Building GRIT in the Math Classroom
India White • June 21, 2023
Building GRIT in the Math Classroom
Building Grit In the Math Classroom
Grit is a key factor in success, both in math and in life. It is the ability to persevere through challenges and setbacks. As a math teacher, you can help your students develop grit each day. As you help students understand the concept of grit, having a gritty mindset, and how to cultivate grit, they will be able to overcome obstacles faced during instruction, math discourse and math anxiety. Here are some strategies for building grit in math class:
1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset in Students
A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication. Research has shown that teaching a growth mindset can help students develop grit, aka, “academic tenacity”. When students believe that they can improve their math skills through hard work, they are more likely to stick with it when the going gets tough.
One way to teach a growth mindset is to praise effort, not just achievement. For example, instead of saying "You're so smart," say "I can see how hard you worked on that problem." This helps students understand that effort is what leads to success. Further, allow students to take control of instructional delivery through sharing opinions during real problems. Allow students to lead moments of mathematical discourse, activities for math practice. Further, challenge them with various opportunities during class practice to strengthen student voice. This validates the findings of studies that have shown that students can grow from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, which helps them to develop a math identity which results in mathematical achievement. A growth mindset is what will continue to help learners bounce back during moments of discouragement during learning and to remain confident that they’ve got what it takes to be successful in math.
2. Provide opportunities for practice
Mathematical practice is essential for developing grit. When your math students have the opportunity to practice their math skills, they are developing the grit they need to persevere through challenges. Provide your students with plenty of opportunities to practice their math skills, both in class and at home. Allow students to express their work through use of whiteboards, manipulatives, and other tools that can help them elaborate on their thinking during conceptual understanding. Further, refer to the standards for mathematical practices
as a roadmap to navigate through various parts that take place during their learning. For instance, as students are attending to precision, be intentional as you scaffold them through the problem. Ask questions to dig through their prior knowledge and keep them aligned to benchmarks discussed during the lesson. As you do this, continue to check for understanding and compliment students as they make strides during their persistence.
Another way teachers can provide opportunities for practicing math is to use online math programs. Research has shown that online math programs can be effective for improving math skills. For example, a study by Rakes et al. (2010) found that students who used an online math program showed significant improvement in math skills compared to a control group. As you make use of math programs, make sure the program is one that provides rigor, speaks to multiple learning styles, and can really build students from procedural fluency to conceptual understanding while providing feedback for growth.
3. Use Real-World Examples and Math Projects
Real-world examples can help your math students see the relevance of math in their lives. When students understand how math is used in the real world, they are more likely to develop the grit they need to persevere through challenges. Use real-world examples to help your students see the value of math and to motivate them to keep trying. As they build upon the relevance, this increases their engagement which impacts their grit levels in a positive way. Studies have shown that grit has had a significant and positive affect on student engagement and academic achievement. With the help of real world problems, students can have a sense of ownership and pride in their work as they prove that they are achieving in their math class.
One way to use real-world examples is to incorporate math into everyday activities. For example, you could have students calculate the cost of groceries or the distance between two cities. This helps students see how math is used in their daily lives. Further, allow students to work on real-world math
projects that require rubrics and assign roles to hold them accountable. This also exposes them to the reasons why they would need to learn particular math concepts in the classroom and how it is relevant for their lives.
4. Encourage Peer-to-Peer Collaboration
Healthy peer-to-peer collaboration can help students develop grit. When students work together, they can support each other through challenges and setbacks. Encourage collaboration in your math class by assigning group projects or having students work in pairs.
One way to encourage collaboration is to use cooperative learning strategies. For example, you could have students work in groups to solve a math problem. This helps students learn from each other and develop teamwork skills. Dr. Linda Kagan provides several collaborative strategies that help students remain organized while working together including round robin, turn and talk and more!
Choose to invest in some of these collaborative strategies as you build a learning environment of adventure and exploration for your students.
5. Provide Moments for Teacher feedback
Feedback is essential for learning and growth. When you provide feedback to your math students, you are helping them develop the grit they need to persevere through challenges. Provide your students with constructive feedback that helps them understand what they are doing well and what they need to improve. In their article on the Power of Feedback, Dr. John Hattie and Dr. Helen Temperley (2007) speak on how teacher feedback helps contribute to student gains and achievement when implemented effectively.
