Fixed & Growth Mindset ESL Lesson

OBJECTIVE & OVERVIEW

This fixed & growth mindset ESL lesson provides activities, PDF worksheets, and digital materials designed for intermediate B1 students. In this lesson, students will:

• Explore the differences between growth and fixed mindsets
• Identify examples of thoughts associated with each mindset
• Analyze strategies to develop a growth mindset
• Reflect on their own mindset through a survey and discussion
• Use vocabulary in a role play scenario to help someone develop a growth mindset

PREVIEW & DISCUSSION

In the first part of this fixed & growth mindset ESL lesson, students engage in various tasks to introduce the concept of growth and fixed mindsets. First, they discuss the differences between the mindsets using key nouns such as mistakes, challenges, progress, failure, fear, effort, and perfection.

Then, they classify example thoughts as belonging to either a growth or fixed mindset.

Finally, students suggest advice to develop a growth mindset based on the given thoughts in Part 2.

VIEWING ACTIVITY

During the viewing activity, students watch an animated video illustrating the concepts of growth and fixed mindsets using the analogy of seeds. They participate in comprehension tasks, including matching characteristics of seeds, identifying verbs and nouns associated with mindsets, and discussing tips for developing a growth mindset presented in the video.

DISCUSSION & SURVEY

In the viewing follow-up, students engage in discussions and reflections related to the video content. They evaluate how useful and interesting the video was. Then, they assess their own mindset by doing a mindset survey, and discuss the results. Additionally, students respond to questions about their mindset prediction, analyze their survey scores, and share personal experiences related to their mindset development.

EXERCISING YOUR GROWTH MINDSET

In the activation phase, students get two options. In the first option, students apply their understanding of growth mindset principles in role-play scenarios or group discussions. They either take on roles to encourage growth mindset thinking or share personal experiences related to challenges, failures, and achievements, reinforcing the lesson's concepts.

In the activation phase, students have the second option to discuss personal experiences related to mindset challenges. They choose from a list of talking points, each asking about specific situations where growth mindset principles can be applied. Students share anecdotes, insights, and lessons learned from their own lives. By discussing real-life scenarios, students gain practical strategies for overcoming obstacles and achieving success. This option encourages peer interaction, empathy, and self-reflection, empowering students to develop a positive mindset and resilience in the face of challenges.

BONUS GRAMMAR

As a supplementary grammar activity, students practice first conditional sentences related to mindset challenges. They analyze a mini-dialogue between characters discussing concerns and responses using first conditional structures. Then, they complete sentences with appropriate verb forms to reinforce their understanding of the grammar point.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS FIXED & GROWTH MINDSET ESL LESSON

This comprehensive lesson provides students with opportunities to explore, understand, and apply growth mindset principles, fostering a positive outlook towards learning and personal development. Through engaging activities and thoughtful reflections, students develop essential skills for cultivating a growth mindset in various aspects of their lives.