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Looking for ways to help kids embrace their mistakes and keep working toward success? Growth mindset activities could be the answer. This concept may not be a miracle cure for all students. But many educators find it helpful in reminding kids that even though they’re struggling to do something now, it doesn’t mean that will always be the case. Here are some ways to open their minds to the idea that they really can learn new things, and that the effort is just as important as the achievement.
What is a growth mindset?
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Psychologist Carol Dweck made the idea of fixed vs. growth mindsets famous with her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Through extensive research, she found that there are two common mindsets, or ways of thinking:
- Fixed mindset: People with a fixed mindset feel that their abilities are what they are and cannot be changed. For instance, a person may believe that they’re bad at math, so they don’t bother to try. Conversely, a person may feel that because they’re smart, they don’t need to work very hard. In either case, when a person fails at something, they simply give up.
- Growth mindset: Those with this mindset believe that they can always learn new things if they make enough effort. They embrace their mistakes, learning from them and trying new ideas instead.
Dweck found that successful people are those who embrace a growth mindset. Though we all alternate between the two at times, focusing on a growth-oriented way of thought and behavior helps people adapt and change when needed. Instead of thinking “I can’t do this,” these people say, “I can’t do this YET.”
Growth mindset is key for learners. They must be open to new ideas and processes and believe they can learn anything with enough effort. Teach kids to make this mindset their default with classroom growth mindset activities like these.
Our Favorite Growth Mindset Activities
1. Read a growth mindset book
These read-alouds are perfect for story time, but don’t be afraid to try them with older students too. In fact, picture books can spark all sorts of interesting conversations among high schoolers!
Learn more: 18 Perfect Read-Alouds for Teaching Growth Mindset
2. Fold an origami penguin
This is such a cool way to introduce the idea of a growth mindset. Start by asking kids to fold an origami penguin, with no instructions at all. Talk about their frustrations, then give them the chance to follow instructions and ask for help. Kids will realize that learning to do something is a process, and you have to be open to trying.
Source: Little Yellow Star
3. Learn growth mindset words
Introduce important growth mindset concepts like creativity, mistakes, risks, persistence, and more. Ask students to share what they already know about these terms by writing thoughts on a poster. Hang these in your classroom as a reminder throughout the year.
Learn more: Create Dream Explore
4. Compare fixed and growth mindsets
Show students examples of fixed mindset statements, and compare them with more growth-oriented examples. When students use a fixed mindset phrase, ask them to restate it from a growth standpoint instead.
Learn more: Rainbow Sky Creations
5. Change your words, change your mindset
The things we say to ourselves are just as important as the efforts we make. Give kids sticky notes and have them brainstorm growth mindset alternatives to fixed mindset phrases.
Learn more: Making Learning Super
6. Make a cootie catcher
Kids always love these little foldable doodads. Grab two free printables at the link, and as kids fold, talk about what it means to have a growth mindset.
Learn more: Rock Your Homeschool
7. Discover neuroplasticity
That very big word simply means that our brains continue to grow and change throughout our whole lives. In fact, they get stronger the more we use them! This is the science behind the growth mindset, explaining why it really does work.
Learn more: Big Life Journal
8. Embrace the power of “yet”
When you add “yet” to a fixed mindset statement, it can really change the game! Ask students to list some things they can’t do yet, and revisit the list from time to time to see what they’ve accomplished.
Learn more: Brown Bag Teacher
9. Work together in an escape room
Any escape room activity can encourage students to try new ideas and work together to figure out the answers. If you’d like one specifically geared toward growth mindset, visit the link for a ready-to-go option.
Learn more: Teach Create Motivate
10. Flip that flop!
Learning that it’s OK to make mistakes is a huge part of growth-oriented thinking. Help kids recognize that and learn how to flip their flops with this fun, free printable activity.
Learn more: Keep ’Em Thinking
11. Lift a growth mindset barbell
This cute craft encourages kids to think of things they can already do and things they can’t do yet. It makes a connection between working out to strengthen your body and thinking to strengthen your brain.
Learn more: Smitten With First
12. Sing “Everyone Makes Mistakes”
This Sesame Street ditty became an instant classic for a reason. Big Bird’s sweet tune reminds us that everyone makes mistakes, and the important part is to just keep trying.
13. Seek out famous failures
So many famous people only accomplished their dreams after many years of trying. Share some famous failures with your students (see more at the link), then have them round up more famous failure stories on their own.
Learn more: Laura Randazzo
14. Analyze your errors
Mistakes are OK, but only because we can learn from them. When students get the answer wrong or aren’t able to do something they want or need to do, encourage them to look back at their errors. Reflect on what went wrong, and use that knowledge to try again.
Learn more: Ashleigh’s Education Journey
15. Use growth mindset exit tickets
At the end of a lesson or day, have students complete these exit tickets. They’ll reflect on what inspired them, what challenged them, and when perseverance paid off.
Learn more: Tales From a Very Busy Teacher
16. Craft a class slogan
Put students into small groups to come up with a potential growth mindset slogan for the class. Bring everyone back together to look over the options, and work to combine them into one slogan that inspires everyone.
Learn more: Teaching With Simplicity
17. Glow and grow
Celebrating the efforts that lead to accomplishments is a key part of a growth mindset. Use this chart to encourage kids to recognize their “glowing” moments and set goals for “growing” moments.
Source: 3rd Grade Thoughts
18. Color some inspirational quotes
Coloring is a calming, reflective activity for many people. Give kids some of these pages to decorate, or encourage them to illustrate inspirational quotes in any way they like.
Learn more: A Grace-Filled Classroom
19. Experiment with coding and robotics
When students learn to code, “What if we try this?” becomes their go-to phrase. As you give your students the time they need to discover what works, the reward is in the process. Student coders become master revisionists, which allows them to deepen creativity to find success.
Learn more: 5 Ways Coding and Robotics Build a Growth Mindset in Your Students
20. Let families inspire their kids
This is such a cool idea for open house or even parent-teacher conferences. Share these free handouts with families, and encourage them to write about the times in their own lives when a growth mindset made a real difference.
Learn more: Brain Waves Instruction
What are your favorite growth mindset activities? Come share your ideas and ask for advice in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, check out Free Growth Mindset Posters To Bring More Positivity to Your Classroom.
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