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My Learning Superpowers: Growth Mindset Unleashed

Lesson Plan

My Learning Superpowers: Growth Mindset Unleashed

Students will define growth mindset, understand the brain's capacity for development, utilize the power of 'yet' to reframe challenges, and apply growth mindset strategies to academic and personal situations. This will foster perseverance, resilience, and a positive attitude towards learning.

Developing a growth mindset is crucial for middle school students as they navigate increasing academic demands and social pressures. This lesson helps them understand that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work, leading to greater self-efficacy and a lifelong love of learning. It equips them with strategies to overcome obstacles and embrace continuous improvement.

Audience

6th-8th Grade Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, visual aids, and practical exercises.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Growth Mindset Slide Deck, Mindset Makeover Worksheet, My Growth Journal, and Challenge Accepted Activity Instructions

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What Are Superpowers?

5 minutes

  • Begin with a hook question: "If you could have any superpower related to learning, what would it be?"
    - Facilitate a brief discussion, connecting student responses to the idea of inner strengths.
    - Introduce the lesson title: My Learning Superpowers: Growth Mindset Unleashed.

Step 2

Understanding Growth Mindset

15 minutes

  • Use the Growth Mindset Slide Deck to explain the concepts of fixed vs. growth mindset.
    - Discuss neuroplasticity and how the brain grows with effort.
    - Provide examples of famous individuals who demonstrated a growth mindset.

Step 3

The Power of 'Yet'

10 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of adding 'yet' to statements like "I can't do it."
    - Show examples on the Growth Mindset Slide Deck and ask students to rephrase fixed mindset statements into growth mindset statements.

Step 4

Mindset Makeover Worksheet

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Mindset Makeover Worksheet.
    - Instruct students to work individually or in pairs to complete the worksheet, transforming fixed mindset thoughts into growth mindset statements.
    - Circulate and provide support and feedback.

Step 5

Challenge Accepted Activity

10 minutes

  • Introduce the Challenge Accepted Activity Instructions.
    - Divide students into small groups.
    - Present a challenging scenario (academic or everyday life) for each group to discuss and brainstorm growth mindset approaches.
    - Have groups share their ideas with the class.

Step 6

My Growth Journal Reflection

5 minutes

  • Distribute My Growth Journal.
    - Ask students to reflect on one personal challenge and how they can apply a growth mindset to it.
    - Encourage them to make a commitment to use the power of 'yet' in the coming week.

Step 7

Wrap-Up and Future Focus

NA

  • Briefly summarize key takeaways about growth mindset.
    - Emphasize that developing a growth mindset is an ongoing process.
    - Encourage students to continue using the strategies learned.
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Slide Deck

My Learning Superpowers: Growth Mindset Unleashed

What if you had a superpower for learning?
What would it be? How would it help you?

Welcome students and introduce the concept of 'superpowers' in a fun, engaging way. Ask the opening question and encourage broad participation. Connect their ideas to inner strengths.

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

Fixed Mindset:

  • Believes abilities are set in stone.
  • Avoids challenges to prevent failure.
  • Gives up easily.
  • Sees effort as pointless.

Growth Mindset:

  • Believes abilities can be developed.
  • Embraces challenges as learning opportunities.
  • Perseveres through difficulties.
  • Sees effort as the path to mastery.

Explain the two main mindsets. Emphasize that these aren't fixed labels, but ways of approaching challenges. Use simple, relatable language.

Your Brain: A Superpower in the Making!

Did you know your brain can grow and change?
It's called neuroplasticity!
Every time you learn something new or work hard, your brain makes new connections, making you smarter!

Introduce the idea of neuroplasticity. Explain that the brain is like a muscle that gets stronger with exercise (learning). Use an analogy if helpful, like pathways in a forest getting clearer with use.

The Magic Word: 'Yet'

Transform your thinking with one powerful word: YET!

Instead of:

  • "I can't do this!"

Try:

  • "I can't do this yet!"

This simple word opens up possibilities for learning and improvement.

This slide introduces the core concept of 'yet'. Explain how a small word can make a big difference. Give clear examples.

Practice with 'Yet'!

How can you add 'yet' to these statements?

  1. "Math is too hard for me."
  2. "I'm not good at writing."
  3. "I don't understand this science concept."
  4. "I can't draw."

Provide these examples and ask students to practice rephrasing them. Encourage volunteers to share. Provide positive feedback for good examples.

