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How to Build a Gritty Thinking Classroom!
India White • January 7, 2025
How to Build a Gritty Thinking Classroom!
How to Build a GRITTY Thinking Classroom: Fostering Resilience and Problem-Solving in Mathematics
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, cultivating resilient and adaptable learners is crucial for preparing students for future challenges. One effective way to achieve this is by integrating the principles from Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) with Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework. This approach not only enhances mathematical understanding but also nurtures a mindset geared toward perseverance, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving.
The Essence of a GRITTY Thinking Classroom
Building Thinking Classrooms focuses on creating an interactive learning environment where students are encouraged to think critically and collaborate effectively. Central to BTC are strategies that promote student engagement, autonomy, and shared responsibility in problem-solving. In tandem, the G.R.I.T. framework emphasizes the pillars of Growth, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management, helping students develop the mindset needed to navigate challenges effectively.
Key Strategies for Implementation
1. Promote Collaborative Problem-Solving
Implement random groupings in your classroom to foster a sense of shared responsibility among students. By working together on complex tasks, they learn from each other, thereby reinforcing their understanding of mathematical concepts.
2. Utilize Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces (VNPS)
Introduce whiteboards or chalkboards where students can write, erase, and modify their ideas. This encourages visibility of thinking processes and allows students to express their understanding creatively, while also facilitating a collaborative atmosphere.
3. Foster Rich Mathematical Tasks
Design engaging tasks that require deep exploration and critical thinking. Ensure these tasks are aligned with BTC principles, allowing students to grapple with real-world problems that demand resilience and creative problem-solving. Make sure your math tasks are relevant to the students’ cultures and interests.
4. Cultivate a G.R.I.T. Mindset
a. Growth Mindset: Encourage students to view challenges as opportunities to learn. Emphasize that struggle is an essential part of mastering new concepts.
b. Resilience: Equip students with strategies to bounce back from setbacks. Share stories of perseverance, both from their peers and from influential figures, to inspire them.
c. Self-Efficacy: Build confidence in their abilities by celebrating small successes. Remind them that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.
d. Time Management: Teach students to manage their time effectively when approaching complex problems. Introduce techniques for prioritizing tasks and breaking down larger problems into manageable steps.
5. Interactive Activities
Engage students in activities that combine BTC structures with the G.R.I.T. framework. For example, during group work, prompt students to reflect on their feelings of being “stuck” and encourage them to share strategies they used to get past those moments.
6. Reflective Practices
After completing tasks, have students reflect on their learning experiences. Questions such as, "What challenges did you face?" and "How did you overcome them?" can help students internalize the G.R.I.T. mindset.
Conclusion
Integrating Dr. Peter Liljedahl's Building Thinking Classrooms with Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework offers a powerful approach to cultivating a classroom environment where resilience and problem-solving thrive. Educators can equip students with the tools to embrace challenges, persist through difficulties, and grow as critical thinkers. By fostering a GRITTY thinking classroom, we prepare our students not just for academic success but for lifelong learning and adaptability in an ever-changing world. Together, let’s inspire our students to embrace their journey of learning and develop the grit needed for success in mathematics and beyond.
Join us on the Let's Get Gritty Podcast with Dr. India White. On this show, we will repeat a show from the Grit and Equity talks Podcast with Dr. India White, where we walk through the recently released NAEP data from the National Report Card and speak about moving the needle forward. Listen on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/india-white3 #grit #equity #naep #drindiawhite #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #math #teachers #students
🌟 Just wrapped up an incredible G.R.I.T. Training session with the amazing leaders from Imagine Schools! 💪✨ We took a deep dive into the G.R.I.T. framework, and I can't wait to see the results unfold! 🚀🙌 #drindiawhite #grit #imagineschools #tedx #nctm #ncsm #bwxme 🎉 (I don’t own music copyright
Check out my Feb. 2025 Newsletter!
