Grit and Perseverance Lesson Plan Grit and Perseverance
Lesson Plan | Middle School
Time: 40 Minutes
Objective: Move past small setbacks
Why This Matters
Grit is the secret sauce for long-term success. By understanding that passion and perseverance are skills that can be developed, students transition from a "fixed" mindset to a "growth" mindset, allowing them to navigate setbacks with resilience.
Preparation & Materials
TED Talk: Grit – The Power of Passion & Perseverance
Discussion Guide
Goal Setting Worksheet
Exit Ticket
Instructional Sequence
01
Introduction
5 MINS
Welcome students and set the stage for the concept of "The Long Game."
Introduce the topic of grit and perseverance. Explain that grit isn't just about working hard once; it's about having passion and perseverance for long-term goals . Share that they will watch a TED Talk by Angela Duckworth, a psychologist who studied why some people succeed while others don't.
02
Watch TED Talk
7 MINS
Active viewing to spark reflection.
Show the TED Talk: Grit – The Power of Passion & Perseverance . Encourage students to listen for the definition of grit and why talent doesn't always lead to success. Suggest they jot down one quote or idea that surprises them.
03
Discussion
10 MINS
Connecting concepts to real-life experiences.
Engage students in a discussion using the Discussion Guide . Facilitate using questions like:
"What is grit? Why is it important?"
"Can you share an example of a time when you showed grit?"
04
Goal Setting Activity
15 MINS
Applying the concept to personal ambitions.
Distribute the Goal Setting Worksheet . Ask students to identify a personal goal they are passionate about. They will map out specific steps and, crucially, identify potential obstacles and strategies to stay motivated when things get tough.
05
Closure and Exit Ticket
3 MINS
Wrapping up and assessing impact.
Summarize the lesson by reinforcing that grit is like a muscle—it grows with use. Hand out the Exit Ticket to assess understanding and commitment to growth.
Grit and Perseverance Slides The Power of Grit
Passion & Perseverance
What is Grit?
"Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals."
— Angela Duckworth
1
It’s having stamina.
2
It’s sticking with your future, day in and day out.
3
It’s living life like a marathon , not a sprint.
Watch & Learn
Embedded media
Watch for: Why talent isn't the only factor for success.
Let's Discuss
1. Why is grit more important than talent?
2. Think of a challenge you faced. How did you push through?
3. How can a Growth Mindset help you be more gritty?
Your Trail Map
1
The Goal
Pick one long-term goal you care about.
2
The Steps
Break it down into small, daily actions.
3
The Pivot
Plan how to handle the inevitable "bumps."
"Failure is not a permanent condition. It's a temporary setback on the path to success."
Keep Climbing!
Grit and Perseverance Discussion Guide Discussion Guide
Grit – The Power of Passion & Perseverance
Use this guide to facilitate a deep dive into Angela Duckworth's research. Encourage students to connect the scientific concepts to their daily challenges in school, sports, and hobbies.
1
What is grit and why is it important?
Facilitation Notes:
Encourage students to use examples from the TED Talk (e.g., the marathon vs. sprint analogy).
Prompt: "How does having grit help when things get boring or difficult over a long period?"
Look for definitions that include stamina and future-focus .
2
Can you share an example of a time when you showed grit?
Facilitation Notes:
Allow students to share personal stories of perseverance.
Focus on the process : What was the specific obstacle? How did they feel? What made them keep going?
Reinforce the idea that grit is often quiet and boring work, not just big hero moments.
3
How can having a growth mindset help build grit?
Facilitation Notes:
Discuss Carol Dweck's concept of growth mindset as mentioned in the talk.
Prompt: "If you believe your brain can grow, how does that change the way you see a failing grade or a lost game?"
Connect the idea that grit is powered by the belief that effort leads to improvement .
Goal Setting Worksheet My Grit Action Plan
Turn Passion into Perseverance
Student:
Date:
"Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals." Use this worksheet to map out your journey toward a goal you truly care about.
1
The Long-Term Goal
Think about something you are passionate about and want to achieve in the long term (e.g., learning an instrument, making a team, mastering a subject).
2
The Path Forward
List the specific actions you need to take to make progress towards your goal. What does "showing up" look like for this goal?
A.
B.
C.
3
The Grit Factor
How will you stay motivated when facing setbacks? Consider strategies like setting mini-goals, seeking support, or reminding yourself of your passion.
"Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare." — Angela Duckworth
Grit and Perseverance Exit Ticket Exit Ticket
Grit & Perseverance
Name
Date
1
List one key takeaway from today's lesson.
2
What is one action you will take this week to develop your grit?
"Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you're willing to stay loyal to it."