Students need to know that they are making progress, and they are looking to their teacher to give them affirmation and confirmation.
One way to provide feedback is to use formative assessments. Formative assessments are assessments that are used to provide feedback to students during the learning process. For example, you could have students take an exit quiz after each math lesson to see how well they understand the material. Further, having various forms of assessment, i.e., giving an oral assessment, having students create math quiz or test questions, and project-based learning opportunities can help you truly understand where students are in their understanding of their learning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, building grit in math class is essential for your students' success in your math class and in life. By teaching a growth mindset, providing opportunities for practice, using real-world examples, encouraging collaboration, and providing feedback, you can help your math students develop the grit they need to persevere through challenges. It’s never too late to build grit with students. As you implement these five strategies, and follow-up with students with fidelity, they will grow into independent thinkers that you can facilitate through a lesson towards great progress, leading to proficiency. Remind students to use great resilience in time
as they navigate through math with success!
References:
Rakes, G. C., Valentine, J. C., McGatha, M. B., & Ronau, R. N. (2010). Online mathematics homework increases student achievement. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 35(2), 123-130. doi: 10.1016/j.cedpsych.2010.01.005
Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). The Power of Feedback. Review of Educational Research, 77(1), 81–112. https://doi.org/10.3102/003465430298487
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G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs: Strengthening Faith and Endurance in the Marketplace Faith and entrepreneurship are not separate journeys—they are deeply intertwined. The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs is a faith-driven guide designed to help believers walk boldly in their calling as business leaders, visionaries, and kingdom builders. Authored by Dr. India White, this workbook combines biblical principles with her signature G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—to empower Apostolic entrepreneurs to endure, overcome, and finish strong. Rooted in the Word of God, this workbook reminds readers that entrepreneurship is not just about profit but about purpose. Through prayer, perseverance, and discipline, Apostolic entrepreneurs can honor God with their work while transforming communities and demonstrating Christlike leadership. Each page of this workbook points believers back to Jesus—the ultimate example of endurance and grace under pressure. In this workbook, entrepreneurs will explore how faith fuels vision, how adversity refines purpose, and how resilience develops through trials. It teaches how to balance ministry and business, stay grounded in prayer, and maintain spiritual integrity while navigating competitive markets. The workbook’s exercises encourage readers to apply Scripture to real-world challenges—aligning business decisions with godly wisdom and spiritual discernment. Each section integrates powerful themes: • Growth Mindset – Renewing the mind daily through the Word and trusting God’s process • Resilience – Overcoming trials by remembering God’s promises and grace • Self-Efficacy – Believing you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you • Time Management – Stewarding time as a divine resource for kingdom impact The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs serves as a devotional and strategic planner in one. It helps readers reflect, plan, and act with spiritual confidence, knowing that God has called them to be lights in the marketplace. It emphasizes that entrepreneurship, when aligned with the Apostolic faith, becomes an act of worship—a testimony of God’s power to prosper His people and sustain them through adversity. This workbook also includes journaling prompts, faith declarations, and vision-building activities that help believers overcome doubt and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith. It encourages readers to endure to the end, to remain steadfast, and to let perseverance finish its work, just as Scripture commands. The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs will soon be available on Amazon. Visit www.india-white.com for updates, ministry resources, and information on G.R.I.T. Academy’s faith-based leadership programs. With Jesus as the foundation, grit becomes more than endurance—it becomes divine strength in action. Let this workbook guide you in building a business that glorifies God, uplifts others, and equips you to endure until the end.