Mindset Makeover Activity

It's time to give your thoughts a makeover!

  • You'll receive a worksheet with common 'fixed mindset' statements.
  • Your mission: Transform them into 'growth mindset' statements using the power of YET or other growth-oriented words.
  • Work individually or with a partner.

Introduce the worksheet activity. Explain its purpose and how it directly applies the 'yet' concept.

Challenge Accepted! Group Activity

Now, let's put our growth mindsets to the test!

  • In small groups, you'll get a challenging scenario.
  • Discuss: How can you approach this challenge with a growth mindset?
  • Brainstorm solutions, strategies, and positive affirmations.
  • Be ready to share your group's ideas!

Introduce the group activity. Explain the goal: applying growth mindset to real-world challenges. Emphasize teamwork and creative problem-solving.

My Growth Journal: Reflect and Commit

Take a moment to reflect:

  • What is one personal challenge you face?
  • How can you apply a growth mindset to it?
  • Write down your commitment to using the power of 'yet' this week.

Explain the journal activity as a personal reflection and commitment. Encourage honest self-assessment and future planning.

Unleash Your Superpowers!

Remember, your brain is amazing and always ready to grow!

  • Embrace challenges.
  • Learn from mistakes.
  • Keep saying 'I can't do it YET!'

You have the power to develop your learning superpowers!

Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the main ideas. Encourage students to actively cultivate their growth mindset beyond this session. End on an empowering note.

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Activity

Challenge Accepted! Group Activity

Objective: To apply growth mindset principles to real-world challenging scenarios.

Time: 10 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Form Groups: You will be divided into small groups of 3-4 students.
  2. Receive Your Challenge: Each group will receive a scenario that presents a common challenge (e.g., struggling with a difficult math problem, getting a low grade on a test, feeling overwhelmed by a project, not making a sports team, facing peer pressure).
  3. Discuss and Brainstorm (5 minutes): As a group, discuss the following:
    • What are the initial "fixed mindset" thoughts someone might have in this situation?
    • How can these thoughts be reframed using a "growth mindset"?
    • What specific actions or strategies could a person with a growth mindset take to overcome this challenge?
    • How can the "power of yet" be applied to this scenario?
  4. Share with Class (5 minutes): Each group will share their challenge scenario and their growth mindset approach with the rest of the class. Be prepared to explain your reasoning and solutions.
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Worksheet

Mindset Makeover Worksheet

Objective: Practice transforming fixed mindset thoughts into growth mindset statements.

Instructions: For each fixed mindset statement below, rewrite it into a growth mindset statement. Remember to use the power of "yet" or focus on effort, learning, and improvement.

Fixed Mindset Statement 1: "I'm just not good at math. I'll never understand algebra."

Growth Mindset Makeover:






Fixed Mindset Statement 2: "I got a bad grade on that essay. I guess I'm just a terrible writer."

Growth Mindset Makeover:






Fixed Mindset Statement 3: "This science project is too hard. I don't even know where to start, so I'm just going to give up."

Growth Mindset Makeover:






Fixed Mindset Statement 4: "I tried to learn to play the guitar, but I'm not naturally talented. I'm going to quit."

Growth Mindset Makeover:






Fixed Mindset Statement 5: "I'm worried about trying out for the school play. I know I'll mess up my lines and everyone will laugh at me."

Growth Mindset Makeover:






Challenge Question: Think of one fixed mindset thought you have had recently. Rewrite it into a growth mindset statement.

My Fixed Mindset Thought:






My Growth Mindset Makeover:






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Journal

My Growth Journal: Reflect and Commit

Objective: To reflect on personal challenges and commit to applying a growth mindset.

Instructions: Take a few moments to think about your own learning journey and any challenges you might be facing. Use the prompts below to reflect and make a commitment to your growth mindset.

1. What is one personal challenge (academic or otherwise) that you are currently facing or have faced recently?













2. When you think about this challenge, what are some of the "fixed mindset" thoughts that might pop into your head?

(e.g., "I'm not smart enough," "It's too hard," "I'll never get it.")












3. Now, how can you reframe those fixed mindset thoughts into "growth mindset" statements? Remember the power of "yet" and focusing on effort and learning.













4. What specific actions or steps can you take to approach this challenge with a growth mindset?













5. Make a commitment: I will use the power of "yet" and my growth mindset this week by:













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My Learning Superpowers: Growth Mindset Unleashed • Lenny Learning