The Place of Grit and Passion in Children's Academic Improvement

Introduction

Intelligence without passion is like faith without work. It is passion and grit that will drive a child to learn even in the face of all odds. For instance, a child that refused to use lantern to do his/her home work because there was power failure in his house lacks determination. I once heard a child saying to his music teacher in a revision class, "that it is normal to fail", and he was saying it with pleasure. That kind of child will not want to put any personal effort to achieve academic standard and goal.

In this present generation where nothing comes easy, teachers should not just teach the pupils with the aim  to only expand or increase their I.Q. but to teach them how to stand on their own. It is sometimes needful to distinctively draw the line between fun and real learning. Don't forget that we are training these children to face the outside world. Especially for children in the upper primary.

In most cases pupils fail not because they don't know the subject but because they lack passion and determination. In order to stand the test of time you must be gritty.

Why is Grit So Important?

Using the Grit Scale that Duckworth developed with Chris Peterson, they found that grit is a better indicator of GPA and graduation rates. (IQ, however, is very predictive of standardized test scores.)

Add to this the findings (from Bowen, Chingos and McPherson's Crossing the Finish Line) that high school grades have a more predictive value of college success than standardized tests, and you may just see a shift from standardized test scores to high school GPA by some college admissions officers. As GPA becomes more important, grit will become more recognized as a vital part of 21st century student success -- as well it should be.

What is Grit?

Some would argue that grit is inherent in Albert Bandura’s research on self-efficacy, and that resilience is also part of it. But you can’t just implement "character education" and think you're teaching grit. In 2008, the Character Education Partnership divided character into two categories: core ethical values and performance values. In my opinion, grit would be categorized as a performance value.

Can Grit be Taught?

Here are 11 ways that I'm tackling grit in my classroom and school.

1. Read Books About Grit

Read books, hold book studies and discuss trends. Measuring noncognitive factors like grit will be controversial, but just because we struggle to measure it doesn't mean that we can stop trying.

·         Book Reading List:

·         How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiousity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough

·         David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcom Gladwell

·         Performance Values Position Paper (PDF) by Character Education Partnership

·         Trend Reading:

·         KIPP’s Character Report Card

·         Promoting Grit, Tenacity, and Perseverance: Critical Factors for Success in the 21st Century (PDF) by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology

2. Talk About Grit

First, I give my students the grit scale test (PDF) and let them score it. Then we watch Angela Duckworth's TED video together and talk about the decisions we make that impact grit. Empower students to educate themselves -- they can't wait for educators to figure this out.

3. Share Examples

In my ninth grade classroom, January starts with a video about John Foppe, born with no arms, who excelled as an honor student, drove his own car, and became a successful psychologist and speaker while creatively using his feet. We also talk to Westwood alum Scott Rigsby, the first double amputee to complete an Ironman competition. These are gritty people. Life is hard, and luck is an illusion.

4. Help Students Develop a Growth Mindset

Carol Dweck from Stanford University teaches us that students who have a growth mindset are more successful than those who think that intelligence is fixed. 

5. Reframe Problems

Using stories and examples from Malcom Gladwell's book David and Goliath, we talk about "desirable difficulties." Students need perspective about problems to prevent them from giving up, quitting or losing hope.

6. Find a Framework

I use Angela Maiers' Classroom Habitudes as my framework. The KIPP framework specifically includes grit as one of its seven traits. Find one that works for your school and includes clear performance values.

7. Live Grittily

You teach with your life. Perhaps that is why Randy Pausch's Last Lecture and David Menasche's Priority List resonate. These teachers used their own battle with death itself as a way to teach. But you don't have to die to be an effective teacher. Our own work ethic yells so loudly that kids know exactly what we think about grit.

8. Foster Safe Circumstances That Encourage Grit

Never mistake engaging, fun or even interesting for easy. We don't jump up and down when we tear off a piece of tape because "I did it." No one celebrates easy, but everyone celebrates championships and winners because those take grit (and more). We need more circumstances to help kids to develop grit before they can "have it."

Tough academic requirements, sports and outdoor opportunities are all ways to provide opportunities for developing grit. Verena Roberts, Chief Innovation Officer of CANeLearn says:

One of the best ways to learn about grit is to focus on outdoor education and go out into the wild. Grit is about not freaking out, taking a deep breath, and moving on.