G.R.I.T. Workbook for Entrepreneurs: Building Resilience and Vision in Business The journey of entrepreneurship is full of challenges, uncertainty, and opportunity. To succeed, entrepreneurs need more than talent or strategy—they need grit. That’s why the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Entrepreneurs was created. Designed by Dr. India White, this new resource equips business leaders, innovators, and founders with practical tools to build perseverance, mental toughness, and long-term success. Available on Amazon , this workbook helps entrepreneurs develop the habits and mindset necessary to thrive in today’s demanding business landscape. It is based on Dr. White’s powerful G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—which has transformed lives in classrooms, boardrooms, and leadership settings across the nation. The workbook walks readers through self-assessments, reflection exercises, and guided strategies that strengthen mental stamina and leadership capacity. Each chapter encourages deep introspection and action, helping entrepreneurs embrace growth through challenges. From managing time effectively to cultivating resilience during setbacks, this workbook provides an organized, faith-centered approach to success that aligns values with vision. Inside the workbook, entrepreneurs will find tools such as personal grit trackers, resilience maps, goal-setting templates, and strategic planning pages that link passion to performance. Dr. White’s coaching prompts guide readers to develop self-efficacy—believing in their ability to make things happen—while maintaining balance and emotional clarity in leadership. For those building startups or managing established businesses, this workbook helps refine focus, strengthen leadership habits, and increase motivation. It reminds every entrepreneur that sustainable success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s forged through perseverance, adaptability, and unwavering determination. Soon available on Amazon, the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Entrepreneurs is more than a guide; it’s a companion for your business journey. Visit www.india-white.com for updates, training opportunities, and resources from G.R.I.T. Academy that will help you elevate your leadership, strengthen your mindset, and achieve lasting results. Great Resilience in Time—that’s the foundation of every successful entrepreneur. Prepare to build your legacy with grit, purpose, and perseverance.
Introducing the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees — Cultivating Resilience, One Page at a Time I’m thrilled to share news of a powerful new resource that’s about to hit the shelves — the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees, designed around Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework. This workbook is specifically created for students working with mentors, helping them develop grit and resilience through reflection, accountability, and growth. While the workbook will soon be available on Amazon, here’s an inside look at what makes it special, why it matters, and how mentors and mentees can use it together. Why a Workbook for Mentees? Mentorship changes lives, but it works best when mentees are equipped to take ownership of their personal growth. The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees bridges that gap by providing structured tools to build resilience and self-efficacy throughout the mentorship journey. It offers: * A clear roadmap for personal growth and reflection * Practical exercises for goal-setting and perseverance * Tools to track progress and measure growth over time * Prompts for deeper mentor–mentee discussions This workbook helps mentees turn challenges into opportunities and equips mentors with strategies to nurture lasting confidence and determination. Understanding Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. Framework At the heart of this workbook lies Dr. India White’s signature G.R.I.T. framework — Great Resilience in Time. The framework teaches students how to thrive through four key pillars: Growth Mindset– Believing abilities can improve through effort and learning Resilience – Bouncing back from adversity stronger than before Self-Efficacy– Believing in one’s ability to accomplish tasks and goals Time Management– Using time wisely to achieve success Dr. White’s framework has been implemented in schools, leadership trainings, and G.R.I.T. Academy programs nationwide. The mentee workbook adapts these proven strategies into personalized activities designed to strengthen the mentor–mentee connection and support personal transformation. What’s Inside the Workbook Each section of the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees is interactive and designed to make learning active and reflective. | Section | Purpose | How to Use It | |Self-Assessment | Identifies mentee’s current strengths and areas for growth | Use during first sessions to set a baseline | |Goal Setting & Reflection| Helps mentees develop SMART goals and revisit progress | Reflect weekly and discuss during check-ins | |G.R.I.T. Modules | Deep dives into Growth, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management | Complete together or independently between sessions | |Challenges & Activities | Hands-on projects to practice perseverance | Mentors assign or co-design activities | Progress Tracking | Allows mentees to visualize their growth over time | Review regularly to celebrate milestones | The workbook ensures that each mentoring session becomes meaningful, measurable, and motivating. Benefits for Mentees and Mentors Mentees will: * Strengthen their confidence and self-discipline * Learn how to turn setbacks into comebacks * Set clear, attainable goals for personal and academic growth * Develop stronger reflection and problem-solving habits Mentors will: * Gain structured tools for meaningful sessions * Foster deeper conversations that go beyond surface-level topics * See measurable growth in their mentees over time * Cultivate a shared language around perseverance and purpose Coming Soon to Amazon The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees will soon be available on Amazon for mentors, coaches, and educators nationwide. This workbook serves as a companion to Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentors and aligns with her ongoing mission to build grit and resilience in every student. To get ready for launch: 1. Watch Dr. India White’s TEDx Talk, The Power of Grit. 2. Visit www.india-white.com for updates on release dates and resources. 3. Connect with Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. Academy for mentoring tools, training, and online courses. Final Thoughts The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees isn’t just a book—it’s a movement toward empowerment, growth, and lasting change. It gives mentees a voice, a plan, and the courage to persevere through life’s challenges. Stay tuned for the Amazon launch announcement, and prepare to empower the next generation of students to rise with Great Resilience in Time.
