FIXED MINDSET
This type of mindset makes you believe you can’t improve or get better at something.
What is a fixed mindset?
Flexible thinking means being able to do this when plans change.
What is stay calm or adjust?
What part of your brain takes over when you “flip your lid”?
What is the emotional brain (the amygdala)?
The very first thing you should do when you feel like hurting someone.
Stop, remove yourself, use a coping strategy, take with someone.
Name one way to show someone you want to be their friend.
Smile, say hello, ask them to play, give a compliment.
“I’ll never be good at math” is an example of this thinking pattern.
What is a fixed mindset statement?
Give an example of flexible thinking during a group project.
Sharing the job, trying a new idea, or compromising.
Name one warning sign that tells you you’re about to flip your lid.
Tight fists, fast heartbeat, pacing, yelling, sweating.
Name a safe coping strategy you can use instead of hurting someone.
Squeeze a stress ball, deep breathing, walk away, talk to staff.
A good friend uses active listening. What does that mean?
Listening without interrupting, showing interest, facing the person.
Name one feeling someone with a fixed mindset might have when facing a challenge.
What is frustration, fear, embarrassment, or doubt?
What helps you try something another way when the first way doesn’t work?
What is using a coping strategy or problem-solving tool?
When you flip your lid, your thinking brain does this.
What is shut down or go offline?
Who is one safe adult you can go to when you're feeling this way?
A teacher, social worker, or trusted staff.
What do you call respecting someone’s personal space and boundaries?
What is respect?
Finish the sentence: “A fixed mindset can stop you from ________.”
Answer: What is improving or trying new things?
Name one strategy for shifting from stubborn thinking to flexible thinking.
Deep breathing, positive self-talk, taking a break, asking for help.
Name one calm-down strategy to bring your lid back down.
Breathing, walking away, counting, using a fidget, asking for space.
Give one sentence you can say to express your feelings safely.
“I’m really frustrated and I need help” or “I need space right now.”
Name one skill needed to solve a conflict with a friend.
Compromise, staying calm, using “I” statements, listening.
Give one example of a fixed mindset thought about school or friendships.
Examples: I’ll always be bad at this,” “No one will like me,” “I can’t change.”
Explain why flexible thinking helps friendships.
It prevents arguments, helps people solve problems, and shows respect.
Describe a situation where a person might flip their lid at school.
Someone taking a turn, losing a game, being teased, or being corrected.
What is one thing you can do with your body so you don’t act on the urge to hurt someone?
Hands in pockets, sit down, walk away, hold onto a fidget.
Give one example of how to keep a friendship healthy.
Being honest, being kind, checking in, apologizing, spending time together.