Teaching Kids About Perseverance
“Perseverance is what you need. Try again and you’ll succeed. Never give up! Never give up! Got to stick to it, got to keep trying, never give up!” – Regina Burch
Perseverance is the next stop in my character education series. This time, I’ve opened with a few words from the perseverance song I’ve taught all of my kindergarten students through the years since my first year as a school counselor.
Songs are a great way to help the youngest students understand all of those big character trait words, and as someone who sings outside of school, incorporating songs is right up my alley. If singing isn’t your forte, there are always YouTube videos or digital downloads. From perseverance to responsibility, there are lots of songs to choose from.
Why Perseverance is an Important Trait to Teach
It is so important for children to understand that life isn’t always easy. They will face challenges, things will be difficult, some subjects or skills may take time to grasp, and even relationships with friends will take work. When kids are taught how to persevere, they receive preparation for life as an adult. They learn how to set goals and put in the effort and work to accomplish them. They also learn that in order to reach a goal, they may have to experience failure before success.
Learning all of these things at a young age will frontload them with the fortitude they will need as they move from elementary school to middle and high school. Before long, making several attempts to achieve a goal will just be a natural process and not defeat.
I believe perseverance partners closely with courage. Many times when children are nervous or afraid to do something, they may use perseverance to overcome their fear. The act of continuing to try something when it’s difficult or scary can simultaneously help increase a child’s courage.
Additionally, perseverance helps kids to have a growth mindset. I have typically dedicated each month to an individual trait, and I like to teach my growth mindset lessons during the perseverance month. As children learn about the power of yet, their understanding of perseverance will increase even more.
Books About Perseverance
The following four books would be excellent additions to your school counseling library for teaching about perseverance. I’ve included a link to a read-aloud video for each.
A Little Spot of Perseverance by Diane Alber is another excellent addition to the “Little Spot Series.” It’s all about growing your perseverance spot. A Little Spot of Perseverance is full of great examples for children that will help them understand what this important character trait is all about. Check out this read-aloud video of A Little Spot of Perseverance.
Leo the Lightning Bug by Eric Drachman is one of my absolute favorite books about perseverance. I have used this book for years with my students. I initially used it with 2nd graders followed by a perseverance comic strip activity. Eventually, I began using it with my Kindergarten classes. In this adorable story, Leo learns to show perseverance as he learns how to light up like all the other lightning bugs. Check out this read-aloud video of Leo the Lightning Bug from Kidwick books.
Ellison the Elephant by Eric Drachman is another cute story about an elephant who can’t make the usual elephant sound through his trunk. After talking with his imaginary friend and showing perseverance, he discovers that his sound is special and unique. Once I moved Leo the Lightning Bug to Kindergarten, I started using this story with my 2nd graders. Check out this read-aloud video of Ellison the Elephant from Kidwick books.
I Choose to Try Again by Elizabeth Estrada is a 2021 release about a little girl named Kiara who shows perseverance when things get hard. Rooted in the motivation theory of growth mindset, we see Kiara make mistakes and realize that mistakes help her grow. Check out this read-aloud video of I Choose to Try Again.
As you prepare to teach your students about perseverance, consider adding The Perseverance Files to supplement your lesson. The resource comes with a lower and upper elementary version. It also includes pamphlet versions for those looking for a print-and-go option.
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