Mindset Scenario Cards

Instructions: Read each scenario with your group. Discuss whether the person in the scenario is demonstrating a fixed or growth mindset. Then, if it's a fixed mindset, work together to reframe the statement or action into a growth-mindset response.

Card 1: The Math Test

Scenario: Sarah got a low score on her algebra test. She sighs and says, "I'm just terrible at math. I'll never understand this." Then she shoves her test into her backpack without looking at it again.

Mindset (Fixed/Growth):

Reframe (if fixed):

Card 2: Learning a New Skill

Scenario: David is trying to learn how to play the guitar. After a week of practice, his fingers still hurt, and he can't play a full song. He thinks, "This is too hard. I'm not coordinated enough. I guess I'm just not musically talented." He puts the guitar away and doesn't pick it up for a month.

Mindset (Fixed/Growth):

Reframe (if fixed):

Card 3: The Group Project

Scenario: Emily's group project didn't go as well as she hoped, even though she put in a lot of effort. She's disappointed but tells her group, "Okay, that didn't quite work out. What could we have done differently next time? Let's talk about our strategy and learn from this." She then suggests they ask the teacher for feedback.

Mindset (Fixed/Growth):

Reframe (if fixed): (N/A - already growth mindset)

Card 4: Trying Out for a Team

Scenario: Alex didn't make the basketball team this year. He feels really down, but then he tells himself, "It stinks that I didn't make it, but I know I can improve my dribbling and shooting. I'm going to practice every day and try again next year!" He asks the coach what he needs to work on.

Mindset (Fixed/Growth):

Reframe (if fixed): (N/A - already growth mindset)

Card 5: Public Speaking

Scenario: Maria has to give a presentation in class. She's nervous and thinks, "I'm going to mess up. Everyone will laugh at me. I'm just not a good public speaker." She rushes through her presentation, avoids eye contact, and feels relieved when it's over, confirming her belief.

Mindset (Fixed/Growth):

Reframe (if fixed):

Card 6: A Challenging Puzzle

Scenario: Ben is trying to solve a difficult logic puzzle. He tries a few times and gets stuck. He thinks, "This is impossible! I'm not smart enough for this." He gives up and tells his friend, "You try it, you're better at these things."

Mindset (Fixed/Growth):

Reframe (if fixed):

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset Sort

Instructions: Read each statement below. Decide if the statement shows a Fixed Mindset (believing abilities are unchangeable) or a Growth Mindset (believing abilities can develop). Write "Fixed Mindset" or "Growth Mindset" next to each statement.

1. "I made a mistake, so I must not be smart enough for this."
   
   
   
   

2. "This is really hard, but I know if I keep practicing, I can get better."
   
   
   
   

3. "I give up! I'll never be good at drawing."
   
   
   
   

4. "I love challenges because they help me learn new things."
   
   
   
   

5. "If I don't get it right away, it means I'm just not talented."
   
   
   
   

6. "I got constructive feedback on my essay, and I'm excited to revise it and improve."
   
   
   
   

7. "I'm afraid to try new things because I might fail and look silly."
   
   
   
   

8. "My brain is like a muscle; the more I use it, the stronger it gets!"
   
   
   
   

9. "I aced that test because I'm just naturally brilliant."
   
   
   
   

10. "I didn't understand that concept yet, so I'm going to ask for help and try a different approach."
    
    
    
    

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset Sort Answer Key

Here are the answers and reasoning for the "Fixed vs. Growth Mindset Sort" worksheet.

1. "I made a mistake, so I must not be smart enough for this."
   Answer: Fixed Mindset
   Reasoning: This statement shows a belief that intelligence is static and a mistake is a definitive sign of lack of ability, rather than an opportunity to learn.

2. "This is really hard, but I know if I keep practicing, I can get better."
   Answer: Growth Mindset
   Reasoning: This statement embraces challenge and believes in the power of effort and practice to improve abilities.

3. "I give up! I'll never be good at drawing."
   Answer: Fixed Mindset
   Reasoning: This shows a surrender to perceived lack of talent and an unwillingness to persist or develop skills through effort.

4. "I love challenges because they help me learn new things."
   Answer: Growth Mindset
   Reasoning: This reflects an enthusiasm for learning and a view of challenges as opportunities for growth.

5. "If I don't get it right away, it means I'm just not talented."
   Answer: Fixed Mindset
   Reasoning: This statement links immediate success to inherent talent and views initial difficulty as a sign of permanent inadequacy.

6. "I got constructive feedback on my essay, and I'm excited to revise it and improve."
   Answer: Growth Mindset
   Reasoning: This demonstrates an openess to feedback and a desire to use it for improvement, seeing it as a tool for growth.

7. "I'm afraid to try new things because I might fail and look silly."
   Answer: Fixed Mindset
   Reasoning: This reveals a fear of failure and judgment, prioritizing looking smart over the potential for learning and development.

