Lesson Plan
Your Mind Is A Muscle
Students will be able to differentiate between a growth and a fixed mindset and identify examples of each in their own lives.
Understanding the difference between a growth and fixed mindset is crucial for personal development, academic success, and overall well-being. This lesson will help students recognize how their thoughts impact their abilities and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Audience
9th Grade
Time
25 minutes
Approach
Through direct instruction, partner discussion, and independent reflection.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Growth vs. Fixed Mindset Slides, Mindset Self-Assessment, and The Power of Yet Poster Activity
Prep
Review Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Growth vs. Fixed Mindset Slides to ensure familiarity with content.
- Print copies of the Mindset Self-Assessment (one per student).
- Gather materials for the "The Power of Yet" Poster Activity: large paper/poster board, markers, colored pencils, magazines for cutting (optional).
- Ensure projector/whiteboard is set up for slide presentation.
- Review this lesson plan and all generated materials as needed.
Step 1
Hook: Mindset Quiz
5 minutes
- Begin by projecting the first slide of the Growth vs. Fixed Mindset Slides (Mindset Quiz).
- Ask students to silently consider their answers to the questions. Explain that there are no right or wrong answers, and it's just to get them thinking.
- Briefly discuss a few answers as a whole class, encouraging students to share their initial thoughts without introducing the terms 'growth' or 'fixed' mindset yet.
Step 2
Direct Instruction: Growth vs. Fixed Mindset
10 minutes
- Use the Growth vs. Fixed Mindset Slides to introduce and explain the concepts of growth and fixed mindsets.
- Emphasize key differences, characteristics, and real-world implications.
- Encourage questions and provide clear examples.
Step 3
Partner Discussion: Personal Examples
5 minutes
- Divide students into pairs.
- Distribute the Mindset Self-Assessment.
- Instruct partners to complete the self-assessment individually and then discuss their responses, sharing one or two personal examples of when they've experienced a growth or fixed mindset.
- Circulate around the room to listen in and provide guidance.
Step 4
Independent Reflection: Journal Entry
3 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Ask students to take out their journals or a piece of paper.
- Prompt them to reflect on the discussion and their self-assessment. (e.g., "How might understanding mindsets change your approach to challenges? What's one area where you want to foster a growth mindset?"). Refer to the Journal Entry (will be created).
Step 5
Closing: The Power of 'Yet'
2 minutes
- Conclude the lesson by introducing the concept of 'the power of yet' (e.g., "I can't do it yet").
- Display the final slide of the Growth vs. Fixed Mindset Slides.
- Distribute materials for and explain the The Power of Yet Poster Activity (to be completed at a later time or as homework).
- Encourage students to internalize this phrase and apply it to their learning journey.
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Slide Deck
Mindset Quiz: How Do You Think?
A quick self-assessment to get us thinking!
Welcome students. Explain this is a short, informal quiz to help them consider their own thinking patterns. There are no right or wrong answers. Encourage them to think honestly about their usual reactions.
Mindset Quiz Questions
- When I get a bad grade, I usually think I'm just not smart enough.
2. I believe my intelligence is something I can significantly improve through effort.
3. I tend to avoid challenging tasks because I don't like making mistakes.
4. I see mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow.
5. Feedback on my work often feels like a personal attack.
6. I enjoy learning new things, even if they are difficult at first.
Read each statement aloud. Give students a moment to reflect on whether they agree or disagree. You can ask for a quick show of hands (agree/disagree) for a few statements, but emphasize personal reflection is key.
What's a Mindset?
It's how you think about yourself and your abilities!
Transition from the quiz to introducing the two main concepts. Explain that our answers to the quiz questions give us clues about our 'mindset.'
Fixed Mindset
'My abilities are set in stone.'
- Intelligence is static: "I'm either good at something or I'm not."
- Avoids challenges: "Why try if I might fail?"
- Gives up easily: "This is too hard for me."
- Ignores feedback: "They're just criticizing me."
- Feels threatened by others' success: "If they win, I lose."
Introduce the Fixed Mindset. Define it clearly and provide examples of thoughts a person with a fixed mindset might have.
Growth Mindset
'My abilities can grow with effort!'
- Intelligence can be developed: "The more I work, the smarter I get."
- Embraces challenges: "This is an opportunity to learn."
- Persists despite setbacks: "I'll keep trying until I get it."
- Learns from feedback: "What can I do differently next time?"
- Inspired by others' success: "Their success shows me what's possible."
Introduce the Growth Mindset. Define it and provide contrasting examples of thoughts a person with a growth mindset might have.
