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In today’s fast-paced and often uncertain world, developing grit—the ability to persevere in the face of challenges and maintain passion over the long term—is essential for both adults and children. Developing Grit for Yourself and Your Students is a dynamic, research-based class designed to cultivate perseverance, mental toughness, and a growth mindset in individuals of all ages. The class is built on the foundational work of psychologist Angela Duckworth and incorporates elements of cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness, goal setting, and positive psychology.
Throughout the course, educators are taught how to foster a warm, supportive environment that normalizes struggle and celebrates progress. Each session ends with a “grit reflection.”
The benefits of participating in a grit-building class extend beyond the classroom. Children who develop grit are more likely to succeed in school, sports, and hobbies, not necessarily because they are the most talented, but because they are more willing to keep trying and learning after failure. Adults who practice grit are better equipped to navigate career changes, relationship struggles, and personal setbacks with resilience and confidence. Importantly, both adults and children learn that grit is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be cultivated with intention, practice, and support.
For children, the class offers engaging and developmentally appropriate methods to help them understand and practice grit in everyday life. Through stories, interactive games, art-based projects, and reflective activities, young learners explore the value of effort, the normalcy of failure, and the importance of not giving up.
For adults—particularly educators and parents—the course takes a reflective and skill-building approach. Participants examine their own beliefs and behaviors related to perseverance and learn strategies for modeling grit in their personal and professional lives.
What sets this class apart is its blended approach that brings activities for both adults and children.
Organization
Goals will be met using a combination of discussions, activities, supplemental readings, videos, and applications. Participants will have opportunities to, reflect and put into practice new information. The instructor will monitor all reflections and offer feedback and coaching on activities and assignments.
Course Objectives
By the end of the class, participants will be able to:
Required Text: All resources are provided online
Throughout the course, educators are taught how to foster a warm, supportive environment that normalizes struggle and celebrates progress. Each session ends with a “grit reflection.”
The benefits of participating in a grit-building class extend beyond the classroom. Children who develop grit are more likely to succeed in school, sports, and hobbies, not necessarily because they are the most talented, but because they are more willing to keep trying and learning after failure. Adults who practice grit are better equipped to navigate career changes, relationship struggles, and personal setbacks with resilience and confidence. Importantly, both adults and children learn that grit is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be cultivated with intention, practice, and support.
For children, the class offers engaging and developmentally appropriate methods to help them understand and practice grit in everyday life. Through stories, interactive games, art-based projects, and reflective activities, young learners explore the value of effort, the normalcy of failure, and the importance of not giving up.
For adults—particularly educators and parents—the course takes a reflective and skill-building approach. Participants examine their own beliefs and behaviors related to perseverance and learn strategies for modeling grit in their personal and professional lives.
What sets this class apart is its blended approach that brings activities for both adults and children.
Organization
Goals will be met using a combination of discussions, activities, supplemental readings, videos, and applications. Participants will have opportunities to, reflect and put into practice new information. The instructor will monitor all reflections and offer feedback and coaching on activities and assignments.
Course Objectives
By the end of the class, participants will be able to:
- Understand the Concept of Grit
- Define grit and its key components: perseverance and passion for long-term goals.
- Recognize the difference between grit, resilience, and motivation.
- Reframe mistakes and failure as essential parts of the learning process.
- Model Grit in Daily Life
- Demonstrate consistent follow-through on long-term goals.
- Support Grit Development in Students
- Provide growth-oriented feedback.
- Set appropriate challenges and celebrate persistence, not just achievement.
- Teach and model healthy responses to frustration, setbacks, and failure.
- Stronger Learning and Teaching Environment
Required Text: All resources are provided online