1 am excited to share that I will be a featured speaker at the NCTM 2025 Conference alongside the amazing John SanGiovanni. Together, we’ll explore the power of grit and productive struggle in the mathematics classroom—two essential ingredients for deep and lasting learning. John SanGiovanni will share his expertise on productive struggle, focusing on how teachers can design meaningful math experiences that challenge students to think critically, reason deeply, and persevere through complex problems. His work emphasizes that learning happens not when math is easy, but when students engage in struggle that leads to understanding and growth. In my portion of the session, I’ll discuss building grit through the G.R.I.T. Framework; Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. Drawing from my G.R.I.T. Workbook for Educators, I’ll share practical tools and strategies educators can use to help students embrace challenges with confidence and persistence. By connecting grit to productive struggle, we can empower students to develop both the mindset and skills they need to overcome obstacles and achieve success in mathematics and beyond. I look forward to connecting with fellow educators at NCTM 2025 as we explore how to inspire perseverance, confidence, and a love for learning through grit and productive struggle.
I am thrilled to announce that I will be a featured speaker at the NCTM 2025 Conference alongside the incredible Dr. Shelly Jones, Room 406. As TEDx speakers, Dr. Jones and I are uniting our passions for mathematics, equity, and purpose-driven teaching in our session titled Building Grit Through Culturally Relevant Math Tasks. Dr. Shelly Jones will share powerful insights from her book Culturally Relevant Math Tasks to Engage All Learners, which emphasizes how educators can connect mathematical concepts to students’ cultural experiences and lived realities. Her work highlights the importance of inclusion, representation, and authentic learning experiences that empower every student to see themselves as capable mathematicians. In my portion of the session, I will focus on Building Grit through the G.R.I.T. Framework—which stands for Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. Through this framework, I will share strategies from my *G.R.I.T. Workbook for Educators* to help teachers cultivate perseverance and confidence in students as they navigate challenging math tasks. The goal is to help students not only solve problems but also believe they can thrive through productive struggle and perseverance. Together, Dr. Jones and I aim to inspire educators to blend cultural reasoning with resilience-building practices—creating classrooms where students’ identities and determination are celebrated equally. I’m excited to connect with passionate educators at NCTM 2025 and share how we can all build grit, equity, and excellence in math education.