Thankful for Partnership and Recognition: A Shoutout to Dr. Matthew Joseph and X-Factor EDU Network I am incredibly thankful to partner with Dr. Matthew Joseph and the amazing leadership of the X-Factor EDU Network! It is truly an honor to collaborate with such a visionary leader who is dedicated to amplifying voices in education and creating spaces for impactful conversations. This month, I was deeply grateful to be mentioned in Dr. Joseph’s newsletter during Black History Month. His recognition means so much, not just for me, but for the work we are all doing to inspire and empower educators and students alike. You can check out the newsletter here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/drmxj_stongertogether-activity-7291502796753809408-0zX3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAmqD2wBkz8Qc7EA0bvwxWyMJH2HykCUA-Y But beyond the shoutout, I’m even more excited about the opportunities ahead—including the chance to have a podcast on Dr. Joseph’s platform! Partnering with X-Factor EDU Network opens doors to share insights, engage in meaningful discussions, and continue championing grit, resilience, and equity in education. Thank you, Dr. Matthew Joseph, for your support, encouragement, and belief in this mission. Looking forward to what’s to come! 🚀 #StrongerTogether #GRIT #XFactorEDU #BlackHistoryMonth #EducationalLeadership #Thankful
Fired Up for FDLA/FAMTE Keynote: Let’s Build Grit Together! I’m beyond excited to take the stage as the keynote speaker at the FDLA/FAMTE Conference tomorrow! 🎤🔥 We’ll be diving deep into the power of G.R.I.T.—Great Resilience in Time—and how it transforms both educators and students. This opportunity means so much, and I’m grateful to everyone who has supported this journey. Grit isn’t just a concept; it’s a movement. It’s about growth mindset, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management, and it’s what drives success in the classroom and beyond. Let’s empower educators and students across the nation to push past obstacles and embrace productive struggle. Who’s ready to get gritty? 💪🏾 #Grit #DrIndiaWhite #TEDx #FDLA #FAMTE #Education #GrowthMindset
Had an Amazing Time at the Imagine Summit! I had a fantastic time speaking at the Imagine Summit on G.R.I.T.! 🙌🏽 We engaged in powerful breakout sessions, had meaningful discussions about NAEP data, and explored strategies to build **growth mindset, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management** in education. Thank you to everyone who participated and brought such great energy to the conversations! Let’s continue working together to bridge gaps and empower students through grit and perseverance. 💪🏽 #GRIT #ImagineSummit #Resilience #Education #GrowthMindset #EquityInEducation #drindiawhite
Building Grit in Teachers at the Imagine Leadership Summit I am beyond excited to be speaking at the Imagine Leadership Summit today, sharing insights on how we can build grit in teachers and empower them to foster resilience, self-efficacy, and growth in their students. 🌟 This summit is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with principals and education leaders who are committed to supporting and strengthening teachers. When we invest in teacher grit, we build stronger, more effective classrooms where students develop the perseverance to tackle challenges and achieve success. A huge thank you to the Imagine Summit leaders for this amazing opportunity! It’s an honor to be among such an outstanding lineup of speakers, including the incredible Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr. Join our sessions today and take GRIT with you—because when teachers grow in resilience, our students thrive! #GRIT #Teachers #Principals #DrIndiaWhite #NCTM #NCSM #ImagineSummit 😊
🌟 What an incredible time at the ICTM conference in Indiana! The lineup was amazing, and the energy was contagious! 🎉 Since I missed the snow back in Florida, I embraced it fully here and made my very first snow angel! ❄️ So grateful for the fun and gritty spirit of the ICTM rockstars! Huge thanks to Angela and every rockstar for this fantastic opportunity! 💙 #drindiawhite #grit #ictm25 #math #teachers #students #indiana #nctm #ncsm
✨ Today’s Grit training at Stockton Unified was absolutely amazing! We had a fantastic time connecting with friends and meeting some incredible rockstars in California. 🌟 I can’t wait to see how gritty Stockton becomes! Huge thanks to Andrew and the tribe for the opportunity to train your amazing leaders. Let’s all take grit with us as we move forward! 💪 #Grit #Leadership #StocktonUnified #drindiawhite #tedx #nctm #ncsm #nabse
🎊Super excited about this opportunity! Looking forward to connecting with these amazing leaders! 🥰🥳🎉 Please register below and let’s connect so we can bridge the achievement gap together! hashtag#drindiawhite hashtag#ncsm hashtag#grit hashtag#math hashtag#teachers