Trying Helps Me Grow (Y1 PSHE)

Build a confident, can-do mindset from the very start. In this calm, structured Year 1 lesson from The Ripple Project’s spiral PSHE curriculum, pupils learn that trying (even when something feels hard) is how we improve. Children explore what “trying” looks like, practise helpful growth-mindset phrases, and create their own “Trying Ladder” to show the steps they can take when they feel stuck.

Learning objective: Learn to recognise that trying helps you get better at new things.

Statutory curriculum links (how this lesson supports requirements):

Explicit link: Mental Wellbeing (pupils learn early resilience skills, develop language for “not yet,” and practise strategies for coping with mistakes and challenge)
Foundation building: Caring Friendships (pupils reflect on asking for help, encouraging others, and learning alongside peers in a supportive way)
Subtle link: Families & Carers (pupils recognise trusted adults who can help them practise and persist, and that support at home can build confidence)

What’s included:

• Full lesson slide deck (PDF) with a clear, ready-to-teach structure:
• Spark Plug, Starter, Key Words, Teacher Explanation, Activities, Exit Task, Cross-Curricular Links
• Spark Plug video prompt: “The Impossible… Now Possible!” (pupils notice how practise leads to improvement)
• Starter activity: “Same picture, better try” (quick draw, then retry with more time to experience improvement through practice)
• Key word focus: Improve (to get better little by little)
• Teacher explanation slides that normalise challenge and introduce simple growth mindset language (e.g., “I can’t do it yet”)
• Activity 1 worksheet: Trying or Not Trying? (cut-and-sort cards into “trying” and “not trying” to build reasoning and discussion)
• Activity 2 worksheet: My Trying Ladder (cut and paste steps pupils can use to keep going, with a personal goal: “I want to get better at…”)
• Exit task prompt: Finish the sentence before packing up… “If I fail I should…”
• Cross-curricular extension ideas included (Reading, Art, Maths, Writing/Reading, Computer, PE)
• A link inside the resource to an editable Canva version of the presentation with interactive features (recommended for use)

Why teachers love it:

• Low-prep, high-impact lesson that teaches resilience without pressure or shame
• Perfect for Year 1: simple language, clear routines, and practical strategies pupils can actually use
• Supports classroom culture by making “try again” normal, safe, and celebrated
• Fits beautifully into early self-belief, perseverance, and emotional literacy work

Suitable for: Year 1 / KS1
Strand: Discovering Me | Unit 1: Me
Theme: Growth Mindset & Self-Belief