Fixed vs. Growth: A Quick Look
||Fixed Mindset|Growth Mindset|
|---|---|---|
|Belief about intelligence|Static, unchangeable|Can be developed and improved|
|Approach to challenges|Avoids|Embraces, sees as opportunity|
|Response to setbacks|Gives up easily|Persists, learns|
|View of effort|Pointless if not naturally talented|Path to mastery|
|Reaction to criticism|Defensive, ignores|Learns from it|
|Success of others|Threatening|Inspiring, motivational|
Summarize the key differences between the two mindsets. This slide helps consolidate their understanding before moving to application.
Mindset in Your Life
Now, let's think about how these mindsets show up for you! Get ready for a Mindset Self-Assessment and a partner discussion.
Prepare students for the partner activity with the worksheet. Explain that this will help them apply the concepts to their own lives.
The Power of 'Yet'!
'I can't do it... YET!'
- A simple word that changes everything!
- It means you're on a learning journey.
- It turns a roadblock into a stepping stone.
- What's something you can't do... yet?
Introduce the 'Power of Yet' as a powerful tool for developing a growth mindset. Explain its meaning and encourage students to use it.
Embrace Your Growth!
Your mind is like a muscle – the more you work it, the stronger it gets! Let's create a visual reminder with our The Power of Yet Poster Activity. Keep growing!
Wrap up the lesson by reiterating the main takeaway and introducing the poster activity. Encourage students to keep thinking about their mindsets.
Worksheet
Mindset Self-Assessment
Instructions: For each statement, circle the response that best describes you. Then, think about how your responses reflect a fixed or growth mindset. After completing, be prepared to discuss with a partner.
-
When faced with a difficult problem, I usually:
A) Get frustrated and want to give up.
B) See it as a chance to learn something new.
-
If I fail at something, I tend to:
A) Believe I don't have the talent for it.
B) Analyze what went wrong and try a different approach.
-
When someone gives me constructive criticism, I:
A) Feel hurt or defensive.
B) Listen carefully and consider how I can improve.
-
I believe my intelligence:
A) Is something I can't really change.
B) Can grow and develop over time with effort.
-
I prefer tasks that:
A) I know I'm good at and can complete easily.
B) Challenge me and push me out of my comfort zone.
-
When I see others succeed, I typically:
A) Feel envious or worried about my own abilities.
B) Feel inspired and motivated to work harder.
Personal Reflection (for discussion with your partner)
Think about a time you faced a challenge (academic, athletic, personal). How did you react? Did your mindset lean fixed or growth? Explain with an example.
What is one area where you would like to develop more of a growth mindset? How might you start to do that?
Activity
The Power of 'Yet' Poster Activity
Objective: To visually reinforce the concept of a growth mindset and the power of the word "yet".
Materials: Large paper/poster board, markers, colored pencils, magazines (optional for cutouts), glue.
Procedure:
- At the top of your paper, write "The Power of Yet!" in large, bold letters.
- Below the title, write the phrase: "I can't do it... YET!"
- Divide the rest of your poster into two sections:
- Section 1: "What I Can't Do Yet"
- In this section, list or draw things you currently struggle with or can't do. These could be academic challenges (e.g., "solve complex algebra problems"), skills (e.g., "play a musical instrument"), or personal goals (e.g., "run a mile without stopping").
- You can use words, symbols, or cutouts from magazines.
- Section 2: "How I Will Get There"
- In this section, brainstorm and illustrate actions, strategies, or efforts you could apply to achieve the goals listed in Section 1. Think about what steps you can take, who you can ask for help, or what resources you can use. For example, next to "solve complex algebra problems," you might draw a book, a tutor, or a brain working hard.
- Focus on the process of growth and learning.
- Section 1: "What I Can't Do Yet"
- Decorate your poster with colors, drawings, and inspiring words that represent perseverance, learning, and growth.
- Be prepared to share your poster and discuss one of your "can't do yet" challenges and your plan for growth.
Extension: Keep this poster somewhere visible to remind you of your growth journey!
Journal
Mindset Journal: Reflecting on Growth
Prompt 1: New Ideas and Insights
Reflect on today's discussion about fixed and growth mindsets. What was one new idea or concept that stood out to you? Why do you think this idea is important for your learning and personal growth?
Prompt 2: Identifying Your Mindset
Think about a recent situation (either in school or outside of school) where you experienced a challenge or setback. Describe the situation. Looking back, do you think your reaction was more aligned with a fixed mindset or a growth mindset? Explain your reasoning.
Prompt 3: Cultivating Growth
What is one specific step you can take this week to try and apply a growth mindset to a challenge you are currently facing or anticipate facing? How might using the phrase "I can't do it yet" help you in this situation?