11/5/24: Developing grit, a great movie for teachers, and more!

Always, always, always touching hearts and changing lives!
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But First, A Chuckle!

Helpful Stuff

Helping Students Develop Grit: A Teacher’s Guide Part 1:

First off, don’t worry! Grit isn’t something you teach independently or with a separate lesson plan —you teach & model grit as you’re covering your material!  

As teachers, we know that success isn’t just about grades or test scores. 

It’s also about GRIT—the ability to keep going, even when things get tough. 

Grit helps our kiddos push through challenges, stick with their goals, and stay motivated when it gets hard. 

Some kiddos seem to have grit innately while others need a little more help.

I can think of my kids throughout the years that needed a little more guidance in not giving up: Seth, Matthew, Eddie, Michelle, Alexa, Jackie—I’m sure some names pop into your head, too. 

Remember that developing grit isn’t something that happens overnight, but with the right support, every student can learn to build it.

Here are some straightforward ways to encourage grit in the classroom and help our kiddos face challenges with confidence!

Tip #1: Set Small Goals Along the Way

When students face big assignments, they can easily feel overwhelmed. Breaking big goals into smaller chunks makes the work feel more manageable. 

For example, if we’re working on a project, I’ll guide students to set smaller goals: complete research by a certain date, then make an outline, then write a first draft.

This approach lets them see their progress step by step, which builds confidence and keeps them motivated.

Baby steps!

I’ve also found that when students help set their own goals, they feel more ownership and are more likely to follow through.

Keep an eye out for tip #2 in our next email! 

Try these out and let us know how it goes! Don’t forget to tag us in your posts on Instagram and Facebook!
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Recommendations

If you haven’t seen the movie “The Ron Clark Story” starring Matthew Perry, you have to check it out!

While there is always some Hollywood magic that makes you very, very aware you’re watching a movie, it is a powerful film nonetheless.

It’s about this teacher who steps into a tough classroom and somehow reaches kids everyone else has kind of given up on.

He’s dealing with behavior issues, kids with zero confidence—you know, the usual stuff.

But instead of giving up, he finds ways to connect and make a real impact.

What I love about this movie is how it shows him putting in the time to understand each student, not just going for quick fixes.

Watching it reminded me why we do this job. Even on the hardest days, we have the power to make a difference! 

I even found it streaming for free on YouTube here! 

This Week’s Most Helpful Resources!

A Little Inspiration

Because our headspace matters when we are trying to show up as our best selves for our students, our loved ones, and ourselves!

Check out this video of when a brother realizes he’s a match to save the life of his little sister who has cancer! #grateful
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Sharing is caring—so please forward this to any teacher that could benefit from this message and help spread the love!

The goal of these messages is to help ourselves improve—for our students, for our loved ones, and for ourselves. 

You can always reply to this message or message us on Facebook here!

Keep touching hearts and changing lives!
Charlie with Shining Scholar Education
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