Growth Mindset Art Project Fixed Mindset Social Emotional Learning Brain Drawing
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Selected reviews from TPT
★★★★★These all looked fantastic when they were finished - my students (Grade 4/5) LOVED making their brains and watching the water blend the colours on their page. They all looked beautiful in the end and the powerpoint was a big help to introduce and help students to follow along step-by-step. Excellent resource, thank you!!
Jennifer P. · November 2019 · TPT review
★★★★★My students absolutely loved making this art piece! They are hanging in our classroom as a reminder of how to switch ourselves from a fixed to a growth mindset. I also learned a new technique (using the water with markers).
Jessica M. · February 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★Excellent accompaniment to our lessons on Growth Mindset.
Karen Hill D. · November 2019 · TPT review
Overall rating on TPT: 4.9 out of 5 from 62 ratings (see every rating on TPT). These are selected 4- and 5-star written reviews by teachers on TPT (Teachers Pay Teachers), shown word for word. TPT's newer 4-point scale ("Extremely satisfied" = 4) is converted to stars.
This Growth Mindset Art Project is a social emotional learning art lesson that helps students explore the difference between growth mindset and fixed mindset in a visual, memorable way. Students create a split-brain artwork: one side is darker, with limiting thoughts and symbols, and the other is bright and colorful, filled with encouraging mindset language and positive imagery.
It is made for teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers who want to combine art with reflection, positive self-talk and classroom community. Students brainstorm their own statements, reflect on what they want to let go of, and show the difference between the two ways of thinking through drawing, color, contrast and symbolism.
WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF)
- 1 Cover Page
- 1 Teacher Prep and How-to-Use Page explaining how to project the lesson, prepare materials, photocopy student pages and use the poster sample
- 2 Lesson Plan Pages with lesson overview, learning outcomes, competencies, big ideas, inquiry question, learning target, materials, and teacher and student actions
- 1 Full-Page Art Rubric for execution, creativity, evidence of process and responsibility
- 1 Example Artwork Page showing the finished project
- 1 Step-By-Step Draw Handout, a condensed visual guide students can reference during the lesson
- 1 Brainstorm Statements Page for students to plan and sort their growth mindset and fixed mindset phrases
- 1 Poster/Sample Page to use as a lesson hook, display page or visual introduction
- 27 Step-by-Step Tutorial Pages covering sketching the brain, dividing the composition, adding symbols, writing mindset statements, outlining, marker blending with water, color choices and final shading
Materials needed: pencil, eraser, black felt marker, washable felt markers, cardstock or watercolor paper, pencil crayons, paint brush and water.
WHAT STUDENTS LEARN
Students draw the brain, add growth mindset and fixed mindset symbols and statements, trace the growth side in rainbow washable marker and blend it with water for a painted effect, trace the fixed side in black for contrast, then add burst lines, outline details and color the symbols with pencil crayon. Along the way they practice symbolism, contrast, line, shape, space, texture, color, form and value, visual storytelling and following visual directions.
Use it for back to school, New Year goal setting, classroom culture lessons, counseling support or SEL units, or any time during the year when you want students to reflect and reset. The finished art is bold and works well on bulletin boards, hallway walls and SEL or goal-setting displays. It suits elementary and middle school classrooms and homeschool art.
FAQ
Who can use this resource?
Teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers. It also works for SEL lessons, counseling support and educators who want concept-based art.
Is this resource only for back to school?
No. It works well during back to school and classroom community building, and it can be used all year long for SEL, reflection, goal setting and positive thinking lessons.
Is this resource editable?
No. This resource is non-editable.
Does this resource include a step-by-step tutorial?
Yes. It includes a 27-page step-by-step tutorial with visual and written support for the full artwork process.
How long will this lesson take?
Usually 2 to 3 classes, depending on student age, class time, discussion, writing time and how much detail students add.
ALL TEACHER REVIEWS
★★★★★ “My students absolutely loved making this art piece! They are hanging in our classroom as a reminder of how to switch ourselves from a fixed to a growth mindset. I also learned a new technique (using the water with markers).” Jessica M.
★★★★★ “Excellent accompaniment to our lessons on Growth Mindset.” Karen H.
★★★★★ “Fun project to go along with other mindset activities.” Jennifer Y.
★★★★ “I loved adding this to what we were learning. .... it really helped them understand the concept even more and it was so fun seeing their different finished products :)” Christy J.
★★★★ “My students love doing art in class. I am really focusing on Growth Mindset this year and "I can." This was a great resource.” Lexi F.
