An important aspect of the growth mindset journey is learning how the brain works. The brain is like a muscle that grows and strengthens with practice. Learning the science behind agrowth mindset is empowering. In this unit, students learn about our brain’s neuroplasticity. We will also explore the function of neurons, dendrites, synapses, the brain’s lobes, and the limbic system. Students will learn how struggling to learn something new is actually a good thing because it is helping build and strengthen new pathways in the brain. Who is this resource for? This resource is useful for upper elementary teachers and middle school teachers looking for lessons on teaching growth mindset. It would also be an asset for parents, counselors, specialists, and other educators. What is a growth mindset? Growth Mindset is a term coined by Carol Dweck in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (2006). Dweck and her team collected 30 years’ worth of research to reinforce a powerful learning theory - human intelligence, creativity, athleticism, and other qualities are malleable traits that can be changed and improved with determination and effort. As Dweck writes, “No matter what your ability is, effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishment.” No one operates with only one mindset or the other - we all fluctuate on a mindset continuum. However, to simplify the concept of mindset for students, this toolkit works primarily with the growth and fixed mindset definitions as shown below: GROWTH MINDSET: Belief that ability and talents can improve with effort. FIXED MINDSET: Belief that ability is a fixed trait that cannot change TABLE of CONTENTS: The Brain Growth Self-assessment How to Build a Stronger Brain Build a Synapse Parts of a Neuron The Brain Neuron Cell Your Amazing Brain Lobes of the Brain Pruning Dendrites Neuroplasticity Copyright Information © Positively Moxie. All rights reserved. This product is to be used by the buyer in the classroom or for personal use. The reproduction of this product for any other use is prohibited. You are not permitted to resell, distribute, or claim this product as your own. Multiple licenses can be purchased if you wish to share with other teachers.