GRIT & PERSERVERANCEPromoting Non-Cognitive Skills to Help Your Child Succeed in School

and Life

May 13, 2015PS 452 Parent Engagement Evening

Laurence Debucquoy & Sharon Lustig

Agenda

• What are Non Cognitive vs. Cognitive Skills• What is Grit & Perseverance• Theories & History• How do you instill Grit in children?• Recommended Reading List

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education

at all.” -Aristotle

Non Cognitive vs. Cognitive Skills

• Self Perception• Motivation• Perseverance• Self Control• Meta Cognitive Strategies

“Thinking about Thinking”• Social Competencies• Resilience & Coping• Creativity

1976Bowles & Gintis

Non Cognitive Skills

The Big 5 (Personality Traits)• O - Openness to Experiences• C - Conscientiousness• E - Extraversion• A - Agreeableness• N - Neuroticism (vs. Emotional Stability)

What is Grit?

Maintain determination and motivation, passion and commitment over long periods, despite experiences of failure or adversity.

“stay the course”

Synonyms: courage, bravery, mettle, backbone, spirit, strength of character, strength of will, moral fiber, steel, nerve, fortitude, toughness, hardiness, resolve, resolution, determination

What is Perseverance?

Steadfastness in doing something, despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

synonyms: persistence, tenacity, determination, staying power, indefatigability, steadfastness, purposefulness

Theories & History • 1926 Catherine Morris Cox (& Lewis Terman, Stanford Binet IQ Test)

• 1960’s Walter Mischel, Stanford University: Marshmallow Test

• 1962 Albert Ellis: ABC Model

• 2001 No Child Left Behind Act

• 2007 Angela Lee Duckworth, UPENN: Predicators of Greatness

Tendency not to abandon tasks from mere changeability

Tendency not to abandon tasks in face of obstacles

• 2008 Carol Dweck, Stanford University:

Fixed Intelligence vs. Growth Mind Set

• 2013 Bipartisan Legislation:

The Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning Act of 2013

• 2013 U.S. Department Education Report: Promoting Grit, Tenacity, Perseverance and Critical

Factors for Success in the 21st Century

How do you instill GRIT in children?• Optimistic Mindset

– “I think I can”• Develop a Growth Mindset

– Fixed Intelligence vs. Growth Mindset (Using the Mind as a Launching Pad and not as Destiny)

• Coping with Set Backs/Disappointments– ABC Model:

AdversityBeliefConsequence

• Elements of Effective Praise• Foster Safe Circumstances that Encourage Grit• Learn to Concentrate

– Myth of Multi-tasking– Teach to Delay Gratification and Self Control

• Connections– Empathy, Support Network

How do you instill GRIT in children?• Competence

• Moving Toward Goals

• Meta Cognitive Strategies

Think Aloud

Checklists, Rubrics, Organizers

Explicit Modeling

• Contributions

• Acknowledge that Grit Requires Sacrifice

• Teach Self Care

• Nurture Positive Self View

• Accept Change as Part of Living

• Read Books about Grit

• Live “Grittily”

Recommended Reading List

Focus : the Hidden Driver of Excellence by Daniel Goleman

David and Goliath: Underdogs, misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell

How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind Paperback by Daniel Siegel & Tina Bryson

Recommended Reading List

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

Down the Rabbit Hole: An Exploration of Student Grit, Motivation and Scientific Inquiry by Daisy Sharrock

Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings Paperback by M.D. Kenneth R. Ginsburg

The Grit Project by Gerry Stoltzfoos

Recommended Reading ListDamon, W. (2008). The path to purpose: How young people find their calling in

life

Emmons, R. A. (2007). Thanks!: How the new science of gratitude can make you happier

Oettingen, G. (2014). Rethinking positive thinking: Inside the new science of motivation

Seligman, M. E. (1990). Learned optimism: How to change your mind and your life

2013 U.S. Department of Education report, Promoting Grit, Tenacity, and Perseverance: Critical Factors for Success in the 21st Century

Recommended Websites www.edutopia.org

www.eriaonline.com

http://www.centerforresilientchildren.org/

www.casel.org

http://www.danielgoleman.info/

http://inclusiveschools.org/

http://theelearningcoach.com/

http://www.morningsidecenter.org/

Recommended Websites http://character.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metacognition

http://sites.sas.upenn.edu/duckworth/

http://scottrigsby.com/

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/10/141015-angela-duckworth-

www.apa.org/helpcenter/resilience

www.centerforresilientchildren.org