Is it a Fixed Mindset or a Growth Mindset?

Helping students understand the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset must be explicitly taught and practiced. This set of sorting cards will show students their understanding of statements with a fixed mindset and statements with a growth mindset.

Here are some examples of a fixed mindset included in this sorting activity:

• I’ll never learn this.
• This is too hard.
• I made a mistake.
• I can’t do it.
• I’m not good at this.
• I’ll never be good at that.
• I’m either good at it, or I’m not.
• That’s just the way it is.

Here are some examples of a growth mindset included in this sorting activity:

• What am I missing?
• I’ll try a different way.
• I am proud of my hard work.
• I can always improve.
• Plan A wasn’t successful.
• I learn from my mistakes.
• I don’t understand yet, but I will.
• Let’s look at other solutions.

Download and Get Sorting!

Use the dropdown menu to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slide version of this sorting activity. It is advised that you print this on thick card to ensure durability and store it in a rigid plastic container. 

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and a Teach Starter collaborator.

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