Grit Guide Lesson Plan Grit Guide
Teacher Lesson Plan • 5th Grade
30 Minutes
Objective
Students will define perseverance and identify personal strategies to maintain a persistent mindset. They will practice grit through a challenging activity and understand that struggle is a necessary part of growth.
Why This Matters
Perseverance is a critical life skill that helps students overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and build resilience. This lesson empowers students to develop a "never give up" attitude, fostering self-efficacy and a positive approach to learning.
Prep & Tools
Review Summit Quest Slides
Print Base Camp Warm-Up (1/student)
Gather Challenge Materials (Puzzles, LEGOs, etc.)
Print Peak Reflection Sheet (1/student)
The Expedition Path
1
Base Camp: Intro & Warm-Up
5 MIN
Distribute the Base Camp Warm-Up . Give students 2-3 minutes to reflect on a time they wanted to quit.
Gather the class and ask: "What does 'never give up' truly mean?" Launch Summit Quest Slide 1 .
2
Defining the Climb: What is Perseverance?
8 MIN
Use Slides 2-4 to guide discussion. Define perseverance as continuing even when it's tough.
Discuss "Perseverance Heroes" (inventors, athletes). Ask students: "Who is a hero in your life who never quit?"
3
The Grit Grind: Challenge Phase
10 MIN
Introduce the The Grit Grind Activity . Explain that finishing isn't the goal—showing effort is.
Circulate while students work. If you see frustration, prompt strategies: "What's another angle you can try?" or "Take a deep breath and reset."
4
Peak Reflection: Cool Down
7 MIN
Distribute the Peak Reflection Worksheet . Use Slide 6 to wrap up.
End with the core message: "Every time you try again, you get stronger."
Pro Tip
Watch for students who are "shutting down." Instead of giving them the answer, offer a "growth prompt" like: "I see you're working hard on that part. What's one small piece we can figure out first?"
Summit Quest Slides Summit Quest
The Power of Perseverance
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome students and get them ready for a discussion. Ask them to think about times they wanted to give up but kept going. Introduce the concept of 'Never Give Up!' and ask what it means to them.
What is Perseverance?
Continuing to try even when things are difficult.
It's about staying strong and not giving up on your goals, even when the path gets steep!
It's a Growth Mindset!
Believing that your abilities can improve through hard work and effort.
TEACHER NOTES: Define perseverance clearly. Discuss how it's about sticking with something even when it's hard. Ask students for examples of what perseverance 'looks like' (e.g., trying again after failing) and 'sounds like' (e.g., 'I can do this!', 'I'll try a different way').
Perseverance Heroes
Think about people who:
Failed many times before succeeding
Kept learning when it was tough
Overcame big challenges
Who are YOUR perseverance heroes?
(Is it an athlete? A scientist? Your grandmother? You?)
TEACHER NOTES: Share inspiring examples. You can use historical figures, famous athletes, scientists, or even everyday examples like learning to ride a bike, mastering a video game level, or solving a tricky math problem. Encourage students to think of people they know who show perseverance.
Why Bother?
Get Smarter & Faster
Crush Your Big Goals
Build Real Confidence
Find New Solutions
It's a Superpower for Success!
TEACHER NOTES: Discuss the benefits of perseverance. How does it help us in school (learning new subjects)? In hobbies (mastering a skill)? In personal life (dealing with disagreements, building friendships)? Emphasize that it helps us grow smarter and stronger.
The Grit Grind Debrief
1
What was challenging about the activity?
2
What strategies did you use to keep trying?
3
How did it feel when you wanted to quit but didn't?
4
What did you learn about yourself today?
TEACHER NOTES: Guide the debrief after the activity. Focus on the *process* of perseverance, not just the outcome of the challenge. Encourage honest sharing about frustration and coping strategies. Validate their efforts.
Peak Reflection
1
What is one thing you learned about perseverance today?
2
What is one strategy you will use this week?
3
How will you try to "Never Give Up!" when things get hard?
Base Camp Warm Up Worksheet Base Camp Warm-Up
Starting the Expedition
Name:
Date:
Keep Trying!
Think about a time when you wanted to give up on something—a difficult math problem, a tricky sports move, or a hard level in a game—but you kept trying anyway. Answer the questions below to reflect on that climb.
1 What was the task or challenge you were working on?
2 What specifically made you want to give up?
3 What made you decide to keep trying instead of quitting?
4 How did it feel when you finally finished, or made progress?
"The only way to fail is to stop trying."
Grit Grind Challenge Guide The Grit Grind
Challenge Phase: Practice Your Power
The Goal
To practice keeping a positive mindset and trying different strategies when facing a tough challenge. Note: Finishing is secondary—effort is primary!
How to Play
1
Get Ready! Each person or group will receive a challenge (puzzle, blocks, or a brain teaser).
2
Start Working! You have 7-8 minutes. When it feels hard, that's when the real work begins!
3
Keep Trying! Don't give up. Use the "Grit Toolbox" below if you get stuck.
The Grit Strategy Toolbox
Take a deep breath and reset.
Look at it from a new angle.
Ask a peer for a tiny hint.
Break it into smaller parts.
Growth Mindset Mantra
"I can do this! I just need to keep trying!"
Puzzles Tangrams Building Blocks Brain Teasers
Peak Reflection Worksheet Peak Reflection
Looking Back at the Climb
Name:
Date:
1
In your own words, what does perseverance mean?
2
Think about "The Grit Grind" challenge. What was one strategy you used to keep trying when it got difficult?
3
When you face something tough this week (like a hard assignment or a game), what is one way you will try to "Never Give Up!"?
I Conquered the Summit!
Mindset: Persistent & Powerful
