Getting gritty: one way to increase student success​

It turns out that grit may be one of the most important traits your child can develop.

Psychologists Angela Duckworth and Chris Peterson, developers of the grit scale, have found that grit is a great indicator of GPA and graduation rates. And, as Vicki Davis writes in this article in Edutopia, there is evidence that "high school grades have a more predictive value of college success than standardized tests."

So how can you help your child develop grit?

First, have them take the grit scale test. This will give you an idea of just how gritty your child is at the moment. Then, look at his or her weaknesses and find ways to help your child become grittier.

As Davis writes in her article, one way to help children develop grit is to tell them stories about people who overcame obstacles. You may know someone in your own life who has overcome serious challenges — it may even be you. The more your child hears stories about overcoming challenges, the more ingrained grit will become.

Another suggestion from Davis is to help children learn how to reframe problems. The next time your child comes home from school with a problem that, to her, seems insurmountable, take some time to brainstorm ways that she could view it, not as a problem, but as a challenge. Then come up with creative ways to move through the issue.

Or, you can introduce your child to circumstances that will encourage grit. Davis suggests that sports, outdoor opportunities, and rigorous academic opportunities like Honors or AP classes are prime places for developing grit.

Tags: grit success resilience

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