Having a growth mindset means that you believe that our abilities, intelligence, and talents can develop with effort, learning, and perseverance. Teaching kids to adopt this perspective is crucial because it empowers them to embrace challenges, persist through difficulties, and view mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than failures.
By fostering a growth mindset, we can help children build resilience, self-confidence, and a love for learning—essential skills for success in school and beyond. In this blog post, we’ll explore growth mindset activities and videos for kids, growth mindset songs for kids, growth mindset read alouds, videos about your brain and growth mindset, videos about growth vs. fixed mindset. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, you'll find inspiring resources to help kids unlock their full potential and cultivate a positive, can-do attitude. I will also update this post and add more videos in the future as I find them.
First, here is the growth mindset video social story I created. In this video, you’ll learn:
✅ What a growth mindset is and how it can help you.
✅ How to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes.
✅ Powerful affirmations to stay motivated and keep going.
✅ Tips for practicing patience and persistence in everyday life.
Growth Mindset Songs for Kids
Songs are such a great way to engage kids and here are some songs focused on growth mindset for children to enjoy and learn from:
The Power of Yet by Janelle Monáe and Sesame Street I am a huge Janelle Monáe fan and this song is no different! Monáe, alongside Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird, emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the understanding that challenges can be overcome with time and effort. The song introduces the concept of adding "yet" to statements like "I can't do this," transforming them into "I can't do this yet," to foster a growth mindset in children
This uplifting video features Bruno Mars singing a catchy and motivational song with the Sesame Street gang. The video encourages kids to keep trying, even when things get tough, and reminds them that perseverance is key to overcoming challenges. With its fun tune and positive message, this clip is perfect for teaching young children the value a growth mindset in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand.
I Can Do Hard Things from Snoop Dogg's Doggyland - Kids Songs & Nursery Rhymes is an uplifting song, where the character Billy faces a challenging puzzle and feels like giving up. But Billy and his friends learn about perseverance and the importance of trying again, even when things seem difficult. The song emphasizes that with patience and persistence, they can accomplish hard things.
Today is a New Day by Scratch Garden is a cute song with an animated video. The song has lyrics like "today is a new day, I'm not upset, I thought I couldn't do it, I just couldn't do it yet, It's a new day." The song encourages kids to adopt a positive attitude toward learning, reinforcing the idea that each day presents new opportunities for growth and improvement.
The Growth Mindset Song by I Have a Go is an energetic song to inspire children to embrace challenges and persist through difficulties. The song promotes the idea that trying new things and learning from mistakes are essential steps toward personal growth and success.
The Neuron Song by I Have a Go is a song to teach children about neurons and neuroplasticity. This song explains how the brain can change and grow by forming new neural connections, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and learning from mistakes.
The Growth Mindset Song by Taylor Dee Kids TV is a song that encourages young learners to believe in their ability to develop skills through hard work, dedication, and resilience.
Growth Mindset - Power of Yet Exercises for Kids by imoves is a 2 minute movement based brain break video that is perfect for the classroom.
Grow Your Brain by Ubongo Kids is a song that encourages kids to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and understand that their abilities can improve with effort and practice. The song features characters Kibena, Koba, Amani, Mama Ndege, and Uncle T from the. Ubongo Kids series who show how trying new things helps the brain grow stronger.
I Have the Power to is an uplifting and positive song by Guided Meditation and Sleep Music for Kids
Growth Mindset - Power of Yet Exercises for Kids by iMoves combines a song with dance moves kids can groove along to. Growth Mindset Song for Kids by Math Songs by NUMBEROCK is an acoustic rock song
Growth Mindset Read Along Videos
What Do You Do With An Idea? by Kids Book Read Aloud! is a read aloud of the book by by Kobi Yamada. This story follows a young child who nurtures an idea despite initial doubts and fears. As the child embraces and develops the idea, it grows and ultimately changes the world. The narrative emphasizes the importance of believing in one's ideas and the impact they can have when pursued with confidence and determination.
Stephen Curry – The Boy Who Never Gave Up by Magical Little Minds Read Aloud is a read aloud of the book by Anthony Curcio's children's book, which chronicles the inspiring journey of NBA star Stephen Curry. The book highlights Curry's perseverance and determination, showing how he overcame obstacles and defied expectations to achieve his dreams. Children will love this book!
Growth Mindset Ninja Animated Video Story Book is an adaptation of Mary Nhin's children's book, "Growth Mindset Ninja." This animated story follows the character Growth Mindset Ninja as he learns about the "power of yet," emphasizing that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. The video encourages children to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and see effort as a path to mastery.
The Girl Who Made a Million Mistakes is a read aloud by Storytime by Faye that is a children's book aimed at enhancing self-confidence and self-esteem. The book covers the importance of believing in oneself, embracing challenges, and understanding that mistakes are opportunities for growth.
