1. Sparks & Mindset Activity

2. The Brain

3. Agenda Talk about your Sparks Learn how your brain thinks thoughts Tackle challenge with a “Growth Mindset” Do Advice Letter for other Littles

4. Sparks Interviews People obtain energy from their spark and many haven’t discovered theirs yet.

5. Sparks Collage There are so many different kinds of sparks.

6. The Brain: It’s like a muscle! When you exercise your brain, you get smarter and increase your success.

7. We need your help!

8. Your brain is wired like a computer circuit board

9. A Brain Cell (Neuron)

10. Video: How Brain Thinks

11. Let’s play ball like the brain thinks thoughts!

12. New Connections

13. Video: Star Wars © Clip

14. The Growth Mindset Yoda had a Growth Mindset: A belief that people can learn and become better at things with… effort, trying new strategies, seeking help.

15. The Growth Mindset Belief: Brain has amazing ability to grow and develop like a muscle. Belief: You know that people can learn and change. You know that people aren’t just “dumb” at math or music; everybody can improve.

16. Scientists measured brain of cab drivers The area that remembers places was bigger! The longer cabbies were on the job, the bigger this area grew. Cabbies Study

17. Phineas Gage

18. With practice, you can develop: Intelligence Physical ability Personality Mindset: Many Aspects

19. Rapid growth of brain cell connections! (ages 10-25) Brain cells pass thoughts at faster speeds. Brain Opportunity for Young People!

20. Hula Hoop Activity

21. Effort… Strategies Seeking Help!

22. Growth Mindset & Fixed Mindset Fixed Mindset: Belief abilities and personality cannot change much. Growth Mindset: Belief abilities and personality can change and grow.

23. Alan “I’m not the best at English Class. It’s mostly because English isn’t my first language. Everybody else seems to know much more than me. They can learn new things so much faster.” - Alan, 10 th grade student in San Jose, CA

24. “In the past I’ve always had trouble with Math and English. Why shouldn’t I say that I’m just not good at it and quit trying?” “Other people in my family didn’t have success, and we have the same genes. So why should I have success?” How would you respond to these “Fixed Mindsets”?

25. Everybody has challenges in school. What are some setbacks or problems that you have experienced in your classes in school? Challenges

26. Life is a set of challenges. What you say is what you think… If you say “I can’t”, your brain shuts down. Try growth mindset language… What you say matters…

27. Mindset Advice Letters

28. Recommended Strengthening the Brain Brief Brain Toolkit Mindset: The New Psychology of Success Thanks for your feedback on this activity! www.bbbs.stepitup2thrive.org