'Happy Brain, Worried Brain': Growth Mindset Worksheet

Happy Brain, Worried Brain supports children to foster a positive growth mindset. It asks children to record what they think about when they feel happy versus when they feel worried.

“What does your brain think about when you are happy? How does your brain feel when you are happy?”

“What does your brain think about when you are worried? How does your brain feel when you are worried?”

“Your happy and worried brain look different, don’t they? Different thoughts can make us feel different emotions, behave in different ways and experience different feelings inside our bodies.”

How could this resource be used?

To support children with managing their worries and beginning to foster a positive growth mindset.
To explore strategies that we can use to help us to understand and navigate how our brains work and function in day-to-day life

Relevant Curriculum Links

England PSHE Statutory Curriculum Strands:

KS1: H18 – different things they can do to manage big feelings, to help calm themselves down and/or change their mood when they don’t feel good.
KS2: H20 – strategies to respond to feelings, including intense or conflicting feelings; how to manage and respond to feelings appropriately and proportionately in different situations.
KS2: H21 – to recognise warning signs about mental health and wellbeing and how to seek support for themselves and others.

Scottish Health and Wellbeing Curriculum Outcome(s):

I understand that my feelings and reactions can change depending upon what is happening within and around me. This helps me to understand my own behaviour and the way others behave. HWB 0-04a / HWB 1-04a / HWB 2-04a / HWB 3-04a / HWB 4-04a.
I am learning skills and strategies which will support me in challenging times, particularly in relation to change and loss. HWB 0-07a / HWB 1-07a / HWB 2-07a / HWB 3-07a / HWB 4-07a.
I understand the importance of mental wellbeing and that this can be fostered and strengthened through personal coping skills and positive relationships. I know that it is not always possible to enjoy good mental health and that if this happens there is support available. HWB 0-06a / HWB 1-06a / HWB 2-06a / HWB 3-06a / HWB 4-06a.