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.
(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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Simple activities include reading picture books about perseverance, brainstorming positive self-talk, creating quote illustrations, and discussing real-life examples of overcoming challenges.
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.
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.