Lesson Plan
Mindset Matters Lesson Plan
Students will understand the concept of a growth mindset and learn to reframe challenges as opportunities. They will practice identifying fixed vs. growth statements and reflect on strategies to build persistence.
Developing a growth mindset fosters resilience, improves academic engagement, and equips students with positive self-talk and problem-solving skills vital for lifelong learning.
Audience
6th Grade, Middle School Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive media, sorting activity, discussion, and personal reflection.
Materials
- Growth Mindset Slides, - Growth Mindset Video Clip, - Growth Mindset Statement Cards, - Reflection Journal Template, - Chart Paper, - Markers, and - Sticky Notes
Prep
Prepare Lesson Materials
10 minutes
- Print and cut out all cards from Growth Mindset Statement Cards
- Print or project Growth Mindset Slides
- Queue up Growth Mindset Video Clip
- Copy Reflection Journal Template for each student
- Arrange desks for small-group sorting activity
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Ask students to name something they’ve recently found challenging.
- Record responses on chart paper under “Challenges.”
- Emphasize that challenges help us learn new skills.
Step 2
Introduction to Growth Mindset
10 minutes
- Show Growth Mindset Video Clip (2–3 min).
- Use Growth Mindset Slides to define fixed vs. growth mindset.
- Highlight brain plasticity and how effort builds ability.
Step 3
Activity: Statement Sort
15 minutes
- Divide students into groups of 3–4.
- Give each group a set of Growth Mindset Statement Cards.
- Instruct groups to sort cards into “Fixed Mindset” and “Growth Mindset” piles.
- Circulate to prompt reasoning: “Why does this statement belong here?”
Step 4
Class Discussion
10 minutes
- Reconvene as a whole class.
- Invite groups to share surprising or tricky statements.
- Discuss how language influences feelings about effort and failure.
- Record key points on chart paper.
Step 5
Reflection Journal
10 minutes
- Distribute Reflection Journal Template.
- Prompt students to write about a time they used a fixed mindset and how they could reframe it.
- Encourage concrete strategies (e.g., “I will try another method,” “I will ask for help”).
Step 6
Assessment & Closing
10 minutes
- Collect journals to review understanding and strategies.
- Ask volunteers to share one new strategy they’ll use when facing a challenge.
- Reinforce the idea that effort grows ability and thank students for participation.
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Slide Deck
Growth Mindset
Embracing Challenges and Growing Through Effort
Welcome students and introduce today’s topic: growth mindset. Explain that we’ll explore how our beliefs affect learning and resilience.
Pay attention to how people talk about effort and failure.
Tell students we’ll watch a short video clip. Ask them to notice examples of people overcoming challenges.
What Is a Mindset?
• A mindset is the way we think about our abilities and learning.
• It shapes how we respond to challenges and effort.
Define mindset. Use simple language and ask for student examples of things they believe they’re “just not good at.”
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
Fixed Mindset: “I can’t do this.”
Growth Mindset: “I can learn with practice.”
Contrast fixed vs. growth examples. Invite students to give their own wording.
How the Brain Grows
• Our brains form new connections when we learn.
• Effort and practice strengthen these connections.
• Mistakes help us improve.
Introduce the concept of brain plasticity. You can draw a simple brain diagram or share verbally.
Activity: Statement Sort
- In groups, sort cards into Fixed vs. Growth piles.
- Use Growth Mindset Statement Cards.
- Be ready to explain your choices.
Explain the sorting activity. Remind groups to discuss why each statement fits its category.
Reflection Journal Prompt
Think of a time you felt stuck. Write about:
• What fixed-mindset thoughts you had.
• How you could reframe them with a growth mindset.
• One strategy you’ll try next time.
Guide students through reflection. Encourage honest self-assessment and actionable strategies.
Key Takeaways & Closing
• Challenges help us learn.
• Our brains grow with effort.
• We can choose to use growth-mindset language.
Summarize key points: mindset matters, effort builds ability, and mistakes are learning opportunities. Thank students and preview next steps.
Activity
Statement Sort Activity
Objective: Students will distinguish between fixed and growth mindset statements, justify their reasoning, and deepen understanding of how language shapes beliefs.
Materials:
- Growth Mindset Statement Cards
- Chart Paper or large sheet per group
- Markers (different colors)
- Sticky Notes (optional for additional comments)
Group Setup (15 minutes):
- Form groups of 3–4 students.
- Give each group:
• One set of Growth Mindset Statement Cards
• A piece of chart paper divided into two columns: “Fixed Mindset” and “Growth Mindset.”
• A marker for recording reasons.
Steps:
- Sort the Cards
• Groups discuss each statement card and decide whether it reflects a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.
• Place cards in the corresponding column on the chart paper. - Justify Your Choices
• For each card, write beside it a brief reason (1–2 words or a short phrase) explaining why it fits that mindset.
• Encourage use of precise language (e.g., “avoids challenge,” “embraces learning”). - Reflect & Refine
• After sorting, groups review their board.
• If any cards seem tricky or unclear, discuss and move them if necessary. - Gallery Walk Share (Optional – 5 minutes)
• Groups rotate to view another group’s chart.
• Use sticky notes to leave questions or comments on their reasoning.
Discussion Questions (Whole Class – 10 minutes):
- Which statement was hardest to sort and why?
- How did your group decide what language indicates growth versus fixed thinking?
- Can you rephrase a fixed mindset statement into a growth mindset statement?
- How might using growth-mindset language help you tackle challenges in class?
Differentiation & Extensions:
- Advanced Learners: Create two new statements that reflect each mindset and challenge classmates to sort them.
- Support: Provide sentence stems (“I think this is growth because…”) or pair students for additional peer support.
Follow-Up:
- Collect chart paper or take a photo.
- Use key examples during the Class Discussion segment of the lesson.
- Encourage students to reference these statements when filling out their Reflection Journal Template.
Worksheet
Growth Mindset Statement Cards
Cut out each of the statements below. Use these cards during the Statement Sort activity to sort into Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset categories.
I can't do this.
I'm not good at this.
This is too hard.
I'll never be as smart as others.
I always make mistakes.
I can improve with practice.
Mistakes help me learn.
I'll try a different strategy.
I haven't mastered this yet.
I'll ask for help when I need it.
Journal
Growth Mindset Reflection Journal
Use this journal to reflect on challenges, recognize your thoughts, and plan strategies to grow through effort and persistence.
- Think of a recent challenge you faced at school. Describe the situation and how you initially felt about it.
- Identify any fixed-mindset thoughts you had during this challenge. How did these thoughts affect your approach?
- Choose one fixed-mindset thought from above and reframe it into a growth-mindset statement. Write both statements side by side.
• Fixed Mindset Thought: ____________________________
• Growth Mindset Reframe: ____________________________
- List at least two strategies you can use next time you face a similar challenge. Explain why each strategy will help you.
- Reflect: How will using a growth mindset help you in other areas of your life, both in and out of school?