Lesson Plan
Growth Mindset Launch Plan
Students will define growth mindset vs fixed mindset and reframe at least two fixed-mindset statements into growth-oriented ones.
Building a growth mindset fosters resilience, positive self-talk, and persistence—skills that help students overcome challenges both academically and personally.
Audience
6th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive mini-lesson and hands-on reframing activity
Materials
Mirror and Mountain Slides, Do Now Mirror Check, Reframe That Thought Cards, My Strengths Snapshot, and Exit Ticket Glow and Grow
Prep
Review & Print Materials
10 minutes
- Review Mirror and Mountain Slides and Reframe That Thought Cards.
- Print and cut out cards for partner sorting.
- Prepare journals or hand out copies of My Strengths Snapshot.
Step 1
Do Now: Mirror Check
5 minutes
- Distribute Do Now Mirror Check worksheet.
- Ask students to reflect on a recent challenge and write down their inner thoughts about why it was hard.
- Quickly share one reflection with a neighbor to activate prior beliefs about ability.
Step 2
Mini-Lesson: Growth Mindset & Reframing
10 minutes
- Present key concepts with Mirror and Mountain Slides: growth mindset, fixed mindset, self-talk, neuroplasticity, reframing.
- Model reframing two fixed-mindset statements into growth-oriented versions.
- Check for understanding with a quick thumbs-up/thumbs-down on examples.
Step 3
Partner Activity: Sort & Reframe
10 minutes
- Pair students and give each pair a set of Reframe That Thought Cards.
- Partners sort cards into “fixed” and “growth” piles, then practice rewriting at least two fixed statements into growth statements.
- Circulate to support and prompt deeper thinking.
Step 4
Share & Reflect
5 minutes
- Invite volunteers to share original and reframed statements.
- Have students complete My Strengths Snapshot by writing one way they’ll apply growth mindset this week.
- Collect Exit Tickets: Exit Ticket Glow and Grow.
Slide Deck
The Mirror and the Mountain
Exploring Growth Mindset
Welcome students! Today we’ll explore how our thoughts shape our abilities. Introduce the lesson name and objectives.
Learning Objectives
- Define growth mindset vs. fixed mindset
- Identify different types of self-talk
- Understand how neuroplasticity works
- Practice reframing fixed-mindset statements
Read the objectives aloud and clarify any vocabulary in the bullets.
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
Fixed Mindset:
- Belief that talent and intelligence are static
- Avoid challenges to look competent
Growth Mindset:
- Belief that effort builds ability
- Embrace challenges and learn from mistakes
Explain fixed mindset: abilities are set; growth mindset: abilities can change with effort. Use real-life examples.
The Power of Self-Talk
Self-Talk = The inner voice that shapes our thoughts and actions.
Fixed Self-Talk Examples:
- “I can’t do this.”
- “This is too hard.”
Growth Self-Talk Examples:
- “I can learn this.”
- “Mistakes help me grow.”
Define self-talk. Ask students for examples of things they say to themselves.
Your Brain Is Like a Muscle
Neuroplasticity = The brain’s ability to form new connections when we challenge it.
- Practice strengthens neural pathways
- Effort rewires the brain for better performance
Share a simple analogy: learning new skills is like exercising a muscle.
What Is Reframing?
Reframing = Turning a fixed-mindset statement into a growth-oriented one.
Why Reframe?
- Shifts focus from limitation to possibility
- Builds resilience and motivation
Introduce reframing: changing a thought to focus on growth. Model with an example.
Example Reframe
Fixed Statement:
“I’m not good at math.”
Growth Reframe:
“I can improve in math by practicing and asking for help.”
Walk through this example. Emphasize how changing one phrase can alter the whole meaning.
Your Turn: Reframe!
Choose one fixed-mindset statement:
- “This is too hard.”
- “I give up.”
- “I’ll never get this.”
Rewrite it into a growth-oriented statement.
Have students pair up. Distribute Reframe That Thought Cards after this slide.
