Pack Your Backpack for Success: Essential Items for a Year of Growth Mindset and Adventure

rderouen8
Aug 10
2 min read

Updated: Oct 7

As the school year approaches, excitement fills the air. But what if your backpack could hold more than just textbooks and pencils? Imagine packing items that nurture your growth, promote kindness, and spark adventure. Let’s explore some powerful additions that can lead to a successful and fulfilling year.

This back-to-school growth mindfulness, writing, and sorting activity is the perfect low-prep addition to your social emotional learning program. It helps ease those first week jitters. This activity is a great way to get to know your students, whether in small counseling groups or in your primary homeroom.

Mindful Moments for Growth

Students will take a mindful moment to imagine at least two things they are good at and two things they would like to improve (see Growth Mindset prompts sheet). Finally, they will engage in a sorting activity where they discuss Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset thinking. This approach equips them with tools to carry into a successful school year.

Encourage each student to add to their backpacks each time they accomplish a new power. At the end of the year, take time to reflect on the growth made. This reflection can be a powerful way to celebrate their achievements.

What’s Included

PDF
Backpack (front and back for gluing and display)
Growth Mindset Prompts (for cut and paste or writing)
Growth Mindset Sorting (for small group or whole class discussion)
Instructions

Perfect for Building Community

This activity is ideal for:

First Week wall or bulletin board displays
Helping students recognize their strengths
Building a strong classroom community

The Importance of Growth Mindset

A growth mindset encourages students to embrace challenges and learn from failures. It fosters resilience and a love for learning. By integrating these principles into the classroom, educators can create an environment where students feel safe to express themselves and explore their potential.

Encouraging Kindness and Adventure

In addition to academic growth, it’s essential to nurture kindness and a sense of adventure. Encourage students to think about how they can show kindness to their peers. This could be through small acts, like sharing supplies or offering compliments.

Adventure can come in many forms. It might be exploring new subjects, trying out for a team, or participating in a school play. Encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences.

Reflection and Celebration

At the end of the year, set aside time for reflection. Have students share their growth journeys. This could be done through presentations, art projects, or written reflections. Celebrating their achievements reinforces the value of hard work and perseverance.

Conclusion

As the school year begins, equip your students with the tools they need for success. This back-to-school growth mindfulness, writing, and sorting activity is a fantastic way to start. It not only helps students recognize their strengths but also fosters a supportive classroom environment.

Encourage your students to fill their backpacks with knowledge, kindness, and adventure. Together, let’s make this school year one of growth and discovery.