It’s so easy to put ourselves down and give up when challenges arise; I know, I sometimes feel defeated by the innumerable ways that I could be a better teacher, librarian, and blogger. I therefore have to remind myself to persevere and focus on my positive traits, rather than dwell on my shortcomings.
We often forget that our students feel the same way and their inner-monologues are often very toxic, especially when it comes to overcoming challenges. Many studies have found that students’ outlooks and beliefs are the determining factor on whether or not they do well in school. I’m currently reading Dr. Carol Dweck’s Mindset, and she argues that an individual’s abilities to persevere and see challenges as opportunities to learn, are critical factors to lifelong success. Read this article for more information on the Mindset concept. You might also show this video to encourage yourself and your students to keep learning.
Therefore, for this vocabulary activity, students will be using vocabulary words to list their three best traits and how they use each to persevere. In completing this vocabulary handout, students learn their words while focusing on their abilities to think positively and overcome challenges.
If students initially resist writing about themselves in this vocabulary activity, have them just start brainstorming any words or phrases that come to mind about their talents and traits. Note: if you are using the Sadlier’s Vocabulary Workshop book, have students flip to the word list in the back to see all of the words in one location. Students can also start by focusing on positive vocabulary words and think about how they relate to them and their abilities to persevere (whether it be a small or large connection). Providing students with the given examples can also help them understand the assignment.
For this vocabulary activity, the trait itself can be a vocabulary word, or in their two-four sentence description of each trait can include at least one vocabulary word. Overall, at least five vocabulary words should be used in writing this vocabulary assignment, and for each trait, students must describe how they maintain this quality, despite obstacles or setbacks.
I hope you participate in this activity along with your students so that everyone’s spirits are lifted along with their vocabulary knowledge.