Week 04 — Strengths & Growth Mindset

Unit 1: Lead Yourself • Domain I
Essential Question: What am I good at — and what can I grow?
Key Performance: Strengths Inventory + 6-week Growth Plan.

Day 1 — What Comes Easy to You?

Objective: SWBAT identify 3 personal strengths from peer and self evidence.
Do-Now (5): "What do people thank you for?" • Circle (5): Single word. • Mini-Lesson (10): Strength = pattern of energy + result. Not "what I'm best at" but "what gives me energy and helps others." • Practice (25): Strength sort using a 24-card deck (Values-in-Action style); peer mirror — partner names 3 strengths they see in you. • Close (5): Top 3, journaled.

Day 2 — Fixed vs Growth Mindset

Objective: SWBAT recognize fixed-mindset self-talk and reframe it.
Do-Now (5): "A time I gave up because I thought I 'wasn't a ___ person.'" • Circle (5): Roses/thorns. • Mini-Lesson (10): Dweck mindset basics — not "try harder," but "what's the strategy?" • Practice (25): Reframe lab — students write 5 fixed-mindset statements they hear themselves say; trade with a partner; partner reframes each. • Close (5): Pick one to put on your phone background.

Day 3 — The Growth Edge

Objective: SWBAT name one growth edge connected to their Week-1 RLP goal.
Do-Now (5): Re-read your Week-1 goal. Honest temperature check. • Circle (5): "One thing I'm avoiding because it's hard." • Mini-Lesson (10): Growth edge = skill that scares you a little but matters a lot. • Practice (25): Each student picks one edge, defines what practice looks like (frequency, partner, feedback). • Close (5): Edge + practice → journal.

Day 4 — Build the 6-Week Growth Plan

Objective: SWBAT write a plan with weekly milestones and an accountability partner.
Do-Now (5): "Who in this class do I trust to hold me accountable?" • Circle (5): Check-in. • Mini-Lesson (10): Plan = Goal + 3 weekly milestones + partner + check-in cadence + how I'll know it worked. • Practice (25): Draft + pair with accountability partner (mutual). • Close (5): Sign each other's plans.

Day 5 — Friday Circle: First Habit Tracker Launch

Do-Now (5): Set up your habit tracker (paper or app). • Circle (20): Each student names their one Growth Edge and their Accountability Partner. (Build social commitment.) • Practice (15): Portfolio upload + first habit check-in (it's day 1, but practice the move). • Close (5): Leader of the Week.

Assessment

4-pt rubric on Growth Plan: Honest edge • Specific practice • Partner accountability • Measurable success criteria.

Differentiation

ML/EL — provide bilingual strengths vocabulary cards. Stretch — students may design their own habit-tracking system instead of using template.

Sub Plan

Day 2 reframe lab is the highest-yield sub-friendly day; reorder if needed.

Stretch & Swap

Pair this week with school counselor classroom visit on CliftonStrengths or YouthTruth survey data.