Lesson 1 9th Grade Seminar 24-25

ICE Breaker

Growth Mindset Focus

Speed Dating

Welcome


Say “hello” to your teacher and shake your teacher’s hand.

Scenario: Drama Club Tryouts

​Find someone with the same size shoe as you, and discuss the following:
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It's finally here - the day of drama club tryouts! You've been wanting to join since seventh grade, but you're also really nervous. You've practiced your monologue a million times, but you keep tripping over your words during your in-class rehearsals.
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As you wait outside the audition room, your friend Sarah walks up to you.
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Sarah: Hey, good luck with your audition!
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You: (Sigh) Thanks, Sarah. I don't know, I'm kind of freaking out. I keep messing up my lines.
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Sarah: Oh no, that stinks! But hey, at least you're trying, right? I wouldn't even have the guts to get up there.
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This is your chance to respond! (Choose the answer that reflects a growth mindset):

Option A: Ugh, you have no idea. I'm just not good at this kind of stuff. Maybe I should have just skipped it.
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Option B: Yeah, it's definitely challenging. But I'm working on it! I'm going to focus on taking deep breaths and speaking clearly.

Growth Mindset

Growth mindset: You can learn & improve with effort–like a muscle!

Fixed mindset: You're stuck with your abilities–like a drawing etched in stone

Speed Dating The Directions

1. Form two concentric (circles within circles) circles facing each other.

2. Read the prompt on the screen.

3. Discuss with the person opposite for 1 minute.

4. Outer circle rotates one spot to the left; repeat with a new prompt.

Round 1

It's Friday afternoon and you just finished a pop quiz in Ms. Jackson's geometry class. You scan the room and see a few classmates exchanging excited high fives - they must have aced it! You hesitantly look at your own quiz and see a sea of red pen marks. Disappointment washes over you. This is the second quiz in a row you haven't understood the material.
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The bell rings and Ms. Jackson announces there will be an opportunity next week to retake your quiz.

As you're packing your things, your friend Alex walks over.

Alex: Oof, that quiz was rough. What'd you get?

You: (Feeling defeated) Not good. I just don't get this stuff.

Alex: Ugh, geometry can be tough. But hey, maybe Ms. Jackson will explain it better next week.
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This is your chance to respond!

Round 2

Prompt: You've just tried out for the varsity soccer team, and while you didn't make the cut this time, the coach has offered you a spot on the junior varsity (JV) team. What are your initial thoughts and feelings about this outcome? How do you plan to approach this opportunity with a growth mindset?

Round 3

Prompt: You spent weeks throwing a beautiful vase on the pottery wheel. You carved intricate designs and carefully glazed it for a perfect ocean blue finish. But when you open the kiln after firing, the vase is cracked down the middle. You feel defeated. What do you say to yourself in a growth mindset way?

Round 4

Prompt: Throughout middle school, you and your best friend were inseparable. However, this year they haven't been as present in your friendship, often cancelling plans or not responding to your messages. While this change is hurtful, how can you approach this situation with a growth mindset? What are some ways you can learn and grow from this experience, while still prioritizing your own well-being?

Growth Mindset T-Shirt Challenge

Design a T-shirt that inspires growth!

Step 1: Reflect & Brainstorm

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• Your group will choose ONE question:
  

  • "Think of a challenge you overcame. How did your mindset help or hinder you?"

  • "What's ONE THING you can do TODAY to show a growth mindset?"

• Discuss:
  

  • What did your chosen question make you think about?

  • Share your personal stories and experiences.

  • Start jotting down words, phrases, or quotes that capture the essence of growth mindset thinking.

Step 2: Slogan Creation

​Collaborate:

• Combine your group's ideas to craft a unique slogan or phrase.

• It should be:

  • Concise: Short and sweet!

  • Memorable: Something people will remember.

  • Inspiring: Motivates others to embrace challenges and grow.

Step 3: T-Shirt Design Time!

​Get Creative:

• Sketch out your T-shirt design, incorporating your slogan.

• Consider using:

  • Bold fonts

  • Eye-catching colors

  • Images that symbolize growth (e.g., plants, arrows, light bulbs)

• Make it visually appealing and relevant to your message!

Final Product

​Present your design!

• Share your slogan and the thought process behind it.

• Explain how your design reflects a growth mindset.

• Vote on the most inspiring T-shirt!