Lesson Plan

Growth Mindset Session Plan

Introduce 3rd grade students to growth vs. fixed mindsets, guide them through reflective journaling, and help them set a personal growth goal.

Building a growth mindset helps students reframe challenges as learning opportunities, boosting resilience and perseverance in classroom tasks.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Setup Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Mindset Check

5 minutes

Step 2

Teach: Growth vs. Fixed Mindset

7 minutes

Step 3

Guided Practice: Journal Prompts

8 minutes

Step 4

Reflection: Rubric Review

3 minutes

Step 5

Wrap-Up: Share & Goal-Setting

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Growth vs. Fixed Mindset

Welcome students! Today we’ll explore two ways of thinking—fixed and growth mindsets—and learn how our thoughts can help us learn and grow.

What Is a Mindset?

Read each definition aloud and highlight key words: “can’t change” vs. “can improve.” Ask students to point out those words.

Spot the Mindset

Show each statement one at a time. Ask: “Fixed or growth?” Invite volunteers to explain their choice before revealing the label.

Why Growth Mindset Matters

Explain that our brain is like a muscle: it grows when we challenge it. Emphasize that effort and strategy help us overcome challenges.

Think & Share

Pose the questions and give students a moment to think or turn-and-talk with a partner before sharing with the group.

Next Steps

Connect today’s learning to journal work and goal setting. Remind students we’ll use our I Can Improve Prompts Journal and rubric next.