Growth mindset is one of the most powerful tools we can give our students, especially because many kids walk into the classroom with a fixed mindset—believing that if they aren’t naturally good at something, they never will be.
The good news? Growth mindset can be taught, built, and practiced!
With the right strategies, students can shift their thinking and develop resilience, perseverance, and a love for learning.
If you’re looking for free growth mindset activities that require minimal prep but deliver maximum impact, you’re in the right place. These three activities work for both elementary and middle school students, and best of all, they truly help kids internalize a growth mindset rather than just hearing about it.
So, let’s dive in!
3 Free Growth Mindset Activities for Kids
Activity #1: A Week of Growth Mindset – No Prep, Just Plug & Play!
As teachers, we know the struggle of finding time for meaningful discussions. That’s why I created a Week of Growth Mindset Morning Meeting Slides with activities that take 10 to 15mins — They are also no prep, all your students need are paper or notebook and their pencil then you just plug & play!
What’s Inside?
This 5-day morning meeting resource includes:
- Daily discussion prompts to introduce and reinforce growth mindset concepts.
- Simple, effective activities that students can complete in a notebook or on a piece of paper.
- A companion workbook and Growth Mindset Brag Bracelets to celebrate students’ progress!
How to Use It:
- Start each morning by projecting the slides
- Use it as a bellringer or “Do Now” activity where students independently read the prompt and get started, or with younger students, read the prompt together as a class
- Give students 10-15 minutes to complete the activity
- Share time—spend 5 minutes allowing students to discuss their responses:
- Pick 3 Method: Randomly draw 3 names for students to share
- Turn & Talk: Pair students up for a quick discussion to express their thoughts
Why It Works:
- Builds consistency—Growth mindset isn’t a one-time lesson; it’s a habit.
- Encourages self-reflection—Students recognize their own progress.
- Zero prep for teachers!
Get the Week of Growth Mindset Morning Meeting Slides for FREE here!
Activity #2: The Origami Penguin – A Mindset Wake-Up Call
If you’ve never tried this before, let me warn you—it’s eye-opening. This simple yet powerful activity immediately reveals how your students react to challenges. Some will jump in and experiment, others will hesitate, and a few will shut down completely—and that’s exactly the point!
How It Works:
Materials:
- 1 piece of paper per student (plus extras for later)
- Growth Mindset Origami Penguin PowerPoint by Grove Vale Primary School
- How To Origami Penguin by OrigamiWay
Directions:
- Hand each student a piece of paper and say: “Fold me a penguin.”
- Give no further instructions. No diagrams, no verbal guidance—just silence.
- If students ask for help, ignore them (trust the process!).
- Give them 1-2 minutes, then stop the activity.
- Now, discuss their experience:
- Who felt frustrated?
- Who wanted to give up?
- Who kept trying?
This is your moment to introduce growth mindset vs. fixed mindset. Explain how their initial reaction reflects their current mindset, but—here’s the magic—it can change.
Now, for the best part…
- Tell them they will fold the penguin again—but this time, with clear instructions and the ability to ask for help.
- Watch their faces light up as they realize how much easier it becomes when they have guidance and persistence.
- Display their penguins as a reminder that they CAN improve with effort!
Why It Works:
This activity makes growth mindset real. It helps kids see firsthand that frustration doesn’t mean failure—it just means they’re learning!
Activity #3: The Power of YET
Sometimes, one small shift in language can change everything. That’s exactly what this activity does!
Teaching students to add “YET” to their negative thoughts is one of the simplest but most effective ways to instill a growth mindset.
How It Works:
Materials:
- The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi
- Growth Mindset “Power of YET” Pennant
- Markers or colored pencils
Directions:
- Read “The Magical Yet”
- Class Discussion:
- How does the Magical Yet help with a growth mindset?
- What are some things you can’t do yet, but want to?
- Create a Power of YET Pennant!
- Each student writes something they struggle with now but will master one day.
- Example: “I can’t do long division… YET!”
- Decorate the pennant and display it as a reminder that they’re always growing.
Why It Works:
- Rewires negative thinking—Students see struggles as temporary instead of permanent.
- Creates a visual reminder—Seeing their “Yet” statements reinforces persistence.
- Boosts confidence—Helps students realize they’re capable of improvement.
Get the Power of YET Pennant Template for free here!
Final Thoughts
These 3 free growth mindset activities are not just fun classroom exercises—they’re powerful mindset-shifting experiences that help kids truly understand the power of persistence, effort, and learning from mistakes.
By incorporating the Origami Penguin Challenge, A Week of Growth Mindset Morning Meetings, and The Power of YET Pennant, you’ll be giving your students the tools they need to become resilient, confident learners—inside and outside of the classroom.
Happy Teaching!
Prima from LittleYellowStar
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
* * *
Other Blog Posts That You Might Enjoy:
- 15 Minutes Daily Social And Emotional Learning Activities For The Classroom (SEL Made Easy)
- 11 Classroom Essential First Year Teacher Must Haves That Won’t Break The Bank
- Meaningful And Fun Back To School Activity: Create A Classroom Wreath!
