20 G.R.I.T. Projects to Build Resiliency in Students! Aligned with FL. Resilency Standards!
India White • October 5, 2024
20 G.R.I.T. Projects to Build Resiliency in Students!
20 G.R.I.T. Projects that Align with Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. Framework and Florida Mental Health Standards
Grades K-12
Here are 20 G.R.I.T. Projects that align with Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. Framework (Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management) and the Florida Health and Resiliency Standards outlined in Section 1003.42(2)(n)4., Florida Statutes (F.S.). Each project integrates one or more pillars of G.R.I.T. while promoting self-awareness, resiliency, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and stress management:
1. Personal Growth Journal
Students maintain a journal where they reflect on personal challenges, set goals, and track progress over a semester. They’ll focus on developing a growth mindset and self-awareness by identifying strengths and areas for improvement, cultivating resilience through reflective writing.
2. Resilience Storyboard
Students create a visual storyboard outlining a personal or historical example of resilience. They’ll highlight moments of failure or challenge, showing how perseverance led to eventual success. This helps foster a resiliency mindset.
3. Time-Management Toolkit
Students design a toolkit with strategies for effective time management (e.g., calendars, task prioritization, breaking down large projects into smaller steps). They’ll practice these strategies and evaluate their effectiveness, enhancing their time management skills and reducing stress.
4. Self-Efficacy Vision Board
Students create a vision board that represents their goals, strengths, and future aspirations. This project emphasizes self-efficacy by encouraging students to visualize success and take steps toward achieving their goals.
5. Mindful Monday Workshops
Host a weekly workshop where students learn and practice stress management techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, and guided visualization. Each session will focus on building resilience and self-management skills.
6. Conflict Resolution Role Play
Students engage in role-playing activities to practice conflict resolution and communication skills. They’ll simulate peer or family conflicts and use effective strategies to resolve them, building relationship skills and resiliency.
7. Community Resilience Research
Students research a community issue (e.g., disaster recovery, social justice) where resilience was key to overcoming challenges. They’ll present their findings, emphasizing the importance of resilience and community support.
8. Goal-Setting Workshop
Students participate in a goal-setting session where they identify personal and academic goals for the semester. They’ll map out steps and deadlines, practicing responsible decision-making and developing self-motivation through progress tracking.
9. Growth Mindset Reading Circle
Students read books, articles, or stories about individuals who embody a growth mindset (e.g., Michael Jordan, Malala Yousafzai). They discuss how adopting a growth mindset helps individuals overcome failure and persist in their endeavors.
10. Stress Management Techniques Guide
Students research and compile a guide of various stress management techniques, such as exercise, meditation, or creative outlets. They’ll present these strategies and share how each can be applied during times of pressure or anxiety.
11. Leadership Development Project (Grades 9-12)
High school students work on developing leadership skills by planning and organizing a school or community event. This project focuses on self-efficacy, organization skills, and the ability to inspire others through leadership.
12. Building a G.R.I.T. Support Network
Students identify their personal support systems (friends, family, teachers) and discuss how these relationships contribute to their resilience. They’ll create a plan for leveraging these relationships during tough times and practicing relationship-building skills.
13. Career Pathway Exploration
Students explore various career options and create a presentation or portfolio that highlights different career paths, the skills required, and personal steps they can take to achieve these goals. This activity emphasizes self-efficacy, decision-making, and goal-setting.
14. Resilience in History
Students research historical figures who exemplified resilience (e.g., Nelson Mandela, Harriet Tubman). They’ll create a presentation showing how the person overcame obstacles and persisted in the face of adversity, fostering resiliency through examples of historical resilience.
15. Empathy Walk
Students participate in an “empathy walk,” where they interview someone from a different background and write about that person’s experiences. This project fosters understanding and respecting other viewpoints, promoting cultural empathy and relationship-building.
16. Peer Support Network
Students develop a peer support system within their class, where they commit to helping each other with both academic and emotional challenges. This project builds resiliency, relationship skills, and creates a safe space for emotional support.
17. Healthy Coping Strategy Challenge
Students try out different healthy coping techniques (e.g., exercise, journaling, meditation) over the course of a month, documenting their experiences in a personal log. They’ll reflect on which strategies worked best to manage stress and emotions, building self-management.