8. "My brain is like a muscle; the more I use it, the stronger it gets!"
   Answer: Growth Mindset
   Reasoning: This statement directly relates to the concept of neuroplasticity and the belief that intellectual abilities can be developed through effort.

9. "I aced that test because I'm just naturally brilliant."
   Answer: Fixed Mindset
   Reasoning: While celebrating success is good, attributing it solely to innate brilliance without acknowledging effort or strategy can indicate a fixed mindset, as it doesn't leave room for improvement or learning from challenges.

10. "I didn't understand that concept yet, so I'm going to ask for help and try a different approach."
    Answer: Growth Mindset
    Reasoning: This is a classic example of the "power of yet," showing persistence, self-awareness, and a proactive approach to learning.

The Power of 'Yet' Journal

Instructions: Think about a challenging situation you are currently facing, either in school or in your personal life. It could be a subject you find difficult, a skill you're trying to learn, or a personal goal you're working towards.

In the space below, describe the challenge and how you currently feel about it. Then, reflect on how adding the word "yet" to your thinking could change your perspective and approach. What new strategies or actions might you try yet?

My Challenge:

My Current Feelings/Thoughts About It:

How "Yet" Changes My Perspective:

Actions I Can Take (or try yet!):

The Mindset Mission Script

Warm-Up: Story Time (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're embarking on 'The Mindset Mission,' a journey to understand something really powerful about our brains. To start, I want to share a quick story with you. Imagine [Insert your chosen story here, e.g., a short version of Thomas Edison's journey with the lightbulb, or Michael Jordan getting cut from his high school team].

[Pause for story]

Teacher: "So, what lessons can we learn from [character/person in story]'s experience? What qualities did they show?"

(Listen for responses like perseverance, not giving up, learning from mistakes, hard work. Affirm these ideas.)

Introduction to Fixed vs. Growth Mindset (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Those are fantastic observations! Today, we're going to dive deeper into how our thinking, or our 'mindset,' dramatically impacts our ability to learn and overcome challenges."

(Display Mindset Mission Slide Deck - Slide 3: Fixed Mindset: The 'Stuck' Brain)

Teacher: "First up, we have what's called a Fixed Mindset. When someone has a fixed mindset, they believe their abilities and intelligence are pretty much set in stone. They might think, 'I'm just not good at this,' or 'Why bother? It's too hard.' Mistakes feel like a reflection of their permanent lack of ability, rather than a chance to improve. Have any of you ever felt like you had a fixed mindset about something? What happened?"

(Allow a few brief student shares, validating their feelings without dwelling. Transition smoothly.)

(Display Mindset Mission Slide Deck - Slide 4: Growth Mindset: The 'Growing' Brain)

Teacher: "Now, let's look at the flip side: the Growth Mindset. This is where we believe our abilities can grow and develop through dedication and hard work. People with a growth mindset say things like, 'I can't do this yet,' or 'Mistakes help me learn.' The amazing thing is, this isn't just wishful thinking! Our brains actually have something called neuroplasticity, which means they can literally rewire themselves and grow new connections when we learn and try hard! So, when you push through a challenge, your brain is actually getting stronger."

Teacher: "I'm going to hand out a quick Fixed vs. Growth Mindset Sort Worksheet. Take about three minutes to read each statement and decide if it's a fixed or growth mindset. No need to overthink it, just go with your gut."

(Distribute Fixed vs. Growth Mindset Sort Worksheet. Circulate to answer quick questions.)

Mindset Scenario Cards Activity (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright, let's put our mindset detective hats on! I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will get a set of Mindset Scenario Cards. Your task is to read each scenario and first decide if the person is showing a fixed or growth mindset. Then, and this is the important part, if it's a fixed mindset, work together to reframe that statement or action into a growth-mindset response. Remember our conversation about challenges and neuroplasticity!"

(Divide students into groups, distribute Mindset Scenario Cards. Circulate, listen to discussions, and prompt with questions like: "How could they see this as a chance to learn?" or "What does 'yet' add to that statement?")

Cool-Down: The Power of 'Yet' Reflection (5 minutes)

(Bring the class back together.)

(Display Mindset Mission Slide Deck - Slide 5: The Power of 'Yet')

Teacher: "Excellent discussions, everyone! We talked about the power of 'yet,' and how adding that one small word can shift our entire perspective. For our cool-down, I want you to think about a challenge you're currently facing – maybe it's in a subject, a sport, or even a personal goal. It's something you might feel stuck on, or think 'I can't do this.'"

Teacher: "On a piece of paper, or in your The Power of 'Yet' Journal if you have it, quickly write down that challenge. Then, write for two to three minutes on this prompt: 'How can adding the word 'yet' change your perspective on this challenge? What steps can you take yet?'"

(Allow students to write quietly. Collect if desired, or have them keep it for personal reflection. Conclude class.)

Teacher: "Fantastic work today, class. Remember, your brain is amazing and constantly growing. Keep exploring the power of 'yet' in your lives!"