Motivational Handouts for the Brain Builders Workshop
Welcome to the resource hub for Brain Builders Workshop: Teaching Motivation to Middle School Students! Here, you’ll find the downloadable / print-ready documents and motivational handouts associated with the Brain Builders motivational lessons. These resources are tailored to complement the strategies and insights you’ve gained from the book and various blog posts, providing practical tools to bring the concepts to life in your classroom. Whether you’re looking to boost confidence, foster a growth mindset, or encourage perseverance, these handouts are crafted to support you in creating a positive and motivating learning environment for your students.
Inspirational Stories
- Overcoming the Impossible: The Roger Bannister Story
- Unyielding Determination: Learning from Marie Curie’s Life
- Find Inspiration: Toni Morrison’s Path to Literary Icon
- Overcoming Obstacles with Humor: The Gabriel Iglesias Story
Finding Motivation
- Discovering Motion and Flow
- The Flow Experiment
- The Flow Journal
- Motivation Map
- The Power of Clear Goals
- Overcoming Obstacles
- Finding Inspiration Project
- The Brain’s Response to Purpose
- Discovering Joy in the Journey
The Growth Mindset
- Understanding Fixed and Growth Mindsets
- Discovering the Magic of Neuroplasticity
- Reframing Failure
- The Power of Effort and Persistence
- Discovering SMART Goals
- SMART Goals Organizer
A Positive Attitude Toward Learning
- The Puzzle of Interest
- How I Tricked My Brain Worksheet
- Group Presentation Instructions
- Curiosity Map – Student Instructions
- Curiosity Map Template
- Connecting Personal Interests
- Interests Connection Organizer
- Project Proposal Outline
- Interactive Lesson Design Worksheet
As you explore the handouts and resources designed for the Brain Builders Workshop, remember: motivation isn’t a moment, it’s a movement. Each worksheet, story, and activity is a step toward nurturing confidence, persistence, and curiosity in your classroom. Use them not simply as tools—but as invitations to engage your learners, challenge the familiar, and ignite their belief in what’s possible. When students see themselves as active participants in the journey of growth, they don’t just respond to lessons—they shape them.







