Activity Overview
Growth Mindset is the belief that intelligence is constantly growing and changing with effort, persistence, and a focus on learning. It is the idea that our brains are not fixed, and that we can learn almost anything with time, effort, and the acceptance of failure and challenges. Fixed mindset, on the other hand, is the belief that our intelligence and qualities are traits that cannot be changed.
After reading the story I Can’t Do That YET by Esther Pia Cordova, kids should brainstorm positive thoughts that help them when they struggle to achieve a goal. Using a website chosen by the teacher or a printout of positive quotes, students will choose a quote that they like. Next, students will create a cell that states and illustrates that quote and print it out to keep as a day to day reminder that anything is possible. Teachers may want to laminate these or tape them to the students’ desks.
Other Picture Books for Teaching Growth Mindset
- The Bad Seed by John Jory
- Bob the Artist by Marion Deuchars
- My Strong Mind by Niels Van Hove
- When Sophie Thinks She Can’t by Molly Bang
- Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle
- How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers
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: Create a cell that illustrates and states a positive quote of your choice.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Create an illustration that represents the quote using appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
- Write the quote in the description box. Be sure to include who said the quote.
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
Growth Mindset is the belief that intelligence is constantly growing and changing with effort, persistence, and a focus on learning. It is the idea that our brains are not fixed, and that we can learn almost anything with time, effort, and the acceptance of failure and challenges. Fixed mindset, on the other hand, is the belief that our intelligence and qualities are traits that cannot be changed.
After reading the story I Can’t Do That YET by Esther Pia Cordova, kids should brainstorm positive thoughts that help them when they struggle to achieve a goal. Using a website chosen by the teacher or a printout of positive quotes, students will choose a quote that they like. Next, students will create a cell that states and illustrates that quote and print it out to keep as a day to day reminder that anything is possible. Teachers may want to laminate these or tape them to the students’ desks.
Other Picture Books for Teaching Growth Mindset
- The Bad Seed by John Jory
- Bob the Artist by Marion Deuchars
- My Strong Mind by Niels Van Hove
- When Sophie Thinks She Can’t by Molly Bang
- Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle
- How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers
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: Create a cell that illustrates and states a positive quote of your choice.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Create an illustration that represents the quote using appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
- Write the quote in the description box. Be sure to include who said the quote.
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 Growth Mindset: Positive Quotes
Organize a Growth Mindset Quote Gallery in Your Classroom
Display student-created quote cells on a bulletin board or wall to celebrate effort and progress. Showcasing all students' positive quotes helps foster a class culture where learning from challenges is valued and everyone’s ideas matter.
Invite students to share why they chose their quote
Encourage each student to briefly explain what their quote means to them. Sharing personal connections helps students internalize growth mindset messages and builds classroom community.
Rotate featured quotes weekly for continued inspiration
Select a new set of student quotes to highlight each week. Changing the display keeps the growth mindset conversation fresh and gives every student a moment in the spotlight.
Incorporate quote reflections into morning meetings
Begin the day by reading a positive quote and inviting students to discuss how it applies to today’s learning. Making this a routine helps students see challenges as opportunities every day.
Frequently Asked Questions about Growth Mindset: Positive Quotes
What is a growth mindset and why is it important for students?
A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities can develop through effort, learning, and perseverance. Teaching students this mindset helps them embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and stay motivated to achieve their goals.
How can I use positive quotes to teach growth mindset in my classroom?
Encourage students to select positive quotes about learning and effort, then illustrate and display them. This daily reminder supports a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities and effort is celebrated.
What are some easy growth mindset activities for grades 2–3?
Simple activities include reading picture books about perseverance, brainstorming positive self-talk, creating quote illustrations, and discussing real-life examples of overcoming challenges.
Which picture books help teach growth mindset to young learners?
Great picture books include I Can’t Do That YET by Esther Pia Cordova, The Bad Seed by John Jory, My Strong Mind by Niels Van Hove, and When Sophie Thinks She Can’t by Molly Bang.
What’s the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset?
A growth mindset believes abilities can improve with effort, while a fixed mindset sees intelligence as unchangeable. Teaching the difference helps students understand the value of persistence and learning from mistakes.
More Storyboard That Activities
Social Emotional Learning Read Alouds
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
