17 Engaging Growth Mindset Activities for High School Students

Are you a parent, teacher, or mentor working with teens? If so, you’ll want to explore these engaging growth mindset activities designed for high school students! These fun and interactive exercises are perfect for fostering a positive, can-do attitude that will benefit them in school and beyond.

What is a Growth Mindset?

A growth mindset, a concept developed by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, effective strategies, and support from others. It’s not merely about being flexible or open-minded; it’s about understanding that everyone can enhance their talents and skills through hard work and learning.

For high school students, embracing a growth mindset means:

  • Viewing challenges as learning opportunities
  • Recognizing effort as a pathway to mastery, not a sign of weakness
  • Learning from criticism rather than dismissing it
  • Finding inspiration in others’ success instead of feeling threatened

Encouraging a growth mindset involves praising effort and improvement rather than just results. It helps students realize that taking breaks and learning from mistakes are essential parts of the growth journey. Importantly, having a growth mindset doesn’t equate to being perpetually happy; it’s about believing in the possibility of improvement through effort.

Why Does Growth Mindset Matter?

A growth mindset is crucial for high school students as it bolsters their confidence and motivation. When teens adopt this perspective, they perceive challenges as chances to learn rather than obstacles. This resilience allows them to bounce back from setbacks and approach new experiences with a positive attitude.

Mental toughness teaches students that diligence and practice lead to improvement, equipping them to face challenges with enthusiasm. Students with a growth mindset are more likely to:

  • Try new things
  • Persist in difficult tasks
  • Seek help when needed
  • Learn from their mistakes

By cultivating a growth mindset now, teens prepare themselves for success in various life areas. Here are 17 engaging activities to help instill this mindset in your students.

17 Growth Mindset Activities for High School Students

1. Mantra Cards

Creating mantra cards is a simple yet effective way to reinforce a growth mindset. Provide notecards for students to write affirmations like “You can do this,” “Keep trying,” or “You are enough.” Encourage them to decorate these cards and display them where they can see them during challenging times. To enhance the experience, incorporate group recitations of these mantras.

2. Goal Posters

Setting achievable goals is essential for a growth mindset. Have students create posters outlining their goals and the steps necessary to achieve them. They can personalize these posters with drawings, pictures, or motivational quotes. Displaying their goals creatively helps maintain focus and motivation.

3. The Paper Challenge

Introduce students to the Paper Challenge, where they must replicate a complex paper shape using only scissors and a single sheet of paper. This task is deceptively difficult and encourages perseverance. Be sure to support them throughout the process, emphasizing the importance of persistence.

4. Changing Phrases

Help students reframe their thinking by transforming fixed-mindset statements into growth-oriented ones. Provide a list of common negative phrases like “I give up” or “This is too hard,” and have students brainstorm positive alternatives. This activity aims to empower them to change their self-talk in challenging situations.

5. My Strengths Silhouette

Using a silhouette of their profile, have students identify and fill in words, phrases, or images that represent their strengths. If they struggle to identify strengths, facilitate brainstorming sessions or share examples to inspire them. This activity promotes self-awareness and confidence.

6. Growth Mindset Cootie Catcher

Transform learning into play with a growth mindset cootie catcher. Print a template and guide students to think about their strengths and goals while having fun. This playful approach reinforces the principles of a growth mindset while engaging them creatively.

7. Situation Worksheets

To help students differentiate between fixed and growth mindsets, create worksheets featuring various scenarios. Each worksheet should prompt students to provide a fixed mindset response and a growth mindset response, encouraging reflection on how different attitudes can affect outcomes.

8. Growth Mindset Board Game

Whether creating their own board games or playing a prepared one, students will enjoy this engaging activity. They can fill in game spaces with growth mindset questions or statements, making it a fun way to reflect on the importance of perseverance and learning.

9. Growth Mindset Bookmarks

Bookmarks serve as handy reminders for maintaining a growth mindset. Have students design bookmarks with positive phrases or mantras and decorate them creatively. Consider laminating them for durability, providing a daily reminder of their growth journey.

10. Growth Mindset Word Search

Engage students with a growth mindset word search during downtime. This activity reinforces key concepts related to a growth mindset in a fun and interactive way, keeping the ideas fresh in their minds.

11. Growth Mindset Books

Encourage students to read books that promote a growth mindset. Arrange reading sessions and provide a selection of titles that emphasize resilience and learning. For those less inclined to read, consider audiobooks as an alternative. This exposure can deepen their understanding of the concept.

12. Letters to ‘My Future Self’

Have students write letters to their future selves, outlining their goals and aspirations. They can store these letters to revisit later, providing a tangible measure of their progress and encouraging them to reflect on their growth journey.

13. Weekly or Monthly Challenges

Challenge students to engage in activities that promote growth, such as acts of kindness or learning new skills. These challenges can be student-initiated or guided by teachers. Emphasize completing challenges with a positive mindset to maximize their impact.

14. Journaling

Encourage students to maintain journals focused on personal growth. They can document their goals, challenges, and successes, using journaling as a tool for reflection and emotional expression. This practice fosters clarity and encourages positive self-talk.

15. Examples of Famous Failures

Share stories of famous individuals who experienced failures before achieving success. Highlighting these narratives helps students understand that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Such examples serve to inspire resilience and determination.

16. Inspirational Quotes

Incorporate inspirational quotes into classroom discussions. Have students research quotes related to growth mindsets and share their meanings with the class. This activity encourages them to internalize positive messages and engage in thoughtful analysis.

17. Creating a Checklist with ‘YET’

Introduce students to the concept of adding the word “yet” to their self-assessments. For example, “I can’t do this yet” or “I’m not good at this yet” encourages a mindset of growth and possibility. This simple shift helps them recognize areas for improvement without discouragement.

Key Takeaways for Growth Mindset

As teenagers navigate their formative years, it’s crucial to guide them in developing positive mindsets. By incorporating these engaging growth mindset activities into their routines, you can create an environment conducive to growth and self-discovery. Start implementing these ideas in your teaching or parenting, and watch as your students flourish!

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