Build A Mindset: Four in a Row

Build a Mindset: Four in a Row

A Growth vs. Fixed Mindset SEL Game | Grades 5–9

Turn growth mindset instruction into a game students actually want to play!

Build a Mindset: Four in a Row is an interactive, game-show–style PowerPoint that helps middle school students practice identifying growth mindset vs. fixed mindset thinking through engaging, multiple-choice questions, competition, and instant feedback.

Instead of passive lessons or worksheets, students work in teams to answer questions, earn spaces on the game board, and race to get four in a row—all while building resilience, perseverance, and self-awareness.

✨ Correct answers light up, wrong answers are revealed, and fun sound effects keep students locked in.

How the Game Works

• Students are divided into two teams
• Teams select questions from the game board (starting at the bottom, like a real strategy game!)
• Answer correctly to claim a space on the board
• Incorrect answers block that space, adding challenge and strategy
• First team to get four in a row wins!

This design naturally reinforces growth mindset concepts like learning from mistakes, persistence, and adapting strategies.

What’s Included

✔️ Interactive PowerPoint game

✔️ 42 multiple-choice questions focused on growth vs. fixed mindset

✔️ Includes scenario-based statements and real-life examples

✔️ Built-in animations, sound effects, and visual feedback

✔️ Correct answers turn green, incorrect answers turn red

✔️ Editable questions (keep answers in place for animations to work)

✔️ Teacher directions + tips included

Why Teachers and Counselors Love It

• No-prep — just open and play
• Highly engaging for middle school students
• Perfect for classes that struggle with motivation or attention
• Encourages healthy competition and teamwork
• Easy way to gamify SEL without extra materials
• Great alternative to boring, scripted curriculum

Perfect For

• Middle school classrooms (Grades 5–9)
• Advisory or homeroom
• School counseling lessons
• SEL groups
• Character education
• Growth mindset units
• End-of-week engagement or review

Why It Works

Middle schoolers don’t want lectures—but they love games.

This resource transforms abstract mindset concepts into a fast-paced, competitive experience that gets students talking, thinking, and reflecting—without eye rolls or disengagement.

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to teach growth mindset, this game will quickly become a class favorite.

💻 IMPORTANT TECH REQUIREMENT

⚠️ This game MUST be used in Microsoft PowerPoint (desktop version).

It will NOT function properly in Google Slides.

The clickable links, animations, and sound effects are designed specifically for PowerPoint and will not operate correctly if uploaded to Google Drive.

Please ensure you are using PowerPoint before purchasing.