Reflection
10 minutes
- Hand out the Growth Mindset Journal Template.
- Students write about a personal challenge, how they can reframe it, and which strategies they plan to use.
- Ask students to set one specific growth-oriented goal for the week.
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Slide Deck
Mindset Masters
30-minute lesson on Growth Mindset
Grade 6 small group (Tier 2)
Learn strategies to persevere and build resilience.
Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself and the purpose of today’s session. Emphasize that we’re on a journey to become ‘Mindset Masters’ by exploring how we think about challenges.
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
Fixed Mindset:
• Abilities are “just the way they are.”
• Avoid challenges to not look “bad.”
• Says “I can’t do this.”
Growth Mindset:
• Abilities can develop with effort.
• Sees challenges as chances to learn.
• Says “I can’t do this yet.”
Explain the difference clearly. Use student-friendly language and everyday examples (sports, video games, schoolwork).
Why Growth Mindset?
• Embrace challenges instead of avoiding them
• Learn new skills more quickly
• Bounce back from setbacks
• Build confidence and perseverance
Highlight why this matters: stronger effort, better grades, more confidence. Relate to things they care about (games, hobbies).
Growth Mindset Strategies
Refer to the Growth Mindset Strategies Poster:
• Positive self-talk (“I can improve with practice”)
• Embrace “yet” (“I’m not there yet”)
• Seek help and feedback
• Celebrate small wins
• Reflect on progress
Show or distribute the poster. Walk through each strategy briefly.
Let’s Talk: Your Challenges
• Think of a recent challenge (e.g., hard math problem, learning to play an instrument, making friends)
• How did you respond?
• What stopped you from keeping at it?
Invite quick shares. Keep this to about 2 minutes max so there’s enough time for the activities.
Challenge Reframing Activity
- Each student gets a Challenge Reframe Card.
- In pairs, read your scenario.
- Reframe using growth language (add “yet,” focus on effort).
- Ready? Share your original and reframed statements.
Hand out cards and explain the process. Model one example so everyone understands.
Reframing Examples
Original: “I’m just not good at science.”
Reframed: “I’m just not good at science yet, but I can get better if I ask questions and study.”
Original: “I can’t solve this problem.”
Reframed: “I can’t solve this problem yet; I’ll try a new strategy.”
Show one or two student examples. Highlight how adding “yet” or focusing on effort changes meaning.
Strategy Mapping Discussion
• Look back at the Growth Mindset Strategies Poster.
• Which strategy fits each reframed challenge?
• Examples: Seeking feedback, breaking tasks into steps, positive self-talk.
Guide them to match strategies to reframed challenges. Reinforce using the poster.
Personal Reflection
- Use the Growth Mindset Journal Template.
- Describe a personal challenge you’re facing.
- Reframe it using growth mindset language.
- Choose 1–2 strategies you’ll apply this week.
Distribute journals and explain each section. Encourage honest reflection.
Set Your Growth Goal
• Write one specific goal for this week (e.g., “I will practice my spelling words daily and ask for help when I’m stuck”).
• Share your goal with a partner.
• Remember: keep using “yet” and our strategies!
Wrap up by having a few volunteers share their goals. Encourage them to keep journaling and refer back to strategies.
Worksheet
Challenge Reframe Cards
Cut along the lines to create individual cards. In pairs, read your card’s challenge and work together to reframe it using growth-oriented language (add “yet,” focus on effort, seek strategies). Then share your original and reframed statements with the group.
Card 1
“I’m just not good at science.”
Card 2
“I can’t solve algebra problems.”
Card 3
“My essays always get low grades.”
Card 4
“I’m terrible at sports and no one ever passes the ball to me.”
Card 5
“I can’t make friends in this class.”
Card 6
“I forget everything I study for tests.”
Card 7
“I always mess up when I present in front of the class.”
Card 8
“I’m too slow at finishing my work before time’s up.”
Card 9
“I don’t understand the homework instructions.”
Card 10
“I get distracted easily and miss important information.”
Worksheet
Growth Mindset Journal Template
Use this journal to reflect on a challenge, practice growth mindset language, and set a specific goal. Refer to the Growth Mindset Strategies Poster for ideas on approaches you can use.
Name: ________________________ Date: _______________
1. Describe a Personal Challenge
Write about something that feels difficult for you right now (schoolwork, a skill, or a relationship).
2. Reframe the Challenge
Use growth mindset language (add “yet,” focus on effort, or positive self-talk) to restate the challenge.
3. Growth Mindset Strategies I’ll Use
Choose at least two strategies from the poster. Explain how each can help you overcome this challenge.
4. My Growth Goal for This Week
Write one clear, measurable goal related to this challenge (e.g., “I will practice my vocabulary words five minutes each day,” or “I will ask a question in math class twice this week”).
5. Monitoring My Progress
How will you track whether you’re meeting your goal? (e.g., check off days on a calendar, ask a friend or teacher for feedback).
Remember: Growth takes practice! Review your journal daily and celebrate small steps forward.
Reading
Growth Mindset Strategies Poster
1. Positive Self-Talk
Use kind, encouraging words. Example: “I can improve with practice.”
2. Embrace “Yet”
Add “yet” when you feel stuck. Example: “I can’t solve this yet.”
3. Seek Feedback and Help
Ask teachers or classmates for tips to get better.
4. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Break big tasks into steps and celebrate each win.
5. Focus on Effort, Not Just Outcome
Value hard work and persistence over perfection.
6. Reflect on Your Progress
Think about what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown.
7. Learn from Mistakes
Treat errors as chances to improve.
8. Celebrate Persistence
Recognize and reward yourself for sticking with challenges.