Grit

I am reading a new book called, "Grit", by Angela Duckworth. It is an easy read, but so relevant as we raise our children. So often I see students not giving their all or wanting to quit when things are beginning to look difficult. Encourage your student to think through the obstacles before them and develop a plan of overcoming their difficulties. They can do it!

The result of this book led me to a web site for developing our young people. There are wonderfully crafted lessons for goal setting, focus, grit, etc. I have volunteered to pilot some of these lessons in the classroom. Currently, we are using a simple goal setting strategy titled WOOP:

Wish
Outcome
Obstacle
Plan

Students used this plan for the first time a couple of weeks ago. We will use this strategy a couple of more times this year. Hopefully, this goal setting strategy will leave an imprint for future use beyond the band room.

As parents, we do not want to see our children struggle or suffer. However, as a teacher, I want to see our children persevere through the obstacles before them. They will build Grit, the capacity to endure difficulties, and become stronger people. As a result of Grit, our students will become stronger leaders of our world.

Let's work together to build the capacity of Grit within our young people. They will be happier, independent, and stronger individuals.