Lesson Title: Lesson 4: The Power of Reflection
Starter Kit WHY + HOW to begin living the life you want + being the person you want to be.
Curriculum & Grade Level: Future Proof, 7th Grade
Objective: Students will engage in various stations that focus on understanding growth mindset principles and setting future goals. Each station will include a different activity that promotes movement, creativity, collaboration, and reflection.
Materials Needed:
Large paper, poster or copy paper
Markers and colored pencils
Index cards
Sticky notes
Timer
Space for movement
Activity Steps
1. Introduction: The Power of Mindset
Purpose: To introduce the concept of growth mindset and its relevance.
Instructions:
Briefly explain what a growth mindset is and how it can impact their personal and academic journeys.
The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort persistence, even in difficult situations.
Share an inspiring story or quote about growth mindset to set the tone for the workshop.
2. Station Rotations: Exploring Growth Mindset
Purpose: To engage students in hands-on activities that promote understanding of growth mindset principles and goal setting.
Instructions:
Set up four stations around the room, each focusing on a different aspect of growth mindset and future vision.
Divide the class into small groups (3-4 students) and assign them to start at different stations, they will rotate to the next station when the timer goes off.
Station Activities:
Station 1: Strengths Reflection
Activity: Students will list their strengths on a large piece of shared paper and discuss how these strengths can help them overcome challenges. They will add examples of past successes linked to these strengths.
Station 2: Growth Mindset Pledge
Activity: Each student writes a personal pledge on an index card about how they will embrace a growth mindset moving forward. They can decorate the cards to make them inspiring. ***Consider using the attached pledge template or have students write their own***
Station 3: Goal Setting Vision Board
Activity: Students create a mini vision board on paper, including images, words, or drawings that represent their future goals and aspirations. They can use markers and colored pencils to illustrate their vision.
Station 4: Mindset Quotes Collage
Activity: Provide a variety of inspirational quotes related to growth mindset. Students will choose their favorites and create a collage to share with the class, discussing why these quotes resonate with them. ***Consider using the attached quotes or encourage students to find their own***
3. Group Sharing: Presenting Our Ideas
Purpose: To foster collaboration and reinforce learning.
Instructions:
After rotating through all stations, reconvene as a class.
Ask each group to present one key takeaway from each station, sharing insights, their pledges, or goals. Encourage students to listen actively and provide positive feedback.
Rubric
Criteria | Excellent (4) | Proficient (3) | Satisfactory (2) | Needs Improvement (1) |
Creativity | Demonstrates exceptional creativity in activities, using original ideas and unique approaches that enhance understanding. | Shows creativity in activities, using appropriate ideas and methods to express understanding. | Displays limited creativity in activities; relies on common ideas with minimal personal touch. | Lacks creativity in activities; minimal effort or thought put into expression. |
Self-Reflection | Exhibits deep self-reflection, clearly articulating personal growth, strengths, and future goals with meaningful insights. | Demonstrates good self-reflection, articulating strengths and goals with some insights. | Shows basic self-reflection but lacks depth or clarity in articulating strengths or lessons learned. | Minimal self-reflection with unclear or poorly articulated strengths and future goals. |
Collaboration | Actively engages with group members, encourages others, and contributes significantly to a supportive team dynamic. | Works well with group members, participates in discussions, and contributes positively to the group. | Participates in group work but is occasionally passive or hesitant to share ideas. | Rarely engages with group members, does not contribute to discussions, or disrupts teamwork. |
Presentation | Presents ideas confidently and clearly, engaging the audience with enthusiasm, clarity, and eye contact. | Presents ideas clearly, maintaining good eye contact and engaging the audience. | Presentation is somewhat clear but lacks confidence or engagement; minimal eye contact. | Struggles to present ideas clearly; lacks engagement or confidence during presentation. |
Overall Effort | Shows exceptional effort in all aspects of the activity, going above and beyond expectations. | Shows consistent effort in most aspects of the activity, meeting expectations. | Shows basic effort but does not fully engage in all aspects of the activity. | Minimal effort demonstrated; does not meet expectations for participation or quality. |
Total Points: ____ / 20
Grading Scale:
17-20: Excellent
13-16: Proficient
9-12: Satisfactory
5-8: Needs Improvement
Station 2: My Growth Mindset Pledge
I, ______________________ ______________________(Your Name), pledge to embrace a growth mindset by committing to the following:
I will believe in my ability to improve, even when I face challenges. I will remind myself that ______________________ (a specific challenge) is an opportunity for growth.
I will focus on my strengths and use them to overcome obstacles. My strengths include ______________________ (list 2-3 strengths).
When I encounter setbacks, I will tell myself ______________________ (a positive affirmation or phrase) to stay motivated.
I will set specific goals for myself, including ______________________ (one academic goal and one personal goal), and take actionable steps to achieve them.
I will surround myself with supportive people who encourage my growth, including ______________________ (list a few friends, family members, or mentors).
I will celebrate my progress, no matter how small, by ______________________ (a method of celebrating progress).
Signed,
(Your Name)
Date:
Quotes for Station 4: Mindset Quotes Collage
"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." – Franklin D. Roosevelt
"I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions." – Stephen R. Covey
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." – Albert Schweitzer
"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it." – Margaret Thatcher
"Mistakes are proof that you are trying." – Jennifer Lim
"Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start." – Nido Qubein
"It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer." – Albert Einstein
"Believe you can and you’re halfway there." – Theodore Roosevelt