★★★★ “This was really helpful for my distance learners!” Betsy C.
★★★★ “Very detailed and accessible for all students! Beautiful.” Libby B.
★★★★ “this was a beginning of the school year project for my Gifted Enrichment class--great way to start!” Laurie E.
★★★★ “My students loved this activity! It allowed them to be creative, and also made them think about ways they could change their own mindset! They had a lot of fun drawing the brain and I loved that there were step-by-step instructions! I am NO artist, so it really helped!” Mary M.
★★★★ “I love this for my students. It has step by step instructions and the students are able to follow along with ease. a great way to tie up our unit about growth mindset and now we have them posted in the class to remind us to continue working on our growth mindset.” Shauna C.
★★★★ “We always spend time talking about fixed/growth mindset when we return to school after the winter break. It's a great way to think about resetting our goals and expectations for the spring. My kids loved this activity and creating their own brains.” Felicia O.
★★★★ “This activity engages students in exploring the concepts of growth and fixed mindsets through meaningful artistic expression that encourages self-reflection and creativity. It is also really easy to follow the steps - my class really enjoyed it!” Sophia M.
Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and was the featured cover educator in OCO Magazine for October 2025. She designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.
TERMS OF USE
Images and lessons are copyright products.
YOU MAY: use this resource as a single educator. Please purchase additional licenses if more than one teacher will be using it.
YOU MAY NOT: share, copy, upload, post online, distribute or resell this resource in any form.
Sincerely,
Ms Artastic
Pairs Well With
More selected reviews from TPT
★★★★★My students had so much fun creating this art project. Thank you!
Kaitlin S. · September 2026 · TPT review
★★★★★This was such a fun addition to our brain unit! Thanks!
Megan W. · September 2026 · TPT review
★★★★★Creative, engaging, and fun! My students really enjoyed this. Thank you!
Sierra D. · September 2026 · TPT review
★★★★★Such a wonderful activity to do with kids at the beginning or middle of the year
haley H. · July 2026 · TPT review
★★★★★Thank you! My students enjoyed using this in the classroom.
Wingo's Wise Wonders · January 2026 · TPT review
★★★★★It is helpful for my small groups that need guidance in discussions for enrichment groups.
Kristi C. · November 2025 · TPT review
★★★★★Great activity that helped students learn that they can do anything with time and practice!
kristen S. · October 2025 · TPT review
★★★★★This activity engages students in exploring the concepts of growth and fixed mindsets through meaningful artistic expression that encourages self-reflection and creativity. It is also really easy to follow the steps - my class really enjoyed it!
Sophia M. · August 2025 · TPT review
★★★★★We always spend time talking about fixed/growth mindset when we return to school after the winter break. It's a great way to think about resetting our goals and expectations for the spring. My kids loved this activity and creating their own brains.
Felicia O. · May 2025 · TPT review
★★★★★My students loved this art project. Great extension activity for our unit on Growth Mindset. I highly recommend!
Pathway Education AZ · May 2025 · TPT review
★★★★★I loved that this resource was art mixed with SEL learning. My 6th graders loved this!
KounselingMissK · May 2025 · TPT review
★★★★★I used this for a SEL lesson on perseverance and growth mindset. Big fan of teaching about the brain and this is a helpful visual to use alongside instruction.
Michala M. · April 2025 · TPT review
★★★★★Loved using this resource with my students. Highly engaging!
Sierra Fay · April 2025 · TPT review
★★★★★These turned out so cute! The steps really helped my kids produce quality work. Thank you!
Caffeine and Chaos · October 2024 · TPT review
★★★★★The best growth mindset activity I have ever done with my students! The love the art aspect of this and stay engaged the entire time.
Shauna C. · September 2024 · TPT review
★★★★★This is a very helpful resource and my students were engaged.
Jennifer P. · July 2024 · TPT review
★★★★★This resource was great, it was engaging and fun! We used it for open house!
Groovy in Grade 5 · July 2024 · TPT review
★★★★★Great way to promote growth mindset in an artistic way.
Michelle Berliner · April 2024 · TPT review
★★★★★My students loved using this resource and were very engaged. They enjoyed this resource because they were able to stay focused on it and were very interested in learning more about it and asking many questions. We had a wonderful discussion afterwards as well.
Francine T. · March 2024 · TPT review
★★★★★Very cute mental health and art project for students to complete and learn about growth mindsets
Renee Levesque · March 2024 · TPT review
★★★★★The students found the resource easy to use and it has provided me with useful data.
