Activity Overview
Teaching students about "Growth Mindset" at the beginning of the year is a wonderful way to set students up for a successful year of tackling challenges and growing as a community of learners. Growth Mindset, as described by author Carol S. Dwek, is the belief that rather than being born with innate abilities that are fixed, humans all have the potential to train their abilities. Growth Mindset teaches that our intelligence, creativity, and athleticism are not fixed and inborn traits, but rather learned skills that can be improved through perseverance, effort, taking on new challenges, and learning from mistakes. Teaching students that their brains are capable of growing allows them to feel empowered. Carol S. Dweck says, "Failure is information, we label it failure, but it's more like, 'This didn't work, I'm a problem solver, and I'll try something else.'" By allowing students to understand that failure and making mistakes are a vital part of the learning process and 'growing your brain', they will be more confident to take risks and tackle new challenges. As Dweck says, Students will learn to "love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort, and keep on learning.”
Teachers may wish to read a book, watch videos, or use other instructional materials that teach about the concept of Growth Mindset. After discussing the concept, students will make a T-Chart comparing the attributes and differences of a "Fixed Mindset" vs. a "Growth Mindset".
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Explain the difference between Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Think of 4 different examples of having a Fixed Mindset vs having a Growth Mindset.
- Using the T Chart template, add different scenes, characters, symbols and items that clearly illustrate each of your four examples.
Requirements: Four different examples of a Fixed Mindset vs. a Growth Mindset using illustrations and writing that clearly convey each.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Teaching students about "Growth Mindset" at the beginning of the year is a wonderful way to set students up for a successful year of tackling challenges and growing as a community of learners. Growth Mindset, as described by author Carol S. Dwek, is the belief that rather than being born with innate abilities that are fixed, humans all have the potential to train their abilities. Growth Mindset teaches that our intelligence, creativity, and athleticism are not fixed and inborn traits, but rather learned skills that can be improved through perseverance, effort, taking on new challenges, and learning from mistakes. Teaching students that their brains are capable of growing allows them to feel empowered. Carol S. Dweck says, "Failure is information, we label it failure, but it's more like, 'This didn't work, I'm a problem solver, and I'll try something else.'" By allowing students to understand that failure and making mistakes are a vital part of the learning process and 'growing your brain', they will be more confident to take risks and tackle new challenges. As Dweck says, Students will learn to "love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort, and keep on learning.”
Teachers may wish to read a book, watch videos, or use other instructional materials that teach about the concept of Growth Mindset. After discussing the concept, students will make a T-Chart comparing the attributes and differences of a "Fixed Mindset" vs. a "Growth Mindset".
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Explain the difference between Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Think of 4 different examples of having a Fixed Mindset vs having a Growth Mindset.
- Using the T Chart template, add different scenes, characters, symbols and items that clearly illustrate each of your four examples.
Requirements: Four different examples of a Fixed Mindset vs. a Growth Mindset using illustrations and writing that clearly convey each.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about What is Growth Mindset?
Encourage a Growth Mindset with Classroom Language
Use positive, growth-oriented phrases when giving feedback and guiding discussions. Model language that emphasizes effort, strategies, and learning from mistakes to help students internalize growth mindset beliefs.
Praise Effort and Strategies Over Outcomes
Recognize students for the hard work and creative problem-solving they display, not just correct answers. This reinforces the idea that improvement comes from effort, not just natural ability.
Normalize Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
Celebrate mistakes by discussing them openly and reflecting together. Show students that errors are a natural part of learning and an opportunity to grow their brains.
Set Goals and Reflect on Progress Regularly
Guide students to set personal learning goals and check in on their progress. Reflection helps students see growth over time and builds resilience when facing challenges.
Share Growth Mindset Success Stories
Bring in real-life examples of people who achieved success through perseverance. Discuss how they overcame obstacles and what strategies they used to reinforce the power of a growth mindset.
Frequently Asked Questions about What is Growth Mindset?
What is a growth mindset in simple terms for students?
A growth mindset means believing you can improve your abilities through effort, learning, and trying new things. It helps students see mistakes as chances to grow and become stronger learners.
How can I teach growth mindset to middle school students?
To teach growth mindset to middle schoolers, discuss how effort, persistence, and learning from mistakes help us improve. Use activities like T-Charts to compare fixed and growth mindsets, share stories, and encourage students to reflect on their own learning journeys.
What are some examples of fixed mindset vs. growth mindset in the classroom?
Fixed mindset examples: giving up after mistakes, saying "I'm just bad at math." Growth mindset examples: persevering through tough problems, saying "I can get better with practice." Using real-life classroom scenarios helps students spot the difference.
Why is teaching growth mindset important at the start of the school year?
Teaching growth mindset early builds a positive classroom culture. It encourages students to embrace challenges, learn from errors, and support one another, setting them up for a year of confidence and growth.
What are the best activities for introducing growth mindset to students?
Effective activities include T-Chart comparisons of mindsets, storytelling about famous failures, growth mindset journaling, and group discussions. Visual aids and creative assignments help students internalize the concept.
More Storyboard That Activities
Get to Know Storyboard That
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