9. Help Students Develop Intentional Habits

Read about best practices for creating habits, because habits and self-control require grit.

10. Acknowledge the Sacrifice Grit Requires

Grit takes time, and many students aren't giving it. In their 2010 paper "The Falling Time Cost of College", Babcock and Marks demonstrate that, in 1961, U.S. undergraduates studied 24 hours a week outside of class. In 1981, that fell to 20 hours, and in 2003, it was 14 hours per week. This is not to create a blame or generation gap discussion, but rather to point out the cost of being well educated. We are what we do, and if we study less and work less, then we will learn less.

11. Discuss When You Need Grit and When You Need to Quit

Grit is not without controversy. Alfie Kohn has some valid points in his criticism of grit. So read and discuss the opponents of grit in class.

In particular, I agree with the point that there is a time for grit and a time to quit. There are times when it's OK to quit something that just isn’t within your range of talents, or when trying something different may enrich your life. Worthy tasks deserve persistence. But there are tasks that would be worthier in a different season of your life. There are jobs that should be left. Sometimes you have to let go of something good to grasp something great. Students need discernment to know when they need grit and when it may be a time to quit.

Educators Also Need Grit

Now we as teachers just need the grit to do whatever it takes to turn education around, and that starts with hard work and our own modern version of true grit. Teaching it and living it is now front and center in the education conversation.

By Mr David Ovo 

(Excerpt from an original work by VICKI DAVIS)

Mr David Ovo is a professional  in the field of arts and child psychology. With his many years of experience, he has helped many hitherto poorly academic children improve learning, using a novel approach that motivates school children get interested in classroom work. You can always reach him through his personal email: davidovo129@gmail.com

5 Basic Lessons for Elementary School Teachers who Want Result

Teachers who handle elementary school children better understand the twist and turns involved in handling children at such tender age. There is always a thin  line between getting it right and messing up the whole thing when it comes to elementary school teaching. This is why elementary school teachers must always be abreast of success tips that would help them get the best out of the kids under them.

Here, Ms Seyi, a seasoned elementary school teacher, shares her experience and discovery on how best to go about it, if one must do well as an elementary school teacher.

1: It's all about the children.

It's not the big ticket lesson that counts; it's the the hundreds of
little things you do everyday. Things that give the children high
expectations that matters.


2: To change the children's behaviour, you need to change your behaviour.

If you want a stubborn child to change and adhere to rules and
regulations,you must first be humble and adhere to the authority above
you.Show the child the kind of change you want and not orally.


3: Children want recognition

Children do not only want your fifts, rewards or appraisal when they
behave well or score high academically. They also want you to send
positive note to their parents,so their parents can be proud of them.
Make an appraisal note board in your class where the name of every
child that behaves well is written for the whole class to see.


4: Feedback needs to be as fast as possible.
Give the child either written or spoken feedback to help the child
improve or excel higher.


5: Reading makes you a high flier.

As you read books, encourage the children to read also. Not just
textbooks or story books but also texts and quotes from online and
they should paste ut in their class as a reminder of their
achievements as readers..


Succeeding as an elementary school teacher is not a rocket science. All you need is to learn the basic lessons, apply them religiously and you and your pupils would be on top the world.



By Ms 'Seyi Abayomi

She is an expert tutor and trainer on elementary school basics. With an advanced professional training and experience, she is an expert in her field. You can reach her through her personal email: seyi.av13@gmail.com

World Water Day! Let us Explore...#Blue4Water

World Water Day – what does it mean to you?

The annual event, on Wednesday, March 22, is a devastating reminder of one simple thing we take for granted – clean, safe water to drink, clean our things with and bathe in.

The day is held to urge people to tackle the global water crisis.

It’s a reminder that 1.8 billion people’s drinking water is contaminated with faeces.

Dirty drinking water is truly horrifying – drinking it puts people at risk of contracting everything from cholera and dysentery to typhoid and polio.

What is World Water Day?

World Water Day is part of a global mission to get safer water for all.

It’s a day for people to learn, get involved and take action.

This is the 24th year, and it’s organised by UN Water in collaboration with governments and partners.

The United Nations organisation sets a theme each year.

Watch this Video

How can I waste less water?

UN Water suggests taking these simple steps –

1. Turn off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth

2. Turn off the tap while washing up or scrubbing vegetables.

3. Put rubbish, oils, chemicals and food in the bin, not down the drain. The dirtier your wastewater, the more energy and money it costs to treat it.