Jodie D. · February 2024 · TPT review
★★★★★This is a great resource that I used with my Stage 2 students.
Alexis S. · November 2023 · TPT review
★★★★★Great SEL lessons that are perfect for a great mindset. Love this art project!!!!!
Been There Done That Teacher Edition · November 2023 · TPT review
★★★★★This is a great resource for my multi-grade level Autism classroom. My students enjoyed this and found it engaging.
Kelsey Mackowiak · October 2023 · TPT review
★★★★★I love this for my students. It has step by step instructions and the students are able to follow along with ease. a great way to tie up our unit about growth mindset and now we have them posted in the class to remind us to continue working on our growth mindset.
Shauna C. · September 2023 · TPT review
★★★★★My students loved this activity! It allowed them to be creative, and also made them think about ways they could change their own mindset! They had a lot of fun drawing the brain and I loved that there were step-by-step instructions! I am NO artist, so it really helped!
Mary M. · September 2023 · TPT review
★★★★★Engaging activity for students. I highly recommend this activity.
Melissa G. · September 2023 · TPT review
★★★★★Such an important topic for children growing up. This art project really cemented their learning
Rachel Grene · May 2023 · TPT review
★★★★★My pupils loved this resource and produced some lovely images based on the lesson.
Jane F. · February 2023 · TPT review
★★★★★A great resource for teaching “Growth Mindset” thinking. Students can clearly see the difference between having a growth vs. fixed mindset in their own art as well as others!
Jessica R. · January 2023 · TPT review
★★★★★Love this art project that visually shows the difference between a fixed and growth mindset.
Aubrie N. · December 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★We loved this resource! It was super easy to use and very engaging! Thanks so much!
Random Chalk Talk · September 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★Great activity to talk about growth mindset but also take part in an art activity!
Courtney B. · August 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★This resource was very helpful!
Samantha G. · July 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★Great resource!
MsH · June 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★My students loved this activity and they were very engaged. I loved the little preparation involved in utilizing this activity, it took no time at all to get it started. This was an excellent morning work and week before break activity that was very impactful in every way. It proved very handy in at a moments notice.
Randy Patterson · April 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★My students LOVED this resource! Thank you!
Acmhainni Gan Stro · March 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★My students and I really loved and enjoyed using this resource. It was put together very well!
Savannah F. · March 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★Great resource!
Bryant's Classroom Corner · February 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★Such fun and easy to follow resource. My students' drawings are displayed in our classroom :)
Gabriela L. · January 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★So helpful, thank you!
Camille S. · January 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★Loved it. Thank you !
5thinAlaska · January 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★Great additional resource to include in lesson :)
Aaron N. · January 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★Very helpful!
Carolyn I. · October 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★Thank you!
Kimberlee M. · October 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★this was a beginning of the school year project for my Gifted Enrichment class--great way to start!
Laurie E. · October 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★This is a good resource.
Shelly Danko · September 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★Wonderful
Jessica B. · August 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★The students enjoyed this activity.
jackie Grover · August 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★I am always looking for great resources to connect to growth mindset. I love that its an art activity.
Passionate Prairie Pupils · August 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★Utilized this for a lesson observation! Kids loved this! A few helpful tips: 1) Have all coloring supplies organized in bins by color...shuffling around to find colored items mixed in one bin took time from the lesson. 2) Find a supplemental example that goes over fixed vs. growth mindset with more detailed examples. This is a wonderful product...my students just needed a little more scaffolding to comprehend fixed vs. growth mindset. Overall, would still use this product again! :)
Josie L. · July 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★Very detailed and accessible for all students! Beautiful.
Libby B. · January 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★What a great way to merge art and SEL, love this lesson!
Anne G. · December 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★This was really helpful for my distance learners!
Betsy C. · December 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★Thank you!
S Gouveia · October 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★My students love doing art in class. I am really focusing on Growth Mindset this year and "I can." This was a great resource.
Lexi Forsythe · September 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★I loved adding this to what we were learning. .... it really helped them understand the concept even more and it was so fun seeing their different finished products :)
Christy Johnson · August 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★Fun project to go along with other mindset activities.
Jennifer Y. · September 2019 · TPT review
Overall rating on TPT: 4.9 out of 5 from 62 ratings (see every rating on TPT). These are selected 4- and 5-star written reviews by teachers on TPT (Teachers Pay Teachers), shown word for word. TPT's newer 4-point scale ("Extremely satisfied" = 4) is converted to stars.
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