Helping Socially Avoidant Learners Connect with Others in the Math Classroom through Socio-Emotional Learning!
India White • July 2, 2023
Helping Socially Avoidant Learners Connect in Math through SEL!
Helping Socially Avoidant Learners Connect with Others through SEL in the Math Classroom
Sometimes, it’s easy to assume that all students are eager to approach learning math and can’t wait to enter into the classroom. However, we forget to factor in the little things including various personalities and learning styles of our students. Once we consider various traits of our learners, we will realize that math class can be a challenging environment for students who are socially avoidant. Students of this personality type might struggle to engage in class discussions, work collaboratively with peers, or seek help from their teacher. Further, they might feel like disappearing into the wall or running out of the classroom when asked to solve a math problem. However, with the right approach, you can help these students overcome their anxiety and develop social emotional skills
that will benefit them both in and out of the classroom.
Here are eight tips for helping socially avoidant students engage in math class and overcome anxiety through social emotional learning.
1. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment
The number one concern of socially avoidant students is being convinced that the learning environment is a place where they are safe and where they have control.
Hence, creating a safe and supportive environment is essential for helping socially avoidant students feel comfortable in math class. Make sure that your classroom is a welcoming space where all students feel valued and know that they are respected by others. Encourage students to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment or criticism. Make sure that you use a “velvet glove” approach with these students so that they don’t retreat into their “shell” out of fear of embarrassment. They have to feel like they are “calling the shots”, or else they may shut down.
2. Use Icebreakers and Team-Building Activities
When working with socially avoidant learners, sometimes it can become socially awkward really quick, and remain that way throughout the lesson unless there’s a strategy to help break the ice. Hence, using icebreakers and team-building activities can help students get to know each other and build trust.
Once a student is able to sense that it’s okay to share out, or contribute, they will feel less threatened and will be motivated to use their student voice to contribute to the lesson. Hence, choose to use icebreaker activities at the beginning of class during bell work and throughout the school year when introducing new topics to help students feel more comfortable working with their peers.
3. Incorporate Social Emotional Learning into Math Lessons
Incorporating social emotional learning strategies into math lessons
can help students develop the skills they need to succeed in both math and social situations. Not only will it help students connect with each other; it will give them awareness on how they are coming across to others socially, in conversation and in their overall behavior. Incorporating SEL strategies will help students own their actions and contribute to responsible decision making, relationship building, social awareness and self-awareness. This will strengthen the whole child and their learning experiences. Hence, choose to teach your students how to manage their emotions, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with others. Establishing norms for conversation during instructional delivery and mathematical discourse can assist you as you prepare the learning environment and implement SEL strategies.
4. Provide Opportunities for Individual Work
Sometimes, socially avoidant learners need a “breather”. Providing opportunities for individual work can help socially avoidant students feel more comfortable in math class. Further, independent thinking helps strengthen student's ability to think independently during math discussion. Allow your students the opportunity to work independently on assignments and provide one-on-one support when needed. Look for cues from your socially avoidant students where they signal to you that they need a break or are annoyed. Be willing to work on their terms as you continue to build trust and support for them.
5. Encourage Peer Tutoring
Encouraging peer tutoring
can help socially avoidant students build relationships with their peers and develop their math skills. Pair students with different skill levels of learners within the class and encourage them to work together to solve problems. Make sure that when pairing students for peer tutoring that you are using students who are mature and sensitive enough to scaffold and support rather than offend your socially avoidant learners. Peer tutoring will be great success once you are convinced that all students involved are comfortable working with each other and are comfortable working at the pace given. Since socially avoidant students prefer to be left alone, check on them from a distance unless they are raising their hand or signaling for more support via a raised hand or other methods.
6. Use Visual Aids and Manipulatives
Socially avoidant learners aren’t eager to share out but might not mind using manipulatives to express their thinking. Hence, using visual aids and manipulatives can help students understand math concepts and engage in class discussions.
Encourage students to use these tools to explain their thinking with their peers and share their ideas with the class in a way they are comfortable with. When presenting manipulatives or visual aids, allow the socially avoidant learner to take charge and use the tools they feel are best fit for them.