4. Collect used water from your kitchen sink or bath and use it to water your plants

5. You cans also collect and use this water to wash your bike or car.

How else can I get involved in World Water Day 2017?

You can take part in Water Aid UK’s campaign to raise awareness and funds.

Whether you decide to dye your hair blue, bake blue cakes to sell in the office or simply use the hashtag #Blue4Water on social media to explain why you’re supporting the day, is up to you.

What are its origins?

The UN decided back in 1992 there needed to be more global awareness on water issues.

The United Nations General Assembly decided March 22, 1993, would be the first World Water Day, and it has been held annually since.

One of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals is to make sure everyone in the world has access to safe water by 2030.

What is the theme for 2017?

This year World Water Day’s theme is wastewater.

What’s that?

Wastewater is water that has been used.

This includes water from homes, businesses, industries and institutions.

The term covers everything from sewage and bathwater to washing up water.

This year’s campaign, ‘Why waste water?’, is about reducing and reusing wastewater.

Credit to Source

Catch Them Young! 10 Proven Tips to Arouse Kids' Interest in Sciences

It is a well-known fact that science and technology roles the world today. So it is of utmost importance for science teachers to keep themselves abreast of the latest development in science and technology, as well as be acquainted with updates in this indispensable vast and dominating field in human existence. This is the reason why the slogan ‘Catch Them Young’ should be ingrained in every science teacher’s consciousness and be ready at all time to help inculcate in young minds from cradles, the basic concepts of science.

Here are 10 proven tips that can help every science teacher achieve this:

1.         Value your pupil’s/child’s questions.

“Sir/Dad, why is the moon following us?” With this question, a child lets us know he is thinking about how the world works. We can respond in ways that encourage his/her scientific thinking. Think of how you might respond. Do you think it’s adorable? (It is! But the question also shows what your child is thinking!) What can you do if you don’t know the answer? That is why it our responsibility as teachers and parents to update ourselves to develop our children’s minds.

2.         Explore and find the answers together (incase you don’t know the answer)

Responding with “What do you think?” or “ I don’t know but we can find out together,” can stimulate confidence in your child to ask more questions. Explore and find the answers together. (Don’t say I will tell you later). Use available resources in the class to give answer to questions asked by the children.

3.         Give children time and space to explore.

Children learn science through trial and error. They need time to experiment, try things out, and think on their own. Wait before jumping in with “correct” answers. Give your pupils/child the time and space to explore and discover on their/his own.

4.         Accept that explorations are often messy

Whether it’s outdoor exploration with mud and sticks or indoors with water, children are likely to get dirty when they explore materials. But be careful to keep acids or any dangerous item away from their reach if it in the laboratory.

5.         Learn from mistakes together

If an experiment goes wrong, take advantage and investigate with your pupils to see what went wrong. A mistake can lead to all kinds of possibilities and it provides opportunities for you and your pupils to refine your ideas, understanding, and hypotheses.

6.         Invite curiosity

Science learning begins with curiosity. Observations and questions can create a climate of discovery – key to scientific learning. Children can learn a lot about science even at bath time. Parents, let your child ask his/her own questions but you can also stimulate curiosity. For instance, when seeing a rubber duck float in the water, invite him/her to think by saying, “I wonder if the soap will also float?” see what questions he/she asks and what experiments he/she tries.

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7.         Support further exploration

Intentional adult interactions with children can extend their learning. When the moment is right – may be when he’s/she’s done exploring on his/her own, offer a suggestion to extend his/her exploration. Guide your pupils/child by asking questions like, “What might happen if we try this?” share something you find while exploring.

8.         Encourage children to record their observations.

Writing, drawing, or taking photographs are all ways to record observations – an important scientific skill. Such records allow children to keep track of what they saw, heard, questioned, or discovered. When you notice your child is interested in something (like the moon, leaves changing on the trees, or the growth of a plant) you can suggest ways for them to record what they have observed. “Do you want to draw that” or ”Do you want to take photos?” or “Do you want me to help you write down what you noticed”

9.         Make good use of your electronic devices.

Take pictures of a stunning butterfly, record frog sounds, use a website or app to learn more about a specific phenomenon or creature.

10.       Use items you have in the class/lab or at home to experiment and explore

You don’t need to spend money buying science supplies. Here are some science questions your pupils/child can consider using materials you might have in the lab/home.

