Lesson 2: The Cycle of Life

Materials

My Best Me textbook, journal, paper, pencil, audiovisual equipment

Resources

Student Worksheet: 4yu.info/?i=V598511 Family Engagement: 4yu.info/?i=V598561

Videos:

Growth Mindset - Link: 4yu.info/?i=96511 Learn How to Soar - Link: 4yu.info/?i=95101 Michael Jordan on overcoming failure - Link: 4yu.info/?i=95102

Glossary

discouraged, adapt, let-down, encountered, grit, determination

Motivation

We have all heard the assertion that we only use about 10% of our brain’s capacity. Did you know that this is actually a myth? But the problem remains: how do we learn to use more of our brain, and do so more effectively? For years, there weren’t any clear answers, but recent discoveries in neuroscience reveal there are actions we can take to grow our brain’s potential. What great news, not only for us, but for our students! The purpose of this lesson is to expose your students to the radical idea that their brain power is not “locked” or fixed; rather, they can activate their brains to do things they never thought they could do. Our society is very good at telling us what we cannot do. Children are surrounded by limiting messages such as, “Some people just aren’t good in math and science,” or, “Just focus on the things you do well, because you will never be strong in other areas.” One of your roles as teacher is to open a new window for your students’ understanding of the virtually unlimited potential of their brains. Your students will learn that a Growth Mindset (or mental outlook) will help them “own” their learning process in every area of their lives, and that they are capable of doing whatever they set their mind to.

Watch: Have your students watch the video called “Soar” and then have them describe the difference between Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset. Encourage your students to name some people they know or have read about who exemplify a Growth Mindset. Why do they think this person had a Growth Mindset? What did they do that was different than what a person with a Fixed Mindset would do? Have your students share moments in their lives when they had a Growth Mindset and achieved something they

Goal

Pathways

previously thought they could not do. Understand: Read this quote from Dr. Carol Dweck, who says this about a Fixed Mindset: “In a fixed mindset, students believe their basic abilities, their intelligence, their talents, are just fixed traits. They have a certain amount and that is that, and then their goal becomes to look smart all the time and never look dumb. In a growth mindset, students understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching, and persistence. They do not necessarily think everyone’s the same or anyone can be Einstein, but they believe everyone can get smarter if they work at it.” (Source: 4yu.info/?i=95102) Watch: After reading about Michael Jordan and watching the video, ask your students what would have happened to him if he had given up basketball when he failed to make the varsity team as a sophomore in high school (In other words, if he had given up on pushing himself further than he had ever gone before). answer the questions, they will also take part in one of the mini-workshops in class to help them grow in one or more areas. Have them consider one aspect of their life where they think they are weak or “stuck.” It could be a school subject (e.g. math, reading, science), or perhaps a challenge at home (e.g. forgetfulness about chores, irritation with siblings, etc.). In addition to participating in the mini-workshop, each student will choose a partner to share their experience. Now have the students write down 3 practical things they can do each day for the next 21 days to change their way of thinking and move from a Fixed Mindset toward a Growth Mindset. Neuroscience has shown that it takes 21 days for a new concept to move from short-term to long-term memory. At the end of their “21-Day Challenge,” have students discuss their personal results with their partner. Reflect: As the students reflect on their new-found understanding of the contrast between a Growth and a Fixed Mindset, challenge them to see how their perceived “weaknesses” (as explored above) could be turned into a strengths. Why do they—or don’t they—think this is possible?

Willpower

Students will understand that the brain works much like a muscle, in that the more you work it, the more it grows! Repeating new words and new actions allows the brain to make new neural pathways, strengthening the brain’s abilities. This is why the 21-Day Challenge is so helpful.