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
Forgiveness: Walking in G.R.I.T. and Grace Forgiveness isn't for the faint of heart. It takes G.R.I.T.—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—to truly walk in forgiveness, especially when you've been wronged, mistreated, or misunderstood. But there's no greater example of gritty forgiveness than Jesus Himself. As He hung on the cross—suffering, bleeding, and abandoned—He didn’t curse His enemies. He didn’t demand justice in that moment. Instead, He looked toward heaven and said: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Let that sink in. The very people who had betrayed, mocked, beaten, and crucified Him were the ones He forgave. And He did it in real time, while the pain was still fresh. That’s Great Resilience In Time. And as followers of Christ, we’re called to do the same. We’re called to forgive those who have: • Abused us—physically, emotionally, or spiritually • Slandered us behind our backs • Taken advantage of our kindness • Lied to us, hurt us, or wronged us in ways words can’t capture Forgiveness doesn’t mean the pain was okay. It doesn’t mean you return to harmful situations. But it does mean we release people into God’s hands. We stop carrying the weight of bitterness. And we trust that nobody gets by—God is just, but He is also merciful. “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” — Luke 5:32 God operates in mercy—not because people always deserve it, but because His heart is for restoration. And if we want God to operate in mercy toward us, we must be willing to pray that same mercy over those who have hurt us. Hence, I want to share with you 5 Tips for Operating in Forgiveness Through G.R.I.T. and Grace: 1. Growth Mindset: Choose to Learn, Not Linger Instead of replaying the pain, ask God what He wants to teach you through it. Every hurt can become holy ground if we allow it to transform us instead of trap us. Forgiveness is a chance to grow. Even when you find yourself lingering in the memories and wondering "What if?", choose to use the moments of hurt as an opportunity to heal and evolve into a greater version of you. 2. Resilience: Bounce Back with God’s Strength Resilience doesn’t mean you don’t feel the pain—it means you refuse to let it define you. Forgiveness builds spiritual stamina. Each time you choose grace, you build strength in your spirit. The enemy wanted that trial, setback, dissapointment to cause you to give up on God and yourself. However, you must believe that no weapon formed against you shall propser. Never allow Satan to take away your song or your purpose, no matter the weapon or vessel he chooses to attack you through. 3. Self-Efficacy: Believe You Can Forgive with God’s Help Forgiveness may feel impossible—but with God, you can do all things. Self-efficacy is about believing in your ability to move forward. Speak life over yourself: "With God’s help, I can forgive." This is not always an easy process but you can do it! Choose to speak positively about your situation. Tell God that you forgive them and take moments to think about what Jesus must have felt at the cross as he died for you. Sometimes, we are made to emulate the light of Christ so that others will have HOPE. That means we must be willing to be curicifed at thier hands for the Glory of God. However, be encouraged, for the Lord will restore you. 4. Time Management: Don’t Waste Time on Bitterness Bitterness drains energy and time. Let forgiveness help you refocus your time and emotional energy toward purpose, healing, and joy. Steward your time wisely—it’s too precious to spend in bondage. Take time for self-care. Cry it out, seek therapy, have an outlet that will help you develop and heal and mature in a healthy fashion. Understand that all of us fall short; people will most likely dissapoint you, so flow in grace. 5. Great Resilience In Time: Forgive Even When It Still Hurts Forgiveness is often a process, not a one-time event. It requires Great Resilience In Time —the ability to keep choosing grace, even when the pain is fresh. Jesus forgave while He was still on the cross. We, too, can learn to forgive even while healing. Through your forgiveness you'll find revelation that will bring your closer to your heavenly Father. Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts you can give—to others, yes, but also to yourself. It frees your heart. It releases your soul. It makes space for God to heal what others tried to break. Jesus didn’t wait for an apology. He forgave in real time—with G.R.I.T. and grace. So today, let’s strive to do the same. Let’s live with: • A growth mindset that says, “God can use even this.” • Resilience that says, “I will not be broken.” • Self-efficacy that says, “I can do this with God.” • Time management that says, “I will not waste one more second holding a grudge.” Let’s walk in Great Resilience In Time and extend the same mercy we so desperately need. Because forgiveness isn’t weakness. It’s worship. So, wipe you tears, forgive, reset, start over, and thrive through G.R.I.T. and Grace. Love, India Want more? Visit www.india-white.com to schedule a meeting or book me for an event. Want a copy of the Grit Workbook for Clergy (Pastors) Click here!
