Famous Failures: Michael Jordan | Grades 4–8| SEL

Famous Failures: Michael Jordan – Create a Motivational Locker Poster
Growth Mindset Research & Project Activity | Grades 4–8

Help students discover that failure is often the first step toward success through the inspiring story of Michael Jordan. In this engaging SEL and growth mindset lesson, students investigate Jordan's famous early setback of being cut from his high school varsity basketball team and explore how perseverance, determination, and hard work helped him become one of the greatest athletes in history.

Students research Jordan's journey, reflect on their own experiences with setbacks, and then create an inspiring Motivational Locker Poster designed to encourage others to keep going when life gets difficult.

Perfect for SEL lessons, advisory periods, character education, growth mindset units, sports themes, or substitute plans, this low-prep activity promotes resilience while integrating research, critical thinking, creativity, and reflection.

What's Included
- ⭐ Teacher Direction Page (45–60 minute lesson)
- ⭐ Student Research & Reflection Worksheet
- ⭐ Student Project Planning Page
- ⭐ Teacher Answer Key & Reference Guide
- ⭐ Curated Online Resources for Student Research

Students will:
- Research Michael Jordan's life and early setbacks
- Examine how he responded to failure and rejection
- Identify key achievements and lessons from his perseverance
- Reflect on their own experiences with challenges
- Plan and design a motivational locker poster that inspires others to adopt a growth mindset

Skills Developed
- Growth mindset
- Perseverance and resilience
- Research skills
- Critical thinking
- Reflection and self-awareness
- Communication
- Creativity
- Collaboration

Perfect For
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Growth Mindset units
- Character Education
- Advisory / Homeroom
- Health & Wellness
- Life Skills
- Sports-themed lessons
- Fast finishers
- Substitute teacher plans

Designed for Grades 4–8, this printable resource requires minimal preparation while encouraging meaningful conversations about overcoming obstacles and learning from failure.

This lesson is part of the Famous Failures series, a collection of engaging research and project-based activities that introduce students to influential individuals who overcame rejection, setbacks, and disappointment on their path to success. Through these real-world stories, students learn that resilience, perseverance, and a growth mindset can transform failure into future achievement.