Growth Mindset Script

Warm Up: What's Your Mindset? (3 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon everyone! Today, we're diving into something super interesting about how our brains work and how we approach challenges. To kick things off, let's do a quick check-in. I want you to think about this question:"

(Display Quick Check-in! Slide)

"When you face a really tough problem – maybe a tricky math question, a difficult essay, or even learning a new skill in sports or music – do you usually think:

• 'I can't do this!' (and you want to give up?)
• OR
• 'I'll try my best to figure this out!' (and you see it as a challenge?)"

"Think about why you react that way. Take about 30 seconds to reflect. Then, turn to a partner next to you and briefly share your thoughts and reasoning. Don't worry, there's no right or wrong answer here, we're just exploring our initial reactions."

(Allow 1-2 minutes for students to discuss in pairs. Circulate and listen to their responses.)

"Alright, let's bring it back together. Anyone willing to share what they or their partner discussed? What were some common initial reactions?"

(Call on a few students to share, briefly acknowledging their responses.)

Introduction to Mindsets (4 minutes)

"Great sharing, everyone! What you just discussed touches on a really important concept called a 'mindset.' Today, we're going to explore two main types: the Fixed Mindset and the Growth Mindset."

(Display What is a Fixed Mindset? Slide)

"First, let's talk about a Fixed Mindset. When someone has a fixed mindset, they believe their basic abilities, like their intelligence or their talents, are just fixed traits. It's like they think: 'I'm either good at something, or I'm not, and I can't really change that.'"

"So, what does this look like in action?"

• "If you have a fixed mindset, you might avoid challenges because you're afraid to fail and show that you're 'not smart enough.'"
• "You might give up easily when things get tough, thinking, 'What's the point? I can't do it anyway.'"
• "You see effort as pointless. Why try hard if your abilities are already set?"
• "And mistakes? They feel like personal failures, making you feel discouraged."
• "You might even ignore helpful feedback or feel threatened by other people's success, because it makes you question your own fixed abilities."

"Has anyone ever felt this way about something? Or seen someone act this way?"

(Pause for brief responses or nods.)

(Display What is a Growth Mindset? Slide)

"Now, let's flip the script and talk about a Growth Mindset. This is a powerful idea! With a growth mindset, you believe that your most basic abilities – your intelligence, your talents – can be developed through dedication and hard work. You believe that your brain is like a muscle: the more you use it and challenge it, the stronger it gets."

"So, how does a growth mindset change things?"

• "You embrace challenges because you see them as opportunities to learn and get better."
• "You understand that effort is the path to mastery. The harder you work, the more you grow."
• "Mistakes aren't failures; they're valuable lessons. They tell you where you need to try a different strategy or put in more effort."
• "You welcome constructive criticism because it helps you improve, and you can even find inspiration in the success of others, seeing what's possible."

"What's the main difference you notice between these two ways of thinking? How do these two mindsets lead to very different outcomes?"

(Call on one or two students to share their observations. Guide them to articulate that one is limiting and the other is empowering.)

(Display Fixed vs. Growth: The Key Difference Slide)

"Exactly! It all comes down to your perspective. Do you believe your abilities are set in stone, or do you believe they can grow and change? One mindset closes doors, the other opens them wide to endless possibilities."

Growth vs. Fixed Mindset Game (5 minutes)

"To help solidify your understanding, we're going to play a quick game. I'm going to divide you into small groups."

(Divide students into small groups of 3-4 and distribute the Growth vs. Fixed Mindset Cards (Game) to each group.)

(Display Mindset Mixer: Game Time! Slide)

"Each group has a set of cards. On each card, you'll find a statement or a scenario. Your mission is to work together to sort these cards into two piles: 'Fixed Mindset' or 'Growth Mindset'. Discuss your reasoning for each card within your group. I'll be walking around to see how you're doing and answer any questions."

(Allow 4 minutes for students to sort the cards. Circulate, listen to discussions, and provide guidance as needed. After 4 minutes, briefly bring the class back together to check a couple of examples.)

"Okay, let's quickly check one or two. For example, if a card said, 'I failed the test, I'm just not smart enough for this subject,' what mindset would that be?" (Fixed Mindset)

"What if a card said, 'I didn't get it right this time, but I'll study harder and ask for help to understand it better next time'?" (Growth Mindset)

Conclusion: Your Mindset, Your Power! (Optional, if time allows, or use for Cool Down) (3 minutes)

(Display Your Mindset, Your Power! Slide)

"Fantastic job, everyone! Remember, your brain is like a muscle – the more you challenge it and work it, the stronger it gets! You have the power to choose how you think about your abilities and your challenges. Choosing a growth mindset means choosing to grow!"

"For our cool-down today, you'll complete a short Growth Mindset Self-Assessment (Cool Down) to reflect on your own mindset."

(If a longer discussion is desired, use the Growth Mindset Discussion Questions instead of or after the game.)

(Distribute the Growth Mindset Reflection (Worksheet) or assign the Growth Mindset True/False (Test) as a follow-up assessment.)

Growth Mindset Reflection

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Instructions:

Read each question carefully and provide thoughtful answers in the space provided. Reflect on what we discussed about fixed and growth mindsets.

1. In your own words, define a Fixed Mindset.
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. In your own words, define a Growth Mindset.
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Think about a time you faced a challenge (in school, sports, a hobby, or even a personal situation). Briefly describe the challenge and how you initially reacted to it.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Looking back at your reaction to the challenge in Question 3, do you think your mindset was more fixed or more growth-oriented at that moment? Explain why.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. If you were to approach that same challenge now with a growth mindset, how might your reaction or actions be different?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. Write down one new strategy you can try this week to apply a growth mindset to a difficult task or subject in school.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Discussion Questions

Instructions:

Engage in a respectful and thoughtful discussion with your classmates about the following questions. Be prepared to share your ideas and listen to others.

1. Can someone have a fixed mindset in one area (e.g., math) but a growth mindset in another (e.g., art)? How might this happen, and what does it tell us about mindsets?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Think about a famous athlete, artist, scientist, or leader. Do you think they exhibit more of a fixed or a growth mindset? Provide examples to support your reasoning.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What are some common phrases or thoughts you hear (or think yourself) that indicate a fixed mindset? How could these be rephrased to reflect a growth mindset?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. How can having a growth mindset help you overcome setbacks, not just in school, but also in your personal life or future career?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. What is one small step you can take starting today to encourage a more growth-oriented mindset in yourself or those around you?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Quick Check-in!

Instructions: Read the question below and think about your immediate reaction. Be ready to share your thoughts with a partner or the class.

When you face a really tough problem (like a challenging assignment, a tricky puzzle, or learning a new skill), do you usually think:

• "I can't do this!" (and you feel like giving up or avoiding it?)
  
  
  
  

• OR
  
  
  
  

• "I'll try my best to figure this out!" (and you see it as a challenge to overcome?)
  
  
  
  

Why do you react that way? What goes through your mind in those moments?

Growth Mindset Self-Assessment (Cool Down)

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Instructions:

Take a moment to reflect on today's lesson. Circle the answer that best reflects your current thinking or experience.

1. I believe my intelligence and abilities are fixed and cannot significantly change.

   • Strongly Disagree (1)
   • Disagree (2)
   • Neutral (3)
   • Agree (4)
   • Strongly Agree (5)

2. When I face a really challenging task, my first thought is often that I might not be smart enough.

   • Strongly Disagree (1)
   • Disagree (2)
   • Neutral (3)
   • Agree (4)
   • Strongly Agree (5)

3. I see mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve, rather than as failures.

   • Strongly Disagree (1)
   • Disagree (2)
   • Neutral (3)
   • Agree (4)
   • Strongly Agree (5)

4. Effort is crucial for developing new skills and improving existing ones.

   • Strongly Disagree (1)
   • Disagree (2)
   • Neutral (3)
   • Agree (4)
   • Strongly Agree (5)

5. Write one thing you learned or were reminded of today about mindsets.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. What is one specific way you plan to apply a growth mindset this week?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Growth vs. Fixed Mindset Cards

Instructions:

Cut out the cards below. Work with your group to sort them into two piles: "Fixed Mindset" and "Growth Mindset". Discuss your reasoning for each card and be ready to explain your choices.

Card 1

"I'm just not a math person; I'll never understand algebra."

Card 2

"I didn't get a good grade on that essay, but now I know what I need to work on for the next one."

Card 3

"Why bother studying for this test? I'm either smart enough or I'm not."

Card 4

"This project is really challenging, but I enjoy learning new things and pushing myself."

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Card 5

"I hate getting feedback on my work; it just makes me feel dumb."

Card 6

"My classmate got a higher score than me, which inspires me to practice more."

Card 7

"I'm not good at public speaking, so I'm going to avoid any presentations."

Card 8

"I messed up that play in the game, but I'll practice that move until I master it."

Card 9

"If I have to try hard, it means I'm not smart."

Card 10

"I love learning new strategies when something is difficult; it helps my brain grow."