18. Resume and Career Skills Workshop (Grades 9-12)
High school students work on creating a resume, both digital and traditional, while also practicing job interview skills. They’ll explore different career paths and work on developing self-efficacy, time management, and interpersonal communication for future employment.
19. Resilience Comic Strip
Students create a comic strip that tells a story of a character overcoming a challenge using the G.R.I.T. pillars. The character’s resilience, growth mindset, and time management will help them succeed, teaching students about overcoming adversity in a creative format.
20. Mental Health Resource Guide
Students compile a resource guide with local school and community mental health resources, including how to access them. They’ll include strategies for supporting friends and peers who may be struggling, fostering mental health awareness, assistance, and community support.
Conclusion
These projects not only build resilience in students but also align with the Florida Health Standards by promoting mental and emotional well-being, leadership, stress management, and essential life skills. Through G.R.I.T., students can develop the confidence and perseverance needed to thrive both academically and personally.
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Hello CAMT Family, A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the session Peter and I presented on "From Productive Struggle to Perseverance." We are so grateful for your energy, your insights, and your deep commitment to growing gritty learners in the math classroom. As you return to your schools and teams, I encourage you to keep in mind the difference between state and traits . Struggle is often a state—temporary and situational—but perseverance is a trait—something we can build and nurture over time. Let’s continue to help our students shift from temporary struggle to lifelong perseverance by developing resilience, self-efficacy, and a growth mindset and time management in our schools . As a special thank you for attending, I’m offering my G.R.I.T. Workbook at a conference-exclusive price of only $15! This resource is filled with practical strategies and reflections to help students and educators build Great Resilience in Time. Grab your copy and order for your school here ! 👉 To grab your discounted workbook or to schedule a workshop, G.R.I.T. training, or educational consultation, click the link below and book your appointment today: 1) Free Consultation Appointment : 2) Book Dr. India White here : Finally, I want to take a moment to say that my thoughts and prayers are with all of Texas as you navigate the aftermath of the recent floods. We see you. We stand with you. And we are lifting you up. Let’s stay connected, keep building G.R.I.T., and continue turning moments of struggle into stepping stones for success. With gratitude and perseverance, Dr. India White Let's Stay Connected! Email: indiawhiteconsulting@gmail.com X: Indispeaknteach Blusheky: drindiagrit IG: Indi238 FB: Msindiawhite YT: Theindiawhite Tiktok: drindiawhite
From Rotten Moments to Sweet Blessings: What Banana Bread and Fermented Foods Teach Us About Life Sometimes life hands us what feels like rotten bananas; situations that seem spoiled, broken, or beyond hope. Maybe it’s a tough season of loss, failure, disappointment, or uncertainty. Yet, just like those overripe bananas transform into delicious banana bread, or milk ferments into nourishing cheese and yogurt, our "rotten" moments have the power to turn into something sweet and life-giving. Why Rottenness Can Be Good In the culinary world, fermentation, a process that uses “rottenness” to transform foods , creates some of the healthiest, most flavorful staples we enjoy: yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi, and more. This “rottenness” isn’t waste; it’s a powerful agent of change that unlocks nutrients, improves digestion, and promotes health. Similarly, life’s difficult seasons are not the end. They are part of a process— a fermentation of our character, faith, and grit When we lean into these moments with grit—great resilience in time—we develop strength, wisdom, and sweetness in our souls that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. 7 Ways to Overcome a Negative Mindset and Embrace Grit in Rotten Seasons 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings Without Defeat It’s okay to feel hurt, frustrated, or discouraged. But remember, these feelings don’t define you. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” 2. Shift Your Perspective to Growth View challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us, “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Just like looking at a bunch of rotten bananas can seem discouraging until you shift your thinking and see them as a perfect ingredient for banana bread, choose to see your moments of rottenness as a game changer for your destiny! 3. Practice Patience Through the Process Good things take time— like fermentation and baking . Wait on God’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything.” Think of how spoiled milk seems disgusting and gut wrenching, until you learn of how wonderful of an ingredient it becomes for homemade cheese! Trust the process, and know that it will all work out in your favor! 4. Cultivate Resilience by Staying Connected Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you to keep going. Galatians 6:2 teaches, “Carry each other’s burdens.” Sometimes, that person might be the catalyst for a new direction, new energy and exponential success. 5. Focus on Small, Consistent Steps Break down overwhelming problems into manageable pieces. Z echariah 4:10 encourages, “Do not despise these small beginnings. ” Don't lose sight on your progress, your identity or your purpose. 6. Renew Your Mind Daily Replace negative thoughts with truth and hope from Scripture. Philippians 4:8 advises, “Think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure.” Remember that God is not dead, and he sees exactly how his plan in your life will manifest. Leave your worries on the throne and know he will justfiy you. 7. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection Every small victory is a sign of growth and sweet fruit to come. J ames 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres.” Just as you are making banana bread, cheese, yogurt and other wonderful foods, you know that there might be bumps along the way, but keep pressing on! The final product is worth the moments of struggle disappointment and rottenness. You will smile in the end. Conclusion Remember, just as rotten bananas, milk, and vegetables become nourishing foods through a process of transformation, your tough seasons are preparing you for a sweeter, stronger tomorrow . Stay gritty, endure the process, and trust that God is turning your struggles into something beautiful. For more encouragement and practical ways to build grit in your life, visit my website at www.india-white.com . You can also watch my TEDx Talk, The Power of G.R.I.T., for a motivating boost to help you keep pushing through life’s challenges. Keep rising. Keep growing. Your sweetness is coming.
