Goal: Blog Post for upper elementary teachers on growing grit Word Count: 800 Title: Teaching grit: Why growth mindset matters If you were faced with adversity and the odds were stacked up against you, but, you kept pushing yourself beyond your limits, then, it possible that someone may say that you have, “grit”. More often than none, the term, grit is used to describe someone who sees the finish line and does not give up their quest to finish the race. Maybe it is why a 40 year old movie, like “Rocky” was nominated for numerous awards. It is the inspiring story of the underdog who doesn’t have a real chance to become the champion when on paper he/she doesn’t stand a change. It is the combination of resilience, perseverance, determination …show more content…
When we are young if our parents don’t teach us how to get through the tough times and hand things over to us, then we become adults we may never achieve our long-term goals through self-control and stamina exceeding our limitations. Where do we begin to teach kids how succeed? It is mentioned that our parents are the catalyst for teaching children not to be conditionalized with their thinking. A growth mindset will enable a child to focus on a goal and achieve that goal through hard work and not quitting. It is crucial in developing a grit from the start that parents and the school’s work together and mold young minds into strong characters. Back in 2013, Angela Duckworth, a psychology professor from the University of Pennsylvania, did extensive research and developed a foundation to cultivate grit into the school system. Now, with the foundation the school’s are striving to implement a new curriculum that instills this philosophy that shapes the character of young …show more content…
Educators are starting to embrace the strategies that are becoming a part of innovative curriculum that is being infiltrated in our schools. Is this good news? Well, take a look at some of the thinking that is a part of the new framework and think for yourself. We are told to tell children, good job even if they didn’t really put in the work to get the right answer, or face brick walls that they didn’t have to climb over. With acknowledging this paradigm shift, it is important that you don’t say good job to a child. They must really put in the work to understand what it takes to achieve the right answer. So hence; do not praise or reward a child unless they understand the value of performance. It is the journey, not about the destination. With this certain aspect, it is also implemented to not accept, “I don’t know” as an answer. But, it is crucial for the educator to push the student to understand the process of problem solving. Most of us are taught that it is NOT ok, to quit. Is this still right? Well most of us who want to get the prize are taught this at a young age. But, it is important to also know the talents of the child. It is acceptable to quit, under the exception that the child may not have the skill level for a task or a