Grit is defined as passion and perseverance in pursuit of long-term goals. Grit is not talent nor luck. It is having a goal and working toward that goal. Not giving up. Angela Duckworth has popularized the concept of Grit. Grit is a life skill that can be learned. Angela Duckworth said: “Grit may not be sufficient for success, but it sure is necessary. If we want our children to have a shot at a productive and satisfying life, we adults should make it our concern to provide them with the two things all children deserve: challenges to exceed what they were able to do yesterday and the support that makes that growth possible.
Ways You Can Teach Grit
- Praise the effort more than the accomplishment
- Coach the individual instead of taking over
- Be Patient
- Let them fail
- Share examples of grit
- Reframe problems
Angela Duckworth has a grit scale that can measure one’s grit level. Look at it and use it yourself or with the youth you work with. This scale is good for self-refection. There is allot of discussion that will come out of its use which will encourage the youth to reflect on how they feel and act.
At-risk youth may need help in setting goals and how to work toward achieving success. Some of ARISE life skills curriculum may be of help. We recommend the following life skill curriculum:
For High School aged Youth: https://at-riskyouth.org/collections/high-school-young-adults-learning-strategies
For Middle School aged Youth: https://at-riskyouth.org/collections/middle-school-learning-strategies
Download this ARISE Positivity Card and use it as a lesson with the at-risk youth you work with: