lenny

Your Brain's Superpower: Embracing a Growth Mindset

Lesson Plan

Your Brain's Superpower: Embracing a Growth Mindset

Students will be able to distinguish between a fixed and growth mindset and apply growth mindset principles to a personal challenge.

This lesson is important because understanding growth mindset empowers students to overcome obstacles, embrace challenges, and continually develop their abilities, fostering resilience and a lifelong love of learning.

Audience

High School Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, real-world examples, and guided reflection.

Materials

Mindset Matters Slides, Mindset Quiz, and "Yet" Statement Practice Worksheet

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Connect & Hook (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Begin with a quick thought experiment or question to engage students:
    • "Think about something you once thought was impossible, but now you can do. What changed?"
    • Use Mindset Matters Slides Slide 1 to introduce the concept of the brain as a muscle.
  • Briefly introduce the idea that our beliefs about our intelligence and abilities can change everything, setting the stage for growth mindset.

Step 2

Introduce & Model (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Use Mindset Matters Slides Slides 2-5 to explain the core differences between a fixed and growth mindset.
    • Provide clear examples of each, perhaps using scenarios relevant to high school (e.g., struggling with a math problem, receiving a low test score, trying out for a sports team).
    • Introduce the concept of neuroplasticity simply: "Your brain can literally grow and change!"
  • Emphasize the power of "yet" – explaining that when you say "I can't do it," adding "yet" transforms the statement into a growth opportunity.

Step 3

Practice & Apply (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Distribute the "Yet" Statement Practice Worksheet.
  • Guide students through the worksheet, encouraging them to identify a personal challenge and reframe fixed mindset statements into growth mindset "yet" statements.
  • Circulate the room to offer support and answer questions.
  • If time permits, have students briefly share one transformed statement with a partner.

Step 4

Share & Reflect (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Bring the class back together for a brief discussion:
    • "What was challenging about reframing your statements?"
    • "How might thinking with a 'yet' statement change your approach to future challenges?"
  • Administer the Mindset Quiz as a quick check for understanding.
  • Conclude by reiterating that adopting a growth mindset is a powerful tool for learning and life.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Your Brain's Superpower: Growing Your Mind!

Think about it: What if your brain wasn't just 'fixed' the way it is?
What if you could actually make it stronger and smarter, just like a muscle?
Today, we're unlocking your brain's secret superpower!

Welcome students and get them thinking about how their brains work. Ask, "What do you think makes someone 'smart'?" Encourage varied responses. Introduce the idea that our brains are more flexible than we might think.

  • Belief: Intelligence and abilities are set in stone.
  • Challenges: Avoids challenges to prevent looking

Introduce the concept of a fixed mindset. Ask students for examples of things people with a fixed mindset might say or think. Emphasize the idea of intelligence being a static trait.

The Growth Mindset: "I can learn anything!"

  • Belief: Intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and dedication.
  • Challenges: Embraces challenges as opportunities to grow.

Now introduce the growth mindset. Highlight the key differences from a fixed mindset. Ask for examples of what someone with a growth mindset might say or do when faced with a challenge.

Neuroplasticity: Your Brain's Malleability

  • Big Word, Simple Idea: Your brain can change!
  • New Connections: Every time you learn something new or practice a skill, your brain forms new pathways.
  • Stronger Brain: The more you challenge yourself, the stronger these pathways become.

Explain neuroplasticity in simple terms, using an analogy like a path in the woods. The more you walk a path, the clearer it gets. The more you practice, the stronger the neural connections.

The Power of "Yet"!

  • Transform your thinking: When you hit a wall, add "yet"!
  • Fixed: "I don't understand this."
  • Growth: "I don't understand this... yet!"
  • It's not about being perfect, it's about progressing.
  • What challenge can YOU add "yet" to?

This is a key takeaway. Explain how adding 'yet' transforms a negative fixed mindset statement into a positive growth mindset statement. Give a few examples and then transition to the worksheet.

lenny

Quiz

Mindset Quiz

lenny

Worksheet

The Power of "Yet" Worksheet

Name: _________________________

Date: _________________________

Part 1: My Current Challenge

Think about a challenge you are currently facing, either in school, a hobby, or your personal life. It could be something you find difficult, something you haven't mastered, or something you're afraid to try.

  1. Describe your challenge: What is it that you are struggling with or haven't achieved?






  2. How does this challenge make you feel? (e.g., frustrated, overwhelmed, not smart enough, like giving up)



Part 2: Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset

Now, let's explore how you might be thinking about this challenge.

  1. Write one or two statements that reflect a Fixed Mindset about your challenge. These are thoughts that might make you feel stuck or believe you can't improve.
    Example Fixed Mindset Statement: "I'm just not a good writer."



  2. Now, transform those Fixed Mindset statements into Growth Mindset statements by adding the powerful word "YET" or by reframing the thought. How can you see this as an opportunity for learning and growth?
    Example Growth Mindset Statement: "I'm just not a good writer yet, but I can learn to improve my skills."






Part 3: My Growth Plan

Consider your new Growth Mindset statement. What steps can you take to move forward with your challenge?

  1. What is one small, actionable step you can take this week to address your challenge with a growth mindset?



  2. Who can you ask for help or support? (e.g., a teacher, a friend, a family member, a coach)



  3. How will you celebrate small improvements along the way?



Reflection

What is one new thing you learned about your brain or your potential today?






lenny
lenny