Question1: How does water move up a plant’s stem?

Directions: Put a celery stalk or carnation stem in water that has some food colouring in it.

Science principle: Children can see how the coloured water travels up the stalk or stem and might notice how a specific part of the celery stalk (called the xylem) draws the water up from the roots just like a straw.

Question2: How does changing the angle of a block impact the speed of a ball?

What you need: Rubber ball, small toy cars, and long block or plank.

Directions: Experiment how fast or slow the ball or car travels down a plank as you adjust its angle. You can do this by changing the height of the plank and testing the speed of the ball

Science principle:  children can see that items will roll at different speeds depending on the angle of the block. Try different kinds of items – a tennis ball, a super ball, small toy cars for example, to explore whether the size, weight, or material impacts the rolling speed.

You can go on and on, but these few tips, if judiciously followed will arouse the interest to study sciences in your children/pupils.

By Mr Anthony Eyo

He is a trained and highly experienced science teacher with many years of both industrial and professional engagement. He is an authority in his field. You can reach him through his personal email: eyonito@gmail.com

8 Proven Ways to Grab Your Pupils’ Attention

One of the greatest challenges teachers face in their classroom work is that of grabbing the pupils' attention. This is because, except a child's attention is captured, every other effort made in teaching that child would be tantamount to wasting a precious time. Hence, great teachers think and take this area seriously.

The following are some of the proven ways to do it according to Ms Jacinta Chidozie, who is a professional in the field:

Move Around

One of the simplest ways to grab your pupils’ attention is to simply walk around the classroom. All the time, stand next to pupils if you see them reach for objects to cause distractions. Move to the back of the classroom. Pupils need to feel that there is no place for them to hide and slack off while you teach.

Loose the Structure

Too many pupils are accustomed to a specific classroom setup. The best students sit in the front. The shier ones sit in the back where they “hide”. Do away with these physical constraints! Have them all sit in a circle on the floor. Or arrange their desks in a circle. Shake them out of their accustomed structure, and they will pay attention. For they won’t know what comes next.

Eliminate Routines

And speaking of not knowing what comes next… Pupils may wander more easily when they know what to expect and what will happen next. They come in and sit down. You ask them if they did their homework. You tell them to open their books. But what if instead of beginning the class the way you usually do, you do something completely unexpected? What if you show them a video first? They’ll certainly be intrigued!

Make them More Active

Have them do what you would ordinarily do. Have a pupil write on the board, have another hand out worksheets, and yet another help a classmate with something they don’t understand.

Divide and Conquer

Pupils are forced to focus when they can’t hide within a larger group. Divide the class into pairs or small groups for some activities. Walk around and assist as needed.

Play with Your Voice

Change your tone of voice as often as you can. Whisper something, then SAY IT LOUD. (Ever see students jump out of their seats?) Use different accents if you can, I highly recommend it. Pupils get a real kick out of it, and it really makes them listen up.

Use Props

Grab a small, soft ball. Ask a question and toss the ball to a pupil. Prompt him/her to answer your question. Have them throw the ball back to you and choose your next target. Who will be next? They won’t know! Use balls, hats, toys, anything and everything that will make a drilling session more interesting and dynamic.

Surprise Them!

Have a box with the word “Box of Randomness” written on the side. Inside the box have pieces of paper with a variety of actions and things your class will have to do. At any given time during the class, whip out the box and have a student take out a piece of paper that will state something that he/she or the entire class will have to do. You may want to save this box for when you see someone not paying attention. Here are some ideas for your Box of Randomness:

“Pop quiz!” – the entire class has to take a graded pop quiz on a recent topic.

“Random dancing” – play a tune from your phone and have the entire class stand up and dance.

“Your turn to teach” – the student who takes this slip of paper has to stand up in front of the class and teach something/ask the others questions/lead a discussion.

You can have lots of fun with your Box of Randomness, and it’s a great “penalty” for not paying attention.

It may be a hard truth to swallow but when you see your pupils’ minds wandering, there’s something you are neglecting to do.

By Ms Jacinta Chidozie

She is a seasoned and professional educationist with a proficiency on teacher-pupils engagement. A highly celebrated queen in her chosen career with a quest for personal and professional development. You can contact her through her personal email: jacintachidozie@yahoo.com