### April Newsletter: A Month of Grit and Growth April is here, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting month filled with powerful opportunities to build grit, inspire educators, and impact students. From conferences to new resources, I’m thrilled to share what’s happening this month and how you can get involved. Speaking at MCTM’s Annual Math Conference in Minnesota I’m honored to present at the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Conference this month, where I’ll be diving into how to create a Gritty Thinking Classroom. In this session, we’ll explore how the G.R.I.T. framework aligns with Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms, helping educators develop a culture of perseverance, resilience, and self-efficacy in their math students. If you’re attending, I’d love to connect and discuss ways to empower students through productive struggle. G.R.I.T. Workbooks and Resources The G.R.I.T. Workbook series continues to grow, providing teachers, students, and parents with practical tools to develop growth mindset, resilience, and time management. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your own grit or help students push through challenges, these workbooks offer actionable strategies to build confidence and perseverance. G.R.I.T. Online Courses and Masterclass For those looking to take a deeper dive into grit, we’re rolling out G.R.I.T. online courses and mini-workshops designed to help educators and leaders implement grit-based strategies in their schools and classrooms. Stay tuned for our Masterclass, which will provide an interactive learning experience on how to cultivate grit in both personal and professional settings. G.R.I.T. Podcast: Conversations That Inspire The G.R.I.T. Podcast continues to feature insightful conversations with educators, leaders, and changemakers who are passionate about building perseverance and resilience. Each episode offers motivation and strategies to help you stay committed to your goals and push through challenges. Be sure to tune in for inspiring discussions that fuel personal and academic growth. Stay Connected If you’re looking for more ways to engage with the G.R.I.T. movement, be sure to check out: - www.india-white.com – Explore my work, speaking engagements, and resources - www.gritacademy.us – Learn about G.R.I.T. Academy, where we help students and educators develop the skills they need to thrive This month is all about embracing grit, growth, and resilience. Whether through conferences, podcasts, or online learning, I’m excited to continue this journey with you. Let’s keep pushing forward and building a culture of perseverance together. Stay gritty and keep striving for greatness!
Excited to Speak at MCTM’s Annual Math Conference: Building a Gritty Thinking Classroom! I can’t wait to present at MCTM’s Annual Math Conference this April in Minnesota. This opportunity is truly special because I’ll be diving into two of my passions—grit and Building Thinking Classrooms—to help educators create Gritty Thinking Classrooms that foster resilience, problem-solving, and perseverance in students. Why Grit Matters in the Math Classroom Math is not just about numbers and equations; it’s about persistence, self-efficacy, and growth mindset. So many students struggle with productive struggle, but when we intentionally build grit, they learn how to push through challenges rather than give up. By implementing Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework, we help students: - Develop a growth mindset - Build resilience in problem-solving - Strengthen self-efficacy - Improve time management and perseverance Connecting Grit with Building Thinking Classrooms Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms has transformed the way we engage students in math learning. When we merge BTC structures with grit, we create an environment where students: - Tackle challenging problems head-on - Collaborate with peers to build understanding - Learn to embrace struggle as part of growth - Develop confidence in their ability to succeed In my session, we’ll explore how BTC’s 14 elements align with grit and how teachers can create a culture of perseverance in their classrooms. See You in Minnesota! If you’re attending MCTM’s Annual Math Conference, I’d love to connect. Let’s talk about how to empower students to think, struggle, and grow. Together, we can build Gritty Thinking Classrooms that transform how students learn and engage with mathematics. Let’s get gritty! See you soon in Minnesota!
