About this resource
A growth mindset (a can-do attitude) versus a fixed mindset (a can't do attitude) is essential for innovations to occur. Students need opportunities to address concerns and move pass the fear of failure. After defining a growth mindset and a fixed mindset based on Carol Dweck's research, students will explore books that tackle the concept of positive thinking and encourage students to focus on their strengths and creative ideas.
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
Science, Social Studies
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
Science: Metacognition (thinking about thinking)
What students will do
- Assess what knowledge they know regarding a growth mindset and a fixed mindset.
- Share opinions in small group discussion format.
- Listen to other student opinions in small group discussion format.
- Engage in the inquiry process by asking clarifying questions regarding mindsets.
- Synthesize prior knowledge and create new knowledge through reading and discussing characters' decisions in books.
Resources Needed
Tables for small groups, books listed under credits, Internet access with projection screen, note cards for ideas and sketches, pencils, iPads or computers for students to take the "test your mindset" quiz (or rotate and share computers).
Lesson sequence & procedures
Direct Instruction: Read What Do You do With An Idea? Discuss how the main character has a growth mindset (the belief that one can continue to learn and improve). Discuss the definition of a fixed mindset (the belief that one cannot improve or change their situation). Explain who Carol Dweck is and share her website. Read What Do You Do With A Problem?
Guided Practice: Read The Most Magnificent Thing. Have students write "fixed mindset" on one side of their notecard and "growth mindset" on the other side. Ask them after each page to hold up the type of mindset the girl is having.
Independent Practice: Ask students to take the "test your mindset" assessment online and write a three sentence exit ticket on a notecard that explains the assessment results. Ask students to share an example of how they changed a fixed mindset into a growth mindset or have them reflect on a fixed mindset situation they are currently working on.
http://www.mindsetonline.com/testyourmindset/step1.php
How learning is assessed
I will do an informal thumb book review after reading each book (students give the books a thumbs up, thumbs in the middle, or thumbs down depending on their opinion of the book). I will ask students if a book character demonstrates a fixed or growth mindset and they will flip their card to reflect the correct answer (one side says "growth mindset" and the other side says "fixed mindset"). I will check for understanding. If several students are incorrect, I will re-teach the difference and provide examples for growth and fixed mindsets.