Building Mathematical G.R.I.T. through the G.R.I.T. Framework!
India White • October 17, 2024
Building Mathematical G.R.I.T. Through the G.R.I.T. Framework!
Building Mathematical Grit: 5 Tips for Teachers to Foster Resilience and Self-Efficacy in Students
As educators, one of the most powerful lessons we can impart to students is not just about solving equations but developing the mindset and grit to persist through challenges. Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. Framework, introduced in her TEDx Talk "The Power of Grit," emphasizes four essential components—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—to build mathematical grit in students. Here are five actionable tips based on this framework to help foster resilience and perseverance in your classroom.
1. Encourage a Growth Mindset
Tip: Turn Challenges Into Learning Opportunities
Mathematical grit begins with a growth mindset. Students who see mistakes as part of the learning process are more likely to persevere when faced with difficult problems. Encourage your students to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth, reminding them that effort and persistence are key to improvement.
Strategy: Use encouraging phrases such as, “Mistakes are proof that you’re trying,” or “Let’s learn from this and get stronger.” Regularly praise effort over results to create a classroom culture that values progress and persistence.
2. Build Resilience Through Iteration
Tip: Help Students Bounce Back From Setbacks
Resilience is about the ability to recover from failure and push forward. Teach students to persist through difficulties by embracing the iterative nature of problem-solving. It’s not just about getting the correct answer but learning to handle frustration and keep trying.
Strategy: Incorporate problem-solving activities that require multiple attempts. Use real-world examples to show how mathematicians often solve complex problems through trial and error. Encourage reflection on “What went wrong?” and “How can we improve?”
3. Foster Honest Self-Efficacy
Tip: Empower Students to Believe in Their Abilities
Self-efficacy is essential for building mathematical grit. It’s the belief that one can solve problems and overcome challenges with persistence. Cultivate an environment where students engage in self-reflection and build the confidence to approach problems ethically and with determination.
Strategy- Promote self-assessment by having students evaluate their problem-solving strategies after completing a task. Encourage them to ask, “What strategies worked well?” and “What can I do differently next time?” This reinforces self-awareness and accountability, key components of self-efficacy.
4. Cultivate Time Management Skills
Tip: Teach Persistence and Goal-Setting
Time management is an often-overlooked aspect of building grit. Students need to learn how to set goals, manage their time effectively, and persist even when faced with long, complex tasks. Helping students break down large problems into smaller, manageable tasks makes the learning process less overwhelming and promotes steady progress.
Strategy: Teach students how to create action plans for solving complex problems. Break tasks into steps, estimate the time needed for each, and help students track their progress. Celebrating each small win will motivate them to continue working toward mastery.
5. Integrate Gritty Practices with Tangible Tools
Tip: Use Handouts and Visual Aids to Reinforce the G.R.I.T. Framework
Reinforce the G.R.I.T. Framework through tangible resources that guide students in applying these principles. Handouts that explain Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. practices—growth mindset, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management—can serve as reference points for students as they work through challenging problems.
Strategy: Provide students with a G.R.I.T. checklist to self-assess their progress. Include prompts like, “Did I try a new strategy today?” or “How did I manage my time on this task?” This empowers students to take ownership of their learning process and to track their growth over time.
By incorporating these five tips into your teaching practices, you’ll help build a classroom culture where students not only develop mathematical skills but also the resilience and perseverance to succeed in all aspects of life. Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. Framework offers a comprehensive approach that empowers students to embrace challenges, build confidence, and develop the grit needed for long-term success.
Now, are you Ready to Empower Your Students?
As educators, our goal is not just to teach content but to cultivate essential life skills that will help students thrive beyond the classroom. Building mathematical grit is an investment in their future—helping them grow into resilient, confident problem-solvers ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way.
"How to Find and Keep a Good Man" is a heartfelt, empowering guide for women who are ready to break free from the cycle of unhealthy relationships and finally experience the love they deserve. Drawing from real-life wisdom, practical insights, and timeless principles, this book helps you uncover what truly matters in a partner—and how to recognize, attract, and build a lasting relationship with a good man. Whether you're single and searching, healing from heartbreak, or looking to strengthen an existing relationship, this book equips you with tools to elevate your self-worth, set healthy boundaries, and communicate with clarity and confidence. More than just dating advice, it’s a journey of self-discovery that inspires you to love wisely, choose intentionally, and walk boldly in your value. If you’re ready for real love with a real man—this book is your blueprint Grab a Copy below!
Join on the Grit and Equity Talks Podcast with Dr. India White as we talk about Grit!
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.
🚀 Ready to Get Pumped Up About Life Again? 🌟 Listen to my TEDx talk, and let’s reignite that fire inside you! 🔥 It’s time to get serious and start making those dreams happen! 💪 Don’t let anything hold you back—embrace the grit and determination needed to turn your aspirations into reality. Join me on this journey to unleash your full potential! 🎤✨ #drindiawhite #grit #DreamBig #TEDxTalk https://youtu.be/R9YQOtryL7w?si=vvp_rSqMP3J2VNQ_ (I don’t own music copyright)
Join us on the Grit and Equity Talks with Dr. India White, featuring Choosing to See Co-Author and Equity Expert, Dr. Pam Seda! #drindiawhite #pamseda #choosingtosee #equity #icucareframework #nctm #ncsm
🌟 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.