🌟 Excited to share my VCTM recap video! 🎥 Join me as I engage with teachers during my keynote, discussing strategies to best support our 8th grade math students. Together, we can make a difference! 💪📚 Check it out and let’s keep the conversation going! #drindiawhite #nctm #ncsm #vctm #vermont #nabse #naacp #education #doe
Reflection on The Power of Grit Keynote to Vermont Teachers Speaking to the dedicated educators of Vermont about the Power of Grit was an inspiring and reaffirming experience. As I shared the pillars of grit—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Time Management, and Self-Efficacy—it was evident that these concepts resonated deeply with the teachers in the room. Their commitment to fostering perseverance and confidence in their students was both heartening and energizing. Throughout the keynote, I emphasized the transformative role of a growth mindset—how students who embrace challenges and see effort as a path to mastery are more likely to persist through difficulties. I could see educators nodding in agreement as they reflected on their own students' struggles and triumphs. Encouraging students to reframe failure as a learning opportunity is a crucial shift that builds not just better mathematicians, writers, and thinkers but also more resilient individuals. Resilience was another cornerstone of the discussion. I shared stories and strategies to help students push past obstacles and develop the endurance needed to navigate academic and personal challenges. The engagement in the room reaffirmed that teachers, too, are models of resilience, especially in today’s educational climate. One of the most practical elements of the keynote focused on time management—helping students (and educators) break down overwhelming tasks, set realistic goals, and prioritize effectively. The response to this section showed that time management remains a crucial skill, not only for students learning to structure their studies but also for teachers juggling multiple responsibilities. Finally, we explored the power of self-efficacy, that deep-seated belief that one’s efforts lead to success. We discussed ways to cultivate this mindset in students through intentional feedback, scaffolding, and celebrating small wins. Seeing the teachers reflect on how they could implement these strategies in their classrooms was incredibly rewarding. This keynote reaffirmed my belief that grit is not just a personal trait—it’s a culture that educators can foster in their classrooms, schools, and communities. Vermont’s educators left the session with new insights, actionable strategies, and a renewed commitment to equipping students with the perseverance and confidence needed for success. I am grateful for the opportunity to share this message, and I look forward to seeing the impact of their work in cultivating grit across the state. Thanks Vermont Rockstars. Stay gritty!
✨ I had a phenomenal time speaking for the VCTM Rockstars in Vermont! We dove into how to reach all learners and stay motivated through grit. 💪 I can't wait to see the results from the grit assessment and framework! Stay gritty, y’all! 🌟 #drindiawhite #vctm #vermont #grit #educators #math
🌨️ Greetings from Vermont! Loving the beautiful snow! ❄️ Can’t wait to get gritty with all you rockstars! Let’s do this! 💪✨ #drindiawhite #grit #vermont #math #teachers #snow #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #nabse
🌟 Super excited to announce that I’ll be the keynote speaker at the VCTM Annual Conference in beautiful Vermont! 🎉 Huge thanks to the amazing VCTM rockstars for this incredible opportunity! Let’s dive into the power of grit together! 💪✨ I can’t wait to share insights and connect with fellow educators, students, and math enthusiasts. Join us by registering below: https://vctm.wildapricot.org/event-5950535 Let’s make this an unforgettable experience! #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #vctm #teachers #students #math (I don’t own music copyright)
Join us on the Let's Get Gritty Podcast with Dr. India White, featuring special guest Heidi Diercks, a retired educator, and life coach! Check out Heidi's coaching nuggets here :chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=89c50e1d3a&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1826500568311074330&th=19590896f43b0e1a&view=att&zw&disp=inline&acrobatPromotionSource=GmailNativeViewer Watch on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/.../Lets-Get-Gritty-Podcast... #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #lifecoach #education
🌟 Super grateful to announce that I’ve been selected to speak at FCTM this year! 🎉 Let’s dive into the topic of grit and its importance in education! 💪✨ Be sure to register by visiting their website. A huge thank you to the FCTM leaders for this incredible opportunity! 🙌 #DrIndiaWhite #Grit #TEDx #Math #Educators #Teachers #Students #FCTM #NCTM #NCSM