Growth Mindset Activity – Craft and Writing
Who else had heard the phrase “I can’t” too many times to count in their classroom?
Yep, us teachers know that a kid who thinks they can’t do something is pretty much as stubborn as they get. And I think all of us have had similar thoughts ourselves!
It’s so important to instill growth mindsets in students, especially when it comes to younger kids. A “can’t do” attitude can seriously get in the way of students’ development and desire to achieve as they get older.
But what exactly is a growth mindset? A growth mindset is a “can do” attitude. It’s a way of thinking that allows for mistakes and errors and accepts them, because they know that growth is still possible despite any roadblocks that stand in their way.
It’s knowing that if they can’t do something, it just means they can’t do it YET!
It’s easy for younger students to try something once, not see the result they had hoped for or get it wrong, and assume that they’ll never be able to get it right. But by encouraging an attitude of determination and perseverance in the classroom, they can approach future lessons with a fresh outlook.
As teachers, this is one of the most important things we can teach our young students. A growth mindset helps them push past those negative thoughts for years and years to come and truly believe that they can do anything they set their mind to with hard work and time.
That’s why I wanted to share one of my favorite character building resources, my Growth Mindset Activity! This activity isn’t just super low prep and easy for you teachers — it’s also packed full of amazing reflection and encouragement for young learners. It’s a fantastic way to help students understand the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, that mistakes are often made before reaching a goal, and that just because they can’t do something now doesn’t mean they can’t do it in the future.
What’s included in this Growth Mindset Activity Craft?
This growth mindset activity has a craft and writing portion all in one! The prep on your end is super simple, but students will get the opportunity to cut, fold, color, and write to reflect. This activity covers growth mindset topics like…
● Growth mindset vs. Fixed mindset
● The power of Yet
● Goal Setting
● Mistakes
● Overcoming Problems and Problem Solving
Everything but the paper is included, and the instructions are super easy to follow for both you and your students. You’ll be able to print the craftivity on either black and white paper or on the colored paper of your choice.
How can I use this Growth Mindset Activity in the classroom?
There are so many ways to use this activity in your classroom to encourage your students to build a growth mindset!
For one, it makes a fantastic addition to your classroom bulletin board. I love this option because parents can see their students’ activity and reflections when they come in for parent teacher conferences. I can guarantee that they will be super impressed by the big character building that’s done in just one little activity!
A second way to use this activity in the classroom is for back to school season. An activity like this really sets the tone for an amazing school year. Students can keep their activity in their folders all year round to refer back to whenever they are feeling down on themselves and need that extra push!
If you’ve got some students who have a chronic case of the “can’t dos”, I would recommend breaking out this activity to help remedy that. This will target whatever fears and insecurities they have and turn things around so that they can refocus and get back into the right headspace.
It’s also a great option for centers in the class because once you do one or two of them, students can easily do them on their own. This makes it super simple on your part, since they will be able to do them by themselves in a group. The reflection and craft aspects will get your students excited to have a go at this center!
Here’s what other teachers are saying about this Growth Mindset Activity:
Download a copy of this done-for-you Growth Mindset Activity and Craft!
Conclusion
A growth mindset is one of the hallmarks of a great learner, and now you can teach how to have a growth mindset in a fun and easy way with this low prep, flip flap craftivity! Students will have a blast while they cut, color, and write about making mistakes and working through them. Your class will leave this activity with a positive state of mind that’s ready to learn whatever you throw their way. However you choose to use this growth mindset activity in the classroom, you’ll feel amazing knowing you helped your students become more determined, confident, and purposeful young learners!
Do you teach the importance of having a growth mindset in your classroom? Do you plan to try out this activity with your students? Let me know — I’d love to hear from you!