The ideas of this lesson center around the science of neuroplasticity which is a term representing your brain's ability to change over time due to influence of thoughts, behaviors and experiences. This opens up the idea that we can continue to change and grow over time and shift our ideas of "who we are" as people and learners. We can empower students to believe in their own ability to learn and grow.
The concept of a Growth Mindset will be introduced. This describes the belief that intelligence and personality can be developed. People who adopt a growth mindset value learning over looking smart, possess character traits like persistence, grit, and optimism, and view challenges, setbacks, and failures as opportunities for growth.
What will students be Taught during this Lesson?
Students will preview a video on our brains and the ability for our brains to grow and improve based on how much effort we put in. This will be the basis of our conversation for this lesson.
Students will also start to begin to consider what kind of mindset they might have in various areas of their day. We will begin to brainstorm areas where we need to improve our growth mindset and begin to develop a motto for these areas that might be more challenging for us.
Students will complete a worksheet focused on their individual growth mindset and a task/challenge they are determined to do this year. They will also choose a personal motto to tell themselves when they encounter frustration, mistakes or want to give up.