For the first lesson to kick off the series I thought the topic of Growth Mindset would be the best to set the overall tone for the series. So, as this will be involved in pretty much each lesson, why not start with it first?
It is helpful to either have a laptop hooked up to your TV to do a slideshow or have a whiteboard/large paper available to write on.
Introduction
- Begin the lesson by asking students if they’ve ever faced challenges or tasks that they found difficult. Encourage a few volunteers to share their experiences.
- Explain that today, they will learn about a powerful concept called a “growth mindset” that can help them face challenges and learn from mistakes.
What is “Growth Mindset”?
- Write “Fixed Mindset” and “Growth Mindset” on the board. Explain that these are two different ways of thinking.
- Discuss the characteristics of each mindset:
- Fixed Mindset: Belief that our abilities are fixed, avoidance of challenges, gives up easily, sees effort as fruitless, ignores feedback, feels threatened by others’ success.
- Growth Mindset: Belief that our abilities can be developed, embraces challenges, persists in the face of setbacks, sees effort as a path to mastery, learns from criticism, finds inspiration in others’ success.
- Ask students to reflect on which mindset they tend to have and discuss their observations with a partner.
Scenarios
- Provide students with worksheets or handouts containing scenarios related to challenges and learning. Each scenario should have two columns, one representing a fixed mindset response and the other representing a growth mindset response.
- In pairs or small groups, students should read the scenarios and decide which mindset response is demonstrated in each. They can discuss their answers with the group.
- Review the scenarios as a class, emphasizing the benefits of adopting a growth mindset in each situation.
My Pledge
- Distribute blank sheets of paper or index cards to students.
- Ask students to write or draw one thing they will do differently in their lives. It could be related to school, hobbies, or personal goals.
- Encourage students to share their pledges with the class, if they feel comfortable.
Conclusion
- Recap the key points of the lesson:
- A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities can be developed with effort and practice.
- It’s important to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and persevere in the face of setbacks.
- We can choose which mindset we want in various aspects of our lives.
- Encourage students to apply what they’ve learned in their daily activities and challenges.
- Conclude by emphasizing that developing a growth mindset is an ongoing journey that can lead to greater learning and success.
Homework/Extension Activity (Optional)
Ask students to journal about a recent challenge they faced and how they approached it. Which mindset did they exhibit, and what would they do differently next time?