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🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be co-presenting at CAMT with the amazing Peter Liljedahl from Building Thinking Classrooms! Join us for our session where we’ll dive into empowering students to transition from perseverance to productive struggle. Let’s transform challenges into growth opportunities together! 🚀💡 #CAMT2025 #BuildingThinkingClassrooms #Education #StudentSuccess #drindiawhite #btc #grit #tedx NCTM - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education #camt25 (I don’t own music copyright)
Dear Educators, Principals, and School Leaders, I’m excited to share that my latest newsletter has just arrived, filled with inspiring updates, resources, and tools to support your teams and students in building a culture of G.R.I.T.—Growth, Resilience, Intentional Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. As you plan your professional development sessions, conferences, or school events for the upcoming year, I’d love to partner with you. Whether it’s a keynote, workshop, or interactive training, I specialize in helping educators and school communities cultivate grit, equity, and empowerment in ways that are practical, engaging, and transformational. If you’re interested in having me speak at your school, district, or conference, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be honored to serve your team. You can also explore my speaking topics and G.R.I.T. resources at: www.india-white.com Let’s connect, collaborate, and inspire greatness—together! Here's the link to my newsletter to share: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF_21LSLwQ/sEqABtI7pY0-Gh5vSzQnLg/edit?utm_content=DAF_21LSLwQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Warmly,
Thank You, Nevada Association of School Administrators: Building a Culture of G.R.I.T. Together I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Adam Lane and the Nevada Association of School Administrators (NASA) for the incredible opportunity to speak at your recent conference. It was truly an honor to engage with such passionate, forward-thinking educational leaders who are committed to transforming schools and communities. During our time together, we explored a theme close to my heart: creating a culture of G.R.I.T.—not just in the classroom, but throughout our communities. We unpacked the G.R.I.T. Framework, which focuses on cultivating Growth Mindset, Resilience, Intentional Self-Efficacy, and Time Management in both educators and students. These four pillars are foundational for student success, especially in today’s challenging and ever-evolving educational landscape. We also discussed the critical role educators and school leaders play in modeling and reinforcing these values. From building trusting relationships to ensuring equity and access, educators are the heartbeat of our communities. When we lead with empathy, authenticity, and grit, we empower students to do the same—and we create schools where every learner feels seen, supported, and capable of greatness. To the school leaders, superintendents, and administrators who attended: thank you for your engagement, your insights, and your commitment to building a legacy of perseverance and purpose. I walked away inspired by your stories, your questions, and your unwavering dedication to improving outcomes for all students across Nevada. If you're interested in learning more about the G.R.I.T. Framework or want to access tools like the G.R.I.T. Workbook, I invite you to visit www.india-white.com/what-does-grit-mean-to-you ] And if you missed the session or want to revisit the message, you can also check out my TEDx Talk: The Power of G.R.I.T. Thank you once again, Adam and NASA, for giving me the platform to share this mission and for all you do to champion student success across Nevada and beyond. Let’s continue lifting others as we climb—one gritty step at a time.