New Year Growth Mindset Math Activities for 3rd-6th Grade Math Lesson & Goal Setting

Kick off the New Year with meaningful growth mindset math activities designed specifically for 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th grade students. These New Year and January math lessons help students reflect, set goals, and build a positive outlook as they begin a fresh start in math.

This resource introduces students to what it means to be a mathematician, encourages perseverance, and provides engaging activities that support a strong mindset for learning throughout the year.

What’s Included

Growth Mindset Videos and Read-Aloud Link
Use high-quality videos and a suggested read-aloud to spark conversations about perseverance, effort, and developing a positive mindset in math.

What Is a Mathematician?
A discussion-based activity that helps students understand the habits, behaviors, and thinking of mathematicians—and how they can grow into that role in the new year.

Goal Setting and Reflection Activities
Students reflect on their math progress and identify goals for the coming year. A New Year pennant is included for a motivational classroom display, along with a Math Mountain printable to guide students in thinking about their strengths and areas for growth.

Origami Growth Mindset Project
A hands-on origami challenge that reinforces growth mindset while keeping students engaged and excited to learn.

Complete List of Materials

✅ Growth mindset video links

✅ Origami challenge video link

✅ Read-aloud suggestion and link

✅ Guided discussion questions for each video and read-aloud

✅ “What Is a Mathematician?” activity sheet

✅ New Year pennant for classroom display

✅ Math Mountain goal-setting activity sheet

Perfect For

✅ New Year classroom lessons

✅ January math activities

✅ Growth mindset instruction

✅ Goal setting and reflection

✅ Beginning-of-year or after-break reset

Start the year with confidence, reflection, and growth. This New Year math resource helps students develop a positive mindset and prepares them for success all year long. Download today and make your January math lessons meaningful and memorable!