🌟 Exciting news! I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be speaking at NCSM! 🎉 Join me for two informative sessions: 📚 402 How to Build a Gritty Thinking Classroom through Equity and Collaboration 🗓️ Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ⏰ 12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. 📖 403 Equity Counts: Implementing Equitable Practices Across All Leadership Levels 🗓️ Monday, October 13, 2025 ⏰ 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. I’m ready to bridge the gap and give away door prizes, including my new book: Effective Teaching Practices Every Teacher Must Know! Don’t miss out! #nctm #ncsm #drindiawhite #grit #equity #parity NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics EducationNCTM - National Council of Teachers of MathematicsShelly M. JonesYolande Beckles
✨ Exciting October Update! ✨ I’m thrilled to share that my October Newsletter is live! This month, I’m honored to be speaking at both NCTM and NCSM—two powerful opportunities to connect with educators nationwide about building G.R.I.T. (Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management) and closing the achievement gap. 💡 I’m so grateful for the incredible teachers and leaders who continue to inspire and partner with me. Thank you for the work you do every day to make an impact in the lives of students! Check out the newsletter and explore resources here: 👉 www.india-white.com Let’s keep building grit and creating equity in education—together. 💪📚✏️
Building Grit in Our Elementary Math Communities This week I had the privilege of hosting an **Elementary Math Chat on BlueSky**, where educators from across the nation gathered to talk about one of my favorite topics: the **power of grit** in our classrooms and communities. The energy, collaboration, and passion from teachers, leaders, and math coaches reminded me once again of why this work matters. Why Grit in Math? We started by examining the latest NAEP data, which paints a sobering picture of how our students are performing in mathematics. While test scores often highlight areas of struggle, they also invite us as educators to ask a deeper question: How can we better equip our students to persist through challenges? This is where the G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—becomes a game-changer. Exploring the G.R.I.T. Framework During the chat, educators reflected on how grit shows up in their classrooms: Growth Mindset helps students believe they can learn math, even when it feels difficult. Resilience gives students the courage to keep trying when a solution isn’t clear right away. Self-Efficacy instills confidence that “I can solve problems if I keep working at them.” Time Management reminds students that persistence requires discipline and prioritization. Together, these pillars equip students to face not only academic challenges but also life’s challenges with courage and determination. G.R.I.T. Games and Assessments We also discussed two practical tools for teachers to bring grit alive in the math classroom: G.R.I.T. Games : Engaging activities that give students the chance to practice perseverance in fun, low-stakes ways while still reviewing math concepts. G.R.I.T. Assessment: A reflective tool for students to evaluate their own growth in grit—identifying where they are strong and where they can build more perseverance. These resources empower both teachers and students to see grit not as an abstract concept, but as something real, measurable, and impactful. Grit Beyond the Classroom One of my favorite takeaways from the chat was hearing educators share how grit impacts not just math performance but also the wider school community. When students develop grit, they become more confident problem-solvers, more engaged learners, and more supportive peers. This mindset spreads beyond the classroom walls, creating resilient communities that thrive together. Moving Forward The Elementary Math Chat reminded us that teaching math isn’t just about numbers—it’s about nurturing resilient thinkers who can face challenges with determination. As we continue to share strategies, reflect on data, and support one another, I’m excited to see how grit will transform classrooms across the nation. Let’s keep the conversation going: together, we can ensure every student has the tools to persist, grow, and succeed. Dr. India White is a national speaker, math consultant, and author of the G.R.I.T. framework. For professional development, G.R.I.T. trainings, or speaking engagements, connect at www.india-white.com
Building Grit in Students through Reflection Activities During a recent training session, I guided students through a structured activity designed to help them reflect on grit and personal accountability. This exercise encouraged them to explore how the G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—applies to their learning and development.^1 Students first participated in guided discussions on grit, focusing on strategies to remain committed, build resilience, and complete assignments on time.^2 Each student then journaled about their personal grit levels, identifying areas of strength and growth. This journaling provided a safe space for honest self-assessment and highlighted the importance of intentional focus.^3 The activity also included collaborative reflection where students discussed their “grit weeks,” emphasizing how to manage distractions, stay accountable, and complete tasks with perseverance.^4 By engaging in both personal reflection and peer discussion, students were able to see grit not as an abstract idea but as a practical tool to help them reach goals.^5 Through journaling and reflection, students deepened their understanding of the four pillars of the G.R.I.T. framework. Many expressed excitement for what lies ahead in their academic journey, recognizing that perseverance and accountability are vital to their long-term success.^6 The activity reinforced the importance of grit in education by providing students with practical tools for self-awareness and improvement. As Angela Duckworth emphasizes, grit involves sustained passion and perseverance over the long term.^7 Likewise, the Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook stresses that equipping students with reflective practices helps foster resilience and determination as they grow academically and personally.^8 Footnotes 1. Angela Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (New York: Scribner, 2016), 8–9. 2. India White, The Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook (Tampa, FL: White Education Consulting, 2023), 12. 3. Duckworth, Grit, 44. 4. White, Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook, 28. 5. Duckworth, Grit, 92. 6. White, Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook, 46. 7. Duckworth, Grit, 275. 8. White, Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook, 59. Bibliography Duckworth, Angela. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. New York: Scribner, 2016. White, India. The Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook. Tampa, FL: Rising Glory Productions LLC, 2023.