Mindset Matters

Neal Fulks

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindset Matters

Understand Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

This lesson introduces middle school students to the concepts of fixed and growth mindsets through collaborative and game-based learning. By contrasting these mindsets, students will learn to recognize their own mindset and explore ways to develop a growth mindset. This lesson is crucial for fostering resilience and adaptability in students, helping them to embrace challenges and learn from feedback.

Audience

Middle School Behavioral Cluster

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Collaborative Learning, Game-Based Learning

Materials

Mindset Game Cards, Mindset Reflection Worksheet, and Answer Key

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Begin with a brief discussion on what a mindset is.
Ask students if they have heard of 'fixed' and 'growth' mindsets.
Explain the difference between the two mindsets using simple examples.

Step 2

Mindset Game

15 minutes

Divide students into small groups.
Provide each group with a set of Mindset Game Cards.
Instruct students to sort the cards into 'Fixed Mindset' and 'Growth Mindset' categories.
Encourage discussion within groups about why they categorized each card as they did.

Step 3

Reflection Activity

5 minutes

Distribute the Mindset Reflection Worksheet.
Ask students to reflect on their current mindset and write down one way they can shift towards a growth mindset.

Step 4

Closure

5 minutes

Reconvene as a class and discuss the activity.
Ask students to share one insight they gained about their own mindset.
Encourage students to apply growth mindset strategies in their daily lives.

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Worksheet

Mindset Game Cards

These cards are used in the Mindset Game to help students identify and categorize different mindset statements.

I can't do this.

I can learn how to do this.

I'm not good at math.

I can improve my math skills with practice.

I give up easily.

I keep trying even when it's hard.

I don't like challenges.

I embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.

Worksheet

Mindset Reflection Worksheet

This worksheet helps students reflect on their current mindset and consider ways to develop a growth mindset.

What is one thing you learned about mindsets today?

Think about the differences between fixed and growth mindsets.

Identify one area in your life where you have a fixed mindset.

Consider areas where you often say 'I can't' or 'I'm not good at this.'

What is one step you can take to develop a growth mindset in that area?

Think about strategies like embracing challenges or learning from feedback.

Answer Key

Mindset Game Answer Key

This answer key provides the correct categorization for the Mindset Game Cards.

I can't do this.

Fixed Mindset
This statement reflects a belief that abilities are static.

I can learn how to do this.

Growth Mindset
This statement shows a willingness to learn and grow.

I'm not good at math.

Fixed Mindset
This statement suggests a fixed belief about one's abilities.

I can improve my math skills with practice.

Growth Mindset
This statement indicates a belief in the potential for improvement.

I give up easily.

Fixed Mindset
This statement reflects a lack of perseverance, typical of a fixed mindset.

I keep trying even when it's hard.

Growth Mindset
This statement shows resilience and a growth mindset.

I don't like challenges.

Fixed Mindset
This statement indicates an avoidance of challenges, common in a fixed mindset.

I embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.

Growth Mindset
This statement reflects a positive attitude towards challenges, typical of a growth mindset.