Going Deep with Grit!

It's been about a month since I've started to use Google Forms to gather students data on their Grit Reflections.  And here are some of the things I've learn from it:

• GOOD or BAD? Since the 3/2 survey, 53 students stated they achieved their goals, but later, that that number dropped to 46 during the last survey (3/23).  If I was running a business and viewed this number as I might view the number of sales per week, I would be alarmed.  Sales going down is not a good!  But, this isn't only about the number of students achieving goals.  It's about getting kids to learn NOT to give up on their goals.  So, when the data shows five kids did not achieve their goals, I view this as five students who are pushing and growing.  So, I will revise my Grit Reflection to add a section for these students who did not achieve their goals.  I would want to know NOT why they failed, but how do feel about failing?  I am hoping they will view failure as not being permanent. Instead I am hoping they view failure as a temporary set back.

• IT'S THE ENVIRONMENT:  For students to learn grit and growth mindset, it needs to permeate the classroom.  Yes, posters and taped signs on the desk are important.  But, the message needs to go farther.  I have added reflection assignments about the people of history we study.  I ask students to rate the historical personalities grit or growth mindset on a scale of one through ten.  Then students have to justify their answers.  
• Likewise, during our parent-teacher conferences, I've raised the growth mindset.  When a student or parent speaks of struggling on a class or a certain subject, I bring it around to growth mindset.

• LOVE GOOGLE FORMS.  Why didn't do this sooner?  Google forms not only save on paper and the hassle of working with paper, but it is so much easier to collate data.  I can see in flash the areas where students set their goals and if they achieved their goals.

I need grit to teach grit...

So here are the things I'm doing in my classroom to make the grit connections:

Google Forms - Grit Reflection Sheet

1) I understand teaching grit requires changing my environment.  This means using terms such as growth mindset, fearless, and the power of yet in my classroom, as much as possible - each and everyday.  I am constantly seeking ways to use these terms and make grit relate to my students' life.

2) I have created a Google Form for the Grit Reflection Sheet.  This helps me collate and analyze the data from my students.  This also makes storing the information much easier.  So now I can track one student, track one class, or all the classes.  If all goes well, I should see more students making their goals.

3) I have enlisted the help of my colleagues. When I gather grit data from my student Grit Reflection Sheets, I share it with my colleagues.  I ask my colleagues to seek out students who specifically cite their classes as an area where a goal was set and achieved.  This way students can see grit being reaffirmed by other teachers.