Motivating the At-Risk Learner through G.R.I.T.!
India White • May 26, 2023
Motivating the At-Risk Learner through G.R.I.T.!

Motivating the At-Risk Learner through G.R.I.T.!
As a teacher, you may encounter students who are at risk of falling behind in math. These students may lack motivation and struggle to keep up with the curriculum. However, with the right approach, you can help these students develop grit and succeed in math. As we approach this task, it is beneficial to take the acronym for G.R.I.T., Great Resilience in Time, with you as a reminder for you and your learners! Here are five tips for motivating at-risk students through grit in the math classroom.
1. Teach the Growth Mindset
According to Carol Dweck, a leading researcher in motivation and achievement, students who have a growth mindset
are more likely to persevere through challenges and develop grit. Further, in their research article titled, “The Origins of Children's Growth and Fixed Mindsets: New Research and a New Proposal”, Haimovitz and Dweck (2017) discovered that “Students with an incremental theory believe that abilities are malleable and can be increased by effort. These students are more inclined to perceive achievement situations as opportunities to grow and expand one's own competencies”. Students need the opportunity to grow in grit through an increase of effort on various tasks, and in their metacognitive process during mathematical discourse.
Dweck has spoken about how a growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication. As a teacher, you can help your students develop a growth mindset by praising their effort and persistence, rather than their innate abilities. Encourage your students to embrace challenges and view mistakes as opportunities for growth.
2. Set Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals can help students develop grit by giving them a clear target to work towards. However, it's important to make sure that the goals are achievable and not too overwhelming. Dr. Angela Duckworth, a researcher on grit,
suggests that students should set "stretch goals" that are challenging but still within reach. Encourage your students to set specific, measurable goals for their math performance and track their progress towards those goals.
3. Provide Feedback and Support
Feedback and support are essential for helping at-risk students develop grit. Provide your students with regular feedback on their progress and offer support when they encounter challenges. Encourage your students to seek help when they need it and provide resources such as tutoring or extra practice materials. When doing this, at-risk students will be convinced that not all hope is lost. Providing feedback is imperative to provide students with a supportive environment
that fosters growth and development.
4. Emphasize Effort and Persistence
Emphasizing effort and persistence can help students develop grit by reinforcing the idea that success comes from hard work and dedication. Encourage your students to put in the effort and persist through challenges, even when they feel discouraged. Dr. Duckworth suggests that teachers can help students develop grit by modeling grit themselves and emphasizing the importance of effort and persistence in achieving success.
5. Celebrate Successes
Celebrating successes can help students develop grit by reinforcing the idea that hard work and dedication pay off. When your students achieve their goals or make progress towards them, celebrate their successes and acknowledge their efforts.
Encourage your students to reflect on their successes and use them as motivation to continue working towards their goals. UMass Global mention in their findings that celebrating successes for at-risk learners can be filtered through 3 categories: 1) establishing relationships, 2) incorporating a democratic classroom model, and 3) Consider the tenets of the enabling component model. When these strategies are implemented with fidelity, students will begin to unmask and take a risk during vulerable stages of learning, and will be convinced that their efforts and progress are relevant for their lives, and the success to come.
Conclusion
Students who are on the verge of not finishing school due to various hardships need a fair chance at the opportunity of academic success. Implementing various strategies and supports for these learners can change their trajectory of hopelessness into one that is surrounded by college and career readiness. As educators and leaders teach growth mindset to students, help students set realistic goals, provide timely feedback and support, emphasize effort and persistence, and celebrate the successes of these students, their chances of persisting through setbacks and succeeding as an academic scholar are inevitable. Hence, give your at-risk students a shot today. Help them thrive and make their academic success a reality as you motivate them through G.R.I.T.!

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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!

๐ Excited to share my VCTM recap video! ๐ฅ 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! ๐ช๐ 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!

๐ Super excited to announce that I’ll be the keynote speaker at the VCTM Annual Conference in beautiful Vermont! ๐ Huge thanks to the amazing VCTM rockstars for this incredible opportunity! Let’s dive into the power of grit together! ๐ชโจ 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

๐ Super grateful to announce that I’ve been selected to speak at FCTM this year! ๐ Let’s dive into the topic of grit and its importance in education! ๐ชโจ Be sure to register by visiting their website. A huge thank you to the FCTM leaders for this incredible opportunity! ๐ #DrIndiaWhite #Grit #TEDx #Math #Educators #Teachers #Students #FCTM #NCTM #NCSM