7. Provide Positive Feedback
Providing positive feedback can help socially avoidant students feel more confident in their math abilities. Acknowledge their efforts and progress and provide specific feedback on areas where they can improve. When providing positive feedback, make sure you get permission from your socially avoidant student first before drawing attention to them whole class. A great method would be to first approach them and have a side conversation with them at their desk or away from others as you inform them of your feedback. If they are comfortable, you can ask them if it would be okay to compliment them in front of their peers. If they aren’t comfortable, just provide the feedback and encourage them to keep up the great work.
8. Encourage Self-Reflection
Socially avoidant students love to self-reflect. However, sometimes they can be their worst critic. Hence, encourage your students to self-reflect but to remain optimistic
in their thoughts. Encouraging self-reflection can help students develop self-awareness and identify areas where they need to improve. Provide opportunities for students to reflect on their math skills and social emotional skills and encourage them to set goals towards improving their overall ability in your class.
Conclusion
Socially avoidant learners deserve to learn in an environment conducive for their personality and preferences. Hence, you as the educator have the power to equip your socially avoidant learner with success through these eight tips provided. As you create a safe and supportive environment, use team-building activities, incorporate SEL strategies, provide opportunities for individual work, encourage peer tutoring, use manipulatives, provide positive feedback, and encourage self-reflection, socially avoidant learners will be able to produce and perform to levels of proficiency beyond expectation.
🎙️ Let’s Get Gritty: How Grit Carried Alexander Rivera Across the Graduation Stage This week’s episode of the Let’s Get Gritty podcast is one you don’t want to miss. We had the incredible honor of sitting down with Alexander Rivera, a recent high school graduate who beat the odds with one powerful trait—GRIT. Alexander’s story is more than just a celebration of academic achievement. It’s a living testament to how resilience, perseverance, and the right support system can transform a young life. In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Alexander shares how Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework—which focuses on Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—helped him push through obstacles that once seemed insurmountable. 🎓 From Setbacks to Success Alexander opens up about the challenges he faced during his educational journey, from personal struggles to academic hurdles. But instead of giving up, he pressed forward—step by gritty step. He attributes much of his transformation to learning how to: *Develop a growth mindset when failure felt final * Bounce back with resilience after every setback * Believe in his own ability even when others doubted * Manage his time intentionally to meet his goals With this mindset, and through the support of educators and mentors who believed in him, Alexander proudly walked the graduation stage this week—a moment he once thought would never come. 🍎 Nuggets of Wisdom for Educators, Families & Leaders In the episode, Alexander doesn’t just share his story—he delivers gold. He offers practical advice for: * Teachers: “Don’t give up on students. See past their struggle and speak to their potential. It’s your voice that sticks in our heads.” * Students: “You’re not alone. Keep pushing. Grit isn't about perfection—it's about consistency.” * Parents: “Your encouragement matters more than you realize. Even if your child doesn’t say it, they hear you.” * Principals & Superintendents: “Create opportunities for students to recover, grow, and prove themselves. Every student deserves a second chance—and sometimes a third.” 🙏 Gratitude and Paying It Forward Alexander shares his deep gratitude to Dr. India White for her mentorship, wisdom, and for showing him what it looks like to lead with grit. He also gives heartfelt thanks to The Honorable Susan Valdes, who stood by him and helped pave a path for his success. But Alexander isn’t stopping here. He’s committed to paying it forward—to becoming an educator who pours into the next generation, just as others did for him. His goal? To help students not just survive school, but thrive with grit. 💥 Final Thoughts Alexander Rivera reminds us that grit is not reserved for the gifted—it’s grown in the trenches of trial. His journey encourages us all to see every student as capable of greatness, if we’re willing to support, uplift, and believe in them—relentlessly. 👏 Tune in to this powerful episode of Let’s Get Gritty to hear Alexander’s full story. Then ask yourself: How can I help build grit in someone today? 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. \#LetsGetGritty #GRIT #StudentSuccess #DrIndiaWhite #AlexanderRivera #PayItForward #GritInEducation #GraduationVictory #BuildingGRIT
