Building True Grit

Overview

This 60-minute lesson promotes Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) by focusing on grit, defined as perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Students will explore what grit means, why it matters, and how to develop it through engaging activities that build resilience and persistence. The lesson integrates key Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts with SEL competencies, helping students grow both academically and socially.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.1: Quote accurately from a text to explain key details about grit.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1: Engage effectively in collaborative discussions about effort, challenges, and perseverance.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2: Write a short paragraph expressing their understanding of grit and its importance in personal growth.
• Demonstrate understanding of perseverance by relating personal experiences to the concept of grit.
• Practice self-awareness and responsible decision-making by reflecting on obstacles and how to overcome them.

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Standards & SEL Competencies

CCSS Standard	Description	SEL Competency
RI.5.1	Quote accurately from a text	Self-Awareness
SL.5.1	Participate in discussions	Social Awareness
W.5.2	Write informative/explanatory texts	Responsible Decision-Making

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Materials Needed

• Copies of a short, age-appropriate passage on grit (prepared by the teacher)
• Chart paper and markers
• Individual student journals/notebooks
• Paper and pencils
• Sticky notes

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Lesson Timeline & Activities

1. Warm-up & Introduction (10 minutes)

Activity: Think-Pair-Share: "What is Grit?"

• Teacher asks: "What do you think grit means? Can anyone share a time they kept trying even when something was hard?"
• Students think quietly for 1 minute, then pair up and share.
• Volunteers report out to class; teacher records keywords on chart paper (e.g., never give up, keep trying, strong inside).

Purpose: Activate prior knowledge and set a positive tone for perseverance.

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2. Guided Reading and Text Analysis (15 minutes)

Activity: Read-Aloud & Text Evidence Hunt

• Teacher reads a short, inspiring story about a famous person (e.g., Thomas Edison or a contemporary figure) who showed grit.
• Students follow along on their copies.
• Teacher models how to find text evidence, then students work in pairs to find phrases that show how the person kept trying despite failure.
• Discuss as a class: "What details in the text show grit?"

Standards: RI.5.1 (quoting accurately to explain key details)

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3. Group Discussion and Reflection (10 minutes)

Activity: Socratic Circle on Challenges and Persistence

• Arrange students in a circle.
• Discussion prompts:
  • "Why is it important to keep trying when things get hard?"
  • "How can grit help us in school and in life?"
  • "What can we do when we feel like giving up?"
• Teacher facilitates, encouraging respectful listening and elaboration.

Standards: SL.5.1

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4. Writing Activity (15 minutes)

Activity: "My Grit Story" Paragraph

• Prompt: "Write about a time you showed grit or a time you could show grit. How did it feel to keep going?"
• Students write individually in journals (at least 5 sentences).
• Teacher circulates and supports students in organizing ideas, using text evidence language like "I never gave up," "I kept trying," or "I learned that…".

Standards: W.5.2

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5. Closing & Assessment (10 minutes)

Activity: Grit Goals and Sticky Note Reflection

• On sticky notes, students write one grit goal: "One way I will practice grit this week is..."
• Share a few goals aloud.
• Collect sticky notes for teacher to assess understanding of grit and connection to personal growth.
• Quick oral exit ticket: "What is grit? Why does it matter?"

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Assessment Ideas

• Formative: Observation during Think-Pair-Share and Socratic circle; participation and use of text evidence during group reading.
• Written: "My Grit Story" paragraph evaluated for clear explanation and connection to grit.
• SEL Reflection: Sticky note goals and oral exit ticket demonstrate personal understanding and commitment to perseverance.
• Teacher uses anecdotal notes to monitor individual student’s grasp of grit and ability to express it in writing and discussion.

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Differentiation & Extensions

• Provide sentence starters or graphic organizers for students needing writing support.
• Challenge advanced students to identify grit in multiple examples from other texts or real life.
• Extension: Have students create mini-posters illustrating grit with quotes and drawings to display in the classroom.

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Notes for Teachers

• Reinforce positive language about effort, mistakes, and growth mindset throughout the lesson.
• Connect grit to academic habits: studying, revising drafts, practicing skills.
• Emphasize emotional regulation—how staying calm and focused helps with perseverance.
• Use praise that highlights effort, strategy, and resilience rather than innate talent alone.

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This lesson blends Common Core ELA standards with SEL goals to help Grade 5 students build essential perseverance skills—empowering them to become confident, persistent learners ready to face academic and personal challenges with grit.