Growth Mindset Brain Unit 2 Lesson Plans

Why I Made this…

I was inspired to make this 2nd mini-unit after I finished teaching my 4th and 5th graders my original “Growth Mindset Brain Mini-Unit”. They were so excited to learn about the brain and wanted to know more! Some kids even asked to learn about synapses. Teacher heaven!

I was also inspired from seeing many of my students become easily frustrated when they face difficulty and I wanted to show them that the way they deal with their emotions can actually affect their brain and ability to learn.

What’s This About…

* So, this Mini-Unit is designed to be an extension of my first (check it out), introducing new concepts like Synapses, Emotions, and Fixed & Growth Mindset Comparisons. But, you can still use it effectively without teaching the original unit.

* All lessons are intended for the busy teacher and should take approximately 20-25 minutes each. You can do one lesson a day or spread them out and do one per week (which is what I do).

Mini-Unit Includes:

-----------------------------------------------

Lesson 1: What is Growth vs. Fixed Mindset?

   • PowerPoint Game: Growth vs. Fixed Mindset

   • Essential Question Poster and Word Wall Posters: Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset

Lesson 2: Growing Dendrites = Learning

   • 3 Visual Slides

   • Worksheet: “Popping Dendrites” Self-Assessment - Awesome way for students to track how many dendrites they have on any topic throughout the learning process! You can use this sheet with any subject!

   • Essential Question Poster and Word Wall Posters: Neurons and Dendrites

Lesson 3: Synapses: Learning Something New Can Be Hard At First

   • 4 Visual Slides

   • Link to short video clip about Synapses and Learning

   • Synapse Exit Ticket: “Show What You Know”

   • Essential Question Poster and Word Wall Poster: Synapse

Lesson 4: Emotions and Learning

   • 3 Visual Slides

   • PowerPoint Game: “Emotions and Learning”

   • Essential Question Poster and Word Wall Posters: Adrenaline and Endorphins

Lesson 5: My Growth Mindset Plan

   • Directions for the “Ball Toss” Review Game

   • Worksheet: “My Growth Mindset Plan”

   • Essential Question Poster

* All Visual Slides now have Interactive Activities, Movement, and/or Discussion Questions built into each slide.

* Lesson Plans for each lesson including Common Core State Standard Connections.

**NOTE**: If you have any technical difficulties with the PowerPoint games please do not rate this resource poorly. Please leave a question in the Q&A section and I will be happy to help you! Thank you!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Check out my other Growth Mindset resources.