Growth Mindset Art Lesson SEL Art Project Growth Mindset Art Activity
This Growth Mindset Art Lesson helps students practice resilience and embrace challenges. In this Power of Yet art project, students use oil pastels and watercolor paint to create an artwork about something they can't do yet, a visual reminder of perseverance and self-belief.
It is designed for Grades 2 to 6 and fits Back to School, a growth mindset unit or an SEL program, in the classroom or at home. Students reflect on personal goals while learning about color and line, building both creative confidence and emotional literacy.
WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING
★★★★ “In the past I've dreaded art as I love it but am not talented in teaching it. This (and other lessons I bought) help me feel much more confident in creating art with my students. It's well laid out and explains what to do for general teachers. Thank you!” Tanya P.
WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)
- About the Resource with lesson goals, focus elements and supplies
- Lesson plan (2 pages) with a Teacher Does / Student Does breakdown
- Step-by-step student handout with visual and written directions
- "Things I Can't Do Yet" brainstorm sheet for setting personal goals
- Bulletin board display sign
- Art demonstration slides (18) showing the full process
- Example completed art piece
- Art rubric for creativity, effort and craftsmanship
- Reflection form for student and teacher feedback
HOW TO USE IT
Read through the lesson plan and prep your materials: pencil, eraser, black felt marker, watered-down paint or watercolor, oil pastels, card stock or watercolor paper, a paintbrush and water. Show students the sample artwork and slides as your hook, then guide them with the step-by-step visuals and written instructions, either live or projected.
Use the brainstorm sheet to help students choose a meaningful goal for their artwork, and finish with the rubric and reflection form to support both learning and personal growth.
FAQ
What grade level is this best for?
Grades 2 to 6. It can be adapted slightly for other upper elementary or early middle school levels.
Can I use this with limited art supplies?
Yes. It uses common materials like oil pastels and watercolor paint, and watered-down tempera can also work.
Can I display the artwork for a school event?
Yes. It works well for Back to School bulletin boards, Meet the Teacher Night or Open House, and the included sign makes the display easy to put together.
ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (12)
★★★★ “Great” Jill G.
★★★★ “My students love doing art and I am stressing growth mindset this year. They loved this activity.” Lexi F.
★★★★ “Good resource for Growth Mindset!” Rita A.
★★★★★ “Fun art project for students” Christina L.
★★★★★ “My students loved this!” The C.
★★★★★ “thank you” Katelyn M.
★★★★★ “Can"t wait to use it.” angela A.
★★★★★ “Great resource but I think it might be a little too involved for second grade.” Wendy M.
★★★★★ “Great Activity!” Erin W.
★★★★★ “Excellent resource!” Damian B.
★★★★★ “This was awesome!” Wells
★★★★★ “Thank you. Very effective piece of artwork.” Kerrie H.
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 designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. 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 for personal classroom or homeschool use, and as bulletin board decor, class displays or creative projects. Additional licenses are available for school-wide use.
YOU MAY NOT: upload it to blogs, sell it, share it with other teachers or districts, or use it on platforms like OutSchool without appropriate licensing.
Sincerely,
Ms Artastic