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Gritty Strategies for Thriving in Schools Amid Budget Cuts As school districts across the United States brace for nearly $7 billion in budget cuts for the upcoming academic year (Hersher, 2025), teachers and administrators are facing the daunting task of doing more with less. While these financial constraints can feel overwhelming, impacting everything from special education to extracurricular activities, they also present a unique opportunity: to rise with GRIT. Drawing from Dr. India White’s Grit Framework, which emphasizes growth mindset, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management, this blog offers practical, research-based strategies for educators determined to not just survive, but thrive, during these challenging times. 1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset in Staff and Students During budget shortfalls, it’s easy to focus on what’s lacking. But fostering a growth mindset,t he belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed, can spark transformation across your school community. According to Dweck (2006), students and educators who embrace a growth mindset are more likely to persist through adversity and show improved academic outcomes. Celebrate small wins, reframe setbacks as learning moments, and create a culture where effort is as valued as outcome. 💡 Tip: Post quotes or examples of growth in action in classrooms and staff rooms to reinforce the mindset daily. 2. Collaborate and Maximize Collective Resources With fewer funds available, collaboration becomes essential. Teachers can form professional learning communities (PLCs) to share lesson plans, instructional strategies, and creative workarounds. Beyond the school walls, building partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and families can bring in vital support. As noted by NPR, budget cuts often open up new grant opportunities and public-private partnerships, especially for educators who can demonstrate innovation (Hersher, 2025). 💡 Tip: Designate a team or “innovation committee” to search for and apply for grants, sponsorships, and in-kind donations. 3. Leverage Low-Cost and Free Technology Technology can help stretch limited resources , allowing teachers to enhance instruction without additional expenses. Digital platforms, educational apps, and open educational resources (OER) can supplement instruction and boost student engagement. Investing time in professional development focused on edtech ensures educators are confident in using tools that enhance—not complicate—the learning process. 💡 Tip: Use tools like Google Classroom, Khan Academy, Desmos, and Flip to support blended and flipped instruction models. 4. Prioritize Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) In times of stress and uncertainty, students' mental health and emotional well-being must remain a top priority. SEL programs help students build emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience; traits that directly influence academic achievement and school climate. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL, 2021) reports that SEL positively impacts classroom behavior, emotional regulation, and long-term life outcomes. 💡 Tip: Incorporate daily SEL check-ins, gratitude journals, or mindfulness breaks, even if just for a few minutes each day. 5. Stay Informed and Advocate Educators must remain proactive by staying up-to-date on funding policies, legislation, and opportunities to advocate for their students. Knowledge is power; staying informed helps teachers push for what’s needed at the school, district, and even state levels. 💡 Tip: Subscribe to education policy newsletters or join advocacy groups to stay in the loop and mobilize when needed. 6. Foster Grit in Students Through Real-World Challenges Now more than ever, students need to learn how to persevere in the face of difficulty. Dr. India White’s Grit Framework encourages educators to instill the values of resilience, purpose, and perseverance. Incorporate problem-based learning, goal-setting activities, and reflective journaling. When students are given ownership of their growth journey, they rise to the challenge. 💡 Tip: Celebrate grit—not just grades. Acknowledge students who push through obstacles, take initiative, or support their peers. Final Thoughts: Turn Cuts Into Catalysts While budget cuts present undeniable challenges, they also provide a powerful moment to reflect, reset, and reimagine. Educators who lean into grit, collaboration, and creative thinking can transform adversity into innovation. By focusing on what we can do—and drawing strength from one another—we ensure that every student has a fighting chance to succeed, regardless of circumstance. Quick Gritty Tips Recap 1) Foster a growth mindset in classrooms and staff meetings. 2) Build collaborative partnerships within and outside of your school. 3) Integrate cost-effective technology and OER resources. 4) Keep social-emotional learning at the forefront. 5) Stay informed and proactive about funding changes and opportunities. 6) Embed grit-based learning experiences to develop student resilience. References Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. (2021). Effective Social and Emotional Learning Programs: Middle and High School Edition. Dweck, C. S. (2006). *Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House. Hersher, R. (2025). Trump School Funding Grants.NPR. Retrieved from (https://www.npr.org/2025/07/01/nx-s1-5453457/trump-school-funding-grants) White, I. (2021). Grit Workbook for Teachers. Retrieved from https://www.india-white.com . Are you ready to implement these strategies in your school? Let’s connect! Dr. India White offers Grit Workshops, Grit Training, and Leadership Coaching to help educators overcome challenges and inspire excellence. 👉 Schedule a consultation or workshop today! Together, we can rise above budget cuts—and lead with purpose, passion, and GRIT. 💪📘✏️
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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.
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