Growth Mindset Art Project Fixed Mindset Social Emotional Learning Brain Drawing

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 TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★★ “These all looked fantastic when they were finished - my students (Grade 4/5) LOVED making their brains and watching the water blend the colors 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.

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