Free Growth Mindset Activity Placemat For Kids

Scroll to the end to snag your free growth mindset activity placemat for kids!

As parents, teachers, or caregivers, we want to raise kids who believe in themselves. Kids to keep trying even when things get tough, and understand that learning is a journey, not a race.

That’s exactly why introducing a growth mindset is such a powerful concept early in childhood.

Today, on the blog, I’m sharing a free printable growth mindset worksheet that’s perfect for promoting perseverance, positive thinking, and self-awareness playfully.

Whether you choose to use it during meals, quiet time, or in the classroom, this printable placemat encourages kids to engage with the power of yet ideas while coloring, reflecting, and creating.

SNAG YOUR FREE GROWTH MINDSET ACTIVITY MAT BELOW!

 What Is a Growth Mindset?

I shared what a growth mindset is in my last blog post. But let’s quickly review the concept here as well.

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed with time, effort, and learning. It contrasts with a fixed mindset, where children believe that their talents or intelligence are unchangeable traits.

Here’s a quick example:

Fixed Mindset –  “I’m just bad at math. I’ll never be good at it.”

Growth Mindset –  “I’m still learning how to do this. I just need more practice, so that I can improve my math skills.”

Teaching this simple but powerful concept can help kids:

• Feel more confident in their learning process

• Bounce back from failure

• Embrace challenges instead of avoiding them

• Develop resilience and a love of learning

That’s where this printable activity placemat comes in!

Growth Mindset Activities Included In This Worksheet

This single-page printable is packed with fun and meaningful activities to help kids reflect, grow, and have fun along the way.

Here’s what your child or students will find on the placemat:

Theme Phrase –  “I Can’t Do It… YET”

Right at the top, kids are introduced to the power concept of yet. Reminding them that struggling doesn’t mean failing.

It just means learning.

The word “yet” is one of the most effective tools in building a growth mindset.

It turns “I can’t do this” into “I can’t do this yet.” A huge shift in perspective.

Draw or Write Things I Can’t Do Yet

This section gives kids a chance to pause and reflect. They can draw pictures or write down things they’re currently working on. Maybe that’s learning to ride a bike, spell tricky words, or tie their shoes. Acknowledging challenges is the first step in working through them!

Growth Mindset Word Search

Kids will search for words like:

• Learn

• Grow

• Improve

• Practice

• Try

• Yet

These are all vocabulary words that can help children internalize the idea that progress takes time and effort.

Word Scramble Challenge

A fun brain teaser where kids unscramble powerful words such as:

• Adapt

• Change

• Curious

• Believe

• Brave

• Focus

Not only does this help with spelling and cognitive skills, but each word also reinforces the traits we want our kids and students to value.

Mindful Coloring Growth vs. Fixed Mindset Phrases

In this final section, kids read phrases that represent either a fixed or a growth mindset.

Their job is to color only the growth mindset phrases using the colors of the rainbow! This activity encourages them to identify healthy thoughts and practice mindfulness while they color.

Why This Fun Activity Mat Works So Well

This placemat isn’t just fun, it’s purposeful.

Here’s why it’s a perfect tool for cultivating a growth mindset in kids:

It Makes Big Ideas Kid-Friendly

Growth mindset can be a big concept to grasp. But through games, coloring, and creative expression, this activity mat breaks it down into bite-sized ideas that kids can understand.

It Encourages Self-Reflection

As kids draw or write about the things they can’t do yet, they’re learning to name their challenges and set their own goals. This helps build self-awareness and motivation.

It Combines Fun with Learning

Word games, mindful coloring, and drawing!

It’s the kind of busy work kids want to do. And while they’re engaged, they’re also soaking in affirmations and vocabulary that support emotional growth.

It Promotes Emotional Resilience

By exploring the idea that mistakes and setbacks are part of learning, this printable worksheet helps kids bounce back when they face obstacles. They learn that struggling is normal, not something to be ashamed of.

What Happens When We Don’t Foster a Growth Mindset?

While it might seem like just another buzzword, failing to nurture a growth mindset in kids can lead to:

Fear of Failure – Kids might avoid trying new things because they’re scared of messing up.

Low Self-Esteem – Children may think their worth is tied to being “smart” or “naturally good” at something.

Giving Up Easily – Without the belief that effort leads to improvement, kids may give up at the first sign of difficulty.

Comparing Themselves to Others – Kids may focus on being the best rather than doing their best.

A fixed mindset can seriously limit a child’s willingness to try, fail, and grow.

The good news?

A growth mindset can be taught, and it’s never too early to start.

When to Use This Growth Mindset Placemat?

This printable activity mat is versatile and easy to use in a variety of settings. Here are a few ideas:

Meal Times – Print and laminate it to use as a reusable placemat at breakfast or dinner. Add dry erase markers, and it becomes a conversation starter for the whole family!

SEL Lessons – Use it as part of your social-emotional learning routine in the classroom or homeschool. Pair it with a growth mindset read-aloud or short video about growth mindset.

Busy Work – Need something meaningful for early finishers? This activity mat is a great way to keep kids engaged without screen time.

Small Group Counseling Sessions – If you’re a school counselor, this mat can initiate great discussions around perseverance, emotional regulation, and self-talk.

Download Your Growth Mindset Free Printable

Click on the link below to grab your free printable growth mindset activity worksheet.

Growth Mindset Activity Placemat PDF (13 downloads )

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Free Growth Mindset Activity Placemat For Kids

The words we say to our kids and the words they say to themselves matter.

This printable activity placemat is more than just a coloring sheet or puzzle mat. It’s a tool designed to help children see their potential, embrace effort, and celebrate the learning process.

By using this printable, you’re giving kids more than just something to color or complete.

You’re giving them the language of growth. And with that, they can do anything, even the hard things they just can’t do yet.

Grab my printable growth mindset workbook for your kids or students on ETSY

More Growth Mindset Activities You May Like

Here are some more growth mindset activities you may want to snag for your kiddos:

• Free growth mindset coloring pages
• Free growth mindset word search
• Growth mindset activities for kids
• Printable self-esteem activities for kids

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