The School of Failure by Rosie J. Pova and Monika Filipina is a read aloud by StoryTime at Awnie's House. This is a "fractured fairy tale" that emphasizes the importance of perseverance and learning from mistakes. The story follows three hopeful fairy-tale characters—Wolfred, Zinderella, and the Non-Evil Queen—who, after being rejected from classic tales, attend the School of Failure. There, they discover that with patience and persistence, mistakes can lead to the perfect storybook ending.
The Boy Who Makes a Million Mistakes by Brenda Li is read aloud by Book League Storytime
of the children's book by Brenda Li. This book tells the story of Milo, a young boy who wants to become a baker. When his school announces a fundraising bake sale, Milo is determined to contribute by baking the best cookies ever. However, he encounters numerous mistakes along the way. Through perseverance and resilience, Milo learns that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process and that persistence leads to success.
Mindset Matters by Bryan Smith is a read along by First Grade Party which tells the story revolves of Braden, a boy who struggles with challenges and often gives up too easily when things get tough. Through guidance from the grown ups in his life, Braden learns that developing a growth mindset is about embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and understanding that effort leads to improvement. He begins to see obstacles as opportunities to grow rather than roadblocks to success. The book introduces practical strategies to help children shift their perspective from "I can't do this" to "I can't do this yet," use positive self-talk to stay motivated and to learn the value of persistence and resilience in achieving their goals.
Videos Explaining Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset to Kids
Growth Mindset for Kids by Mental Health Center for Kids is a 5:43 video that reviews growth versus fixed mindset with 4 examples. The video also reviews 7 growth mindset traits and 6 tips to develop a growth mindset including using the phrases "yet," embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and understanding that your abilities can be developed over time.
Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets In Children by GoStrengthsOnline is a short 55 second animated cartoon video that shows the example of a fixed versus growth mindset in the classroom.
Videos About Your Brain and Growth Mindset
Brain Jump with Ned the Neuron: Challenges Grow Your Brain by Kizoom is an awesome 1:51 video for kids about taking on challenges to grow and strengthen our brains. It also talks the fact that we have the power to make our brains stronger every day.
Dr. Nagler's Laboratory by Mineola Creative Content is a 5:37 video that provides an introduction to the concept of a growth mindset. It explains what neurons are and highlights the brain's ability to change and adapt through neuroplasticity, showing how you can "rewrite" your brain through consistent practice and learning. The video emphasizes the power of making mistakes as a key part of the learning process, helping your brain grow stronger. It also introduces the concept of metacognition, or "thinking about thinking," which is crucial for understanding how you learn and improving your approach to challenges. Practical strategies are also shared such as using visualization, asking questions, and predicting potential outcomes to get unstuck when faced with obstacles.
LearnStorm Growth Mindset: The Truth About Your Brain by Khan Academy is a 3:12 video for older students that explains what happens in the brain when it learns, highlighting the process of forming and strengthening neural connections.
Growth Mindset Videos for Kids
Students will love this short 2:48 video Why Growth Mindset - Michael Jordan shares his story on Growth Mindset by Tan Tek Kim which has Michael Jordan discussing his failures and mistakes during his basketball career.
The Superpower of Yet: Growth Mindset For Kids by Twinkl Teaching Resources USA introduces children to the concept of the "Power of Yet." This concept encourages a growth mindset by teaching that abilities and skills can be developed over time with effort and perseverance. The video emphasizes that adding the word "yet" to statements like "I can't do this" transforms them into "I can't do this yet," promoting resilience and a positive attitude toward learning. There are a bunch of relatable examples that kids can practice like "I can't ride my bike.. yet."
What Growth Mindset Means for Kids is a 5:39 TEDxYouth talk at Jingshan School Rebecca Chang delivering a . In her presentation, Rebecca explores the concept of a growth mindset, emphasizing how embracing challenges and viewing failures as opportunities can lead to personal development. She shares personal anecdotes and insights to illustrate the transformative power of adopting a growth mindset, encouraging young audiences to persist through difficulties and continuously seek improvement.
Caramel's Journey: The Power of Yet by Kiddie Tales tells a story about how Caramel, the smallest and weakest rabbit among her siblings, grow into a capable and confident rabbit through perseverance. It is adapted from my daughter's story. Caramel is her lovely rabbit.
The Superpower of Yet: Growth Mindset for Kids by Twinkl is a 4:41 video that introduces the concept of a growth mindset. Kids are encouraged to guess the word "yet" and reflect on their own abilities through examples. Kids can decide whether they can do something now or if it's something they can't do yet.
Growth Mindset Animated Lesson by Dawn Soma is a 2:28 video that highlights examples of two famous individuals, Michael Jordan and Thomas Edison, showcasing how their perseverance and dedication to improvement helped them achieve success. This short video illustrates the importance of embracing challenges and learning from failures as part of personal growth.