Reflection & Commitment
Write one way you will apply a growth mindset this week:
"I will ___ by ___."
Invite a few volunteers to share their reframes. Then distribute My Strengths Snapshot.
Warm Up
Do Now: Mirror Check
Take a moment to think back to a recent challenge you faced—this could be a tricky homework problem, a sports practice, or something personal.
Spend the next 5 minutes answering the prompts below silently in your notebook.
- Describe the challenge you encountered:
- What thoughts ran through your mind when you faced this challenge?
- How did those thoughts make you feel?
When time is up, lean over and share one of your reflections with a partner.
Be ready to discuss how our inner voice can shape the way we approach obstacles!
Activity
Reframe That Thought Cards
Materials: A set of printable cards—each card has a fixed-mindset statement on one side and space on the back to write a growth-mindset reframe.
Cards (fixed statements):
- “This is too hard.”
- “I give up.”
- “I’ll never get this.”
- “I’m not good at math.”
- “I made a mistake, so I’m not smart.”
- “It’s too late to improve.”
Blank cards (×6): space for students to add their own fixed-mindset statements and then reframe them.
How to use:
- Shuffle and distribute one fixed card to each pair (or small group).
- Pairs read the fixed statement, discuss why it’s limiting, then flip the card and write a growth-oriented version.
- After rewriting, pairs share their reframes with the class or swap cards with another pair.
(Print double-sided so the fixed statement is on the front and several blank lines are on the back for the reframe.)
Journal
Teacher Guide: Using My Strengths Snapshot
This page offers structured reflection to help students anchor their growth mindset in concrete strengths and goals. Below are tips and a suggested flow for classroom use.
1. Timing & Setting
- Ideal after the mini-lesson and partner reframing activity, before collecting exit tickets.
- Allocate 8–10 minutes for completion—adjust based on your class pace.
- Students can work individually in journals or on a printed worksheet.
2. Introduction & Modeling
- Display the reflection prompt slide (Reflection & Commitment Slide Slide 9) or write the four questions on the board.
- Model each section quickly:
- Personal Strengths: Share 2–3 strengths you value (e.g., curiosity, patience).
- Strength in Action: Briefly describe how one strength helped you overcome a challenge.
- Reframe Practice: Take a typical fixed thought (e.g., “I never get this”) and demonstrate turning it into a growth statement.
- Weekly Commitment: Craft a clear, specific goal using the template (“I will __ by __”).
- Emphasize that honesty and specificity deepen reflection.
3. Student Writing Tips
- Encourage students to:
- Use bullet points for clarity (especially in Question 1).
- Recall vivid examples—details make reflections stick.
- Frame their commitment around action (“I will ask one question in class by Wednesday.”).
- Circulate and prompt students who are stuck:
- “What’s something you’re proud of learning recently?”
- “How did you feel when you overcame that challenge?”
- “What’s one little step you can try this week?”
4. Sharing & Accountability
- (Optional) Invite volunteers to share a strength and/or commitment.
- Suggest students keep their snapshots in a folder or binder. Return to these pages mid-week for self-check:
- “Have I worked toward my commitment?”
- “Do I notice growth in my strengths?”
5. Follow-Up
- Collect snapshots as part of a growth portfolio or spot-check select entries for formative feedback.
- Revisit commitments in the next lesson’s warm-up: quick “thumbs-up” on progress or one-minute partner share.
By guiding students through My Strengths Snapshot, you help them transform abstract growth-mindset concepts into personal action plans and meaningful self-awareness.
Cool Down
Exit Ticket: Glow and Grow
Take a moment to reflect on today’s lesson and record your thoughts below.
- GLOW: Describe one thing you did well today when practicing a growth mindset or reframing a thought.
- GROW: Identify one area where you still feel challenged or one fixed-mindset thought you’d like to reframe next time.
- NEXT STEPS: Write one specific action you will take this week to strengthen your growth mindset (for example, asking a question in class, practicing more, or using positive self-talk).