Fostering grit and resilience in students is essential for their personal growth and success both inside and outside the classroom. Grit, a term popularized by psychologist Angela Duckworth, describes the passion and perseverance for long-term goals. Here are 15 books and activities that can help educators teach and reinforce the concept of grit in their classrooms:
1. “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth – Start with the book that launched a deeper understanding of grit in the educational sphere. Use it to introduce the concept of grit to older students and inspire discussions about persistence.
2. “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck – Teach students about growth mindset, the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.
3. “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds – This book is perfect for younger students, demonstrating how to overcome a lack of confidence and display perseverance.
4. “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires – A story about a girl who learns that setbacks are a natural part of creating something great.
5. “After the Fall- How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again” by Dan Santat – A picture book that cleverly demonstrates overcoming fear after failure.
6. Vision Board Creation – Guide students in creating vision boards that represent their long-term goals and dreams to cultivate persistence.
7. Setting SMART Goals – Teach students to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals as a way to foster perseverance toward long-term objectives.
8. “Salt in His Shoes- Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream” by Deloris Jordan – An inspiring story illustrating Michael Jordan’s tenacity as he strives to become a basketball player despite early setbacks.
9. Perseverance Role-Playing – Have students enact scenarios where characters must show grit, discussing what choices demonstrate resilience.
10. “Thank You, Mr. Falker” by Patricia Polacco – A tale depicting the power of patience and determination when struggling with dyslexia.
11. Grit Journaling – Encourage students to keep journals about their personal experiences with perseverance to reflect on their growth.
12. Failure Fridays – Dedicate time each week for students to share failures and what they learned from them, normalizing setbacks as part of learning.
13. “Wilma Unlimited- How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman” by Kathleen Krull – The story of Wilma Rudolph overcoming polio demonstrates incredible determination.
14. Biography Research Projects – Have students research historical figures who exhibited grit, then present their findings to the class.
15. Resilience Debates – Organize debates on topics related to perseverance and grit where students must articulate their thoughts on overcoming challenges.
These resources offer various ways to engage students with the concept of grit through literature, practical exercises, and reflective practices that promote resilience in learning environments.