Growth Mindset Videos for Older Students
Identify: Growth or Fixed Mindset? by Growth for the Middle Years is a 4:53 video designed for older students, featuring short, engaging clips from mature content such as The Simpsons, Elon Musk, Dr. Phil, Michael Jordan, and more. Each clip showcases scenarios where students must determine whether a growth or fixed mindset is being displayed.
Developing a Growth Mindset by ClickView is a 4:52 animated video which would be good for older students. This video explores the characteristics of a fixed and a growth mindset and discusses perfection and making mistakes. It explains that fear is a natural universal emotion and how challenges help us grow.
Growth Mindset - Get What You Want by Rocket Kids is a 4:10 video tailored for older students, offering guidance on how to cultivate a growth mindset. The video introduces four rules to help students shift their perspective and work toward their goals. It emphasizes the importance of not comparing yourself to others, encouraging viewers to focus on their own progress and personal journey. The message of "less thinking and more doing" inspires action over hesitation, while the concept of "no regrets" promotes learning from mistakes rather than dwelling on them. Finally, the video highlights the power of authenticity and being true to yourself.
Growth Mindset Video Series by Class Dojo
Growth Mindset for Kids by Class Dojo (1 of 5) This is a 5 part series and the first video is 2:35. In this first episode the character Mojo discovers that intelligence isn't fixed and that the brain can grow stronger through effort and learning. This realization encourages Mojo to embrace challenges and view mistakes as opportunities for growth.
Growth Mindset for Kids by Class Dojo (2 of 5) In chapter 2 of this video series which is 2:57 long, Mojo faces challenges in his learning journey and contemplates giving up. Through guidance from his friend Katie, he discovers that embracing mistakes and persevering can lead to improvement and success. He learns how making mistakes can make his brain grow stronger.
Growth Mindset for Kids by Class Dojo 3 of 5 In chapter 3 of this video series which is 2:31 long, Katie explore how the brain grows stronger through learning and effort. Katie and Mojo discover that embracing challenges and persisting through difficulties (having perservance) can lead to increased intelligence and abilities.
Growth Mindset for Kids by Class Dojo 4 of 5 In chapter 4 of this video series which is 2:31 long, Mojo and his friends delve deeper into understanding how the brain grows by talking to a neuroscientist and learning about neurons and how the brain works.
Growth Mindset for Kids by Class Dojo 5 of 5 In the last chapter of this 5 part series, which is 3:52 long, Mojo reflects on his learning journey and summarizes the concepts from the previous videos. He reviews his understanding that his brain, like a muscle, grows stronger with effort and practice. He realizes that challenges and mistakes are essential for growth, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and resilience.
Growth Mindset Activities for Kids
If you're looking for activities to help kids increase their growth mindset skills, check out this fun emotional intelligence bundle. These activities will help kids develop a mindset for success by helping them to learn from mistakes, increase self-efficacy, build resilience, increase positive thinking, and overcome a fixed mindset.
Students will learn the difference between a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset by reading a social story, playing games, reading, writing, and completing other engaging activities while practicing their EQ skills.
All Sets Include: ✨
✔ "I Can" Learning Targets Poster
✔ Playing a Game Visual Poster
✔ S.M.A.R.T. IEP and Treatment Plan Objectives
✔ Data Collection Sheet for Tracking Progress
✔ Editable Letter to Families About Growth Mindset
✔ Positive Notes Home to Reinforce Growth Mindset Principles
✔ Available in Color and Black and White
✔ Growth Mindset Game with Spinner, Pawns, and Dice
✔ 28 Scenario Cards: Digital and Print
✔ 40 Thought Cards: Digital and Print
✔ Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset Sorting Mats
✔ Dice with Growth Mindset Prompts
✔ 12-Page Growth Mindset Social Story Booklet: Digital and Print
✔ 24 Open-Ended Discussion Task Cards on Growth Mindset and Resilience
✔ Digital and Print Growth Mindset Board Game with Spinners, Pawns, and Dice
✔ 56 Growth Mindset Worksheets and Coloring Pages
✔ Growth Mindset Story with 13 Reflection Questions
✔ Writing Response
✔ Graphic Organizers to Reflect on Growth Mindset Habits
✔ Cut and Paste Growth Mindset Worksheet
✔ Quotes for Discussion Prompts
✔ 6 Page Growth Mindset Flip Book
✔ Did I Show a Growth Mindset Today? Self-Reflection Worksheet
You can get them all at a discount in this Social Skills Treasury Growing Bundle or the Growth Mindset Bundle.
Free Growth Mindset Posters
For copies of these free Growth Mindset Posters, just subscribe to my free SEL resource library. If you're already a member, you can check them out here!
