GRIT & PERSERVERANCE Promoting Non-Cognitive Skills to Help Your Child Succeed in School and Life May 13, 2015 PS 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 “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 1976 Bowles & 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: Adversity Belief Consequence 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 List Damon, 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