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Mindset Matters: Fixed or Flexible?

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Lesson Plan

Mindset Matters: Fixed or Flexible?

Students will analyze the characteristics of fixed and growth mindsets as presented in the video, and articulate personal strategies to cultivate a growth mindset in academic and social contexts.

Understanding mindsets empowers students to approach challenges with resilience, embrace effort, and see mistakes as opportunities for growth, fostering a more positive and effective learning experience.

Audience

6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Students

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, examples, and self-reflection, students will explore fixed and growth mindsets.

Materials

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

3 minutes

  1. Begin by displaying the title slide of the Mindset Matters Slide Deck.
    2. Ask students: "Have you ever thought about how your beliefs about your own abilities affect what you can achieve?" (Slide 1, 2)
    3. Introduce the concept of mindsets and today's lesson objectives.

Step 2

Video: What is Mindset?

3 minutes

  1. Play the "Growth Mindset Animation" video (youtu.be/KUWn_TJTrnU). (Slide 3)
    2. Encourage students to pay attention to the examples of fixed and growth mindsets shown in the video.

Step 3

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset Exploration

4 minutes

  1. Use the Mindset Matters Slide Deck to explain the characteristics of a fixed mindset. (Slides 4-5)
    2. Discuss examples of fixed mindset statements and behaviors, relating them back to the video.
    3. Transition to explaining the characteristics of a growth mindset. (Slides 6-7)
    4. Discuss examples of growth mindset statements and behaviors, relating them back to the video.

Step 4

Worksheet Activity: My Mindset Snapshot

5 minutes

  1. Distribute the Mindset Exploration Worksheet.
    2. Instruct students to complete the worksheet, reflecting on their own mindset and identifying areas for growth.
    3. Encourage students to think about how they respond to challenges and mistakes.

Step 5

Class Discussion & Wrap-up

5 minutes

  1. Facilitate a brief class discussion using the Mindset Discussion Prompts.
    2. Ask students to share one key takeaway about mindsets or one way they plan to adopt a growth mindset.
    3. Conclude by reinforcing the power of a growth mindset and encouraging students to practice it daily. (Slide 8)
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Slide Deck

Mindset Matters: Fixed or Flexible?

How do your beliefs about yourself shape what you can achieve?

Welcome students and introduce the topic of mindsets. Ask an engaging question to spark their curiosity.

What We'll Explore Today

Learning Objectives:

  • Define fixed and growth mindsets.
  • Identify characteristics of each mindset.
  • Understand the impact of mindsets on learning and personal development.

Explain that today's lesson will explore how our thinking about our abilities impacts our learning and growth.

Watch this short animation to understand the basics of fixed and growth mindsets.

Introduce the video. Ask students to think about the different ways people approach challenges as they watch.

What is a Fixed Mindset?

Belief: Talents and intelligence are set in stone.

  • You believe:
    • Your abilities are innate and can't change much.
    • Mistakes mean you're not smart enough.
    • Effort is pointless if you're not naturally good at something.

Introduce the concept of a Fixed Mindset. Provide a clear definition.

Fixed Mindset: Sound Familiar?

"I'm just not good at math."

"Why try if I'm going to fail anyway?"

"She's so smart; I'll never be like her."

"If I have to work hard, it means I'm not smart."

Give examples of statements or thoughts associated with a fixed mindset.

What is a Growth Mindset?

Belief: Talents and intelligence can be developed through hard work and dedication.

  • You believe:
    • Your abilities can grow with effort and practice.
    • Mistakes are opportunities to learn and improve.
    • Effort is a path to mastery.

Introduce the concept of a Growth Mindset. Provide a clear definition.

Growth Mindset: A Different View

"I'll try a different strategy next time."

"This is challenging, but I can learn it."

"My effort will help me get better."

"Mistakes help me understand where I need to improve."

Give examples of statements or thoughts associated with a growth mindset.

Your Mindset Matters!

Choose to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and grow your abilities.

Which mindset will you cultivate today?

Summarize the key takeaway and encourage students to reflect on their own mindset.

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Worksheet

Mindset Exploration Worksheet

Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________

Part 1: Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

Read each statement below. If it sounds like a Fixed Mindset, write F. If it sounds like a Growth Mindset, write G.

  1. "I'm just not good at science. I'll never understand it."


  2. "That problem was really hard, but I learned a lot from trying new strategies."


  3. "If I have to study for a test, it means I'm not smart enough."


  4. "I can improve my drawing skills if I practice regularly."


  5. "I give up! This is too difficult for me."


  6. "I made a mistake, but it showed me what I need to work on next."


Part 2: Reflecting on My Mindset

Think about a time you faced a challenge (in school, sports, a hobby, etc.).

  1. Describe the challenge you faced:






  2. How did you initially react or feel about this challenge?






  3. What thoughts went through your mind?











  4. Looking back, do you think your reaction was more fixed mindset or growth mindset? Explain why.












  5. If you could approach that challenge again with a growth mindset, what would you do or think differently?












Part 3: Embracing Growth

Write down one specific way you plan to use a growth mindset in your classes or in your life this week.













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Discussion

Mindset Discussion Prompts

Use these prompts to facilitate a class discussion after students have completed the Mindset Exploration Worksheet.

Opening the Discussion:

  • What was one thing that surprised you about fixed or growth mindsets today?


  • Can you share an example of a fixed mindset statement you might have heard (or even thought yourself)? How about a growth mindset statement?


Deeper Dive:

  • Why do you think it's important to understand the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset?





  • Think about a subject in school that you find challenging. How might adopting a growth mindset change your approach to that subject?










  • How can believing your intelligence can grow (growth mindset) actually help your brain get smarter?





  • What are some practical steps you can take to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset when you face a setback?











Connecting to Real Life:

  • Beyond school, where else in your life could having a growth mindset be really helpful?





  • How might a growth mindset help you in learning a new sport, musical instrument, or video game strategy?





Wrap-up Question:

  • What is one key takeaway you will remember from today's discussion about mindsets? How might you try to apply it this week?











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Mindset Matters: Fixed or Flexible? • Lenny Learning