Grit, Perseverance, Resiliency

This activity is designed to teach students to give more specific details and deliver them slowly. It can also teach students to listen more critically to instructions. From Julia Cook’s BEST ME I Can Be! series is an activity that accompanies her...

When you see your students display effective listening or following instruction skills, find a way to recognize them in front of their peers! The more you give praise and pay attention to positive behaviors in your classroom, the more often you will see...

One way to avoid Zest Zappers is to be proactive instead of reactive. Being proactive leads to positive emotions while being reactive can generate negative emotions. In this activity, students will recognize the moods of others and use self-monitoring...

Join in on the fun with an activity from Bryan Smith’s If Winning Isn’t Everything Why Do I Hate to Lose? Students will practice their sportsmanship skills during a coin flip game called “Don’t Flip Out.” Extend the...

Students will learn that a team is only as strong as its individual members! From Julia Cook’s BEST ME I Can Be! series is an engaging activity to accompany her storybook Teamwork Isn’t My Thing, and I Don’t Like to Share! This...

Students will exhibit zest by actively participating and making decisions on what items to take to a deserted island.  Start the lesson by leading the class into a discussion with the provided questions. The purpose of this activity is having...

Students will have to determine whether certain scenarios demonstrate good or bad sportsmanship. Bryan Smith’s If Winning Isn’t Everything, Why Do I Hate to Lose? storybook explains the importance of teamwork and fairness. Put to use the...

Students will learn to show good sportsmanship regardless of whether they win or lose with this interactive activity. Bryan Smith’s picture book, If Winning Isn’t Everything, Why Do I Hate to Lose?, is highly recommended for this classroom...

Students often assume they know what your instructions will be based on prior experience. Assuming leads to not listening, and, unfortunately, the assumption made may not always be correct. Read Julia Cook’s storybook The WORST Day of My Life...

Teach the skill of working as a team with this unique activity called “Spaghetti and Marshmallows.” This amusing exercise will keep students engaged through all three rounds by creating their own structures. Discussion questions are offered...

Students will determine how they will have a GONNA-GET-IT-DONE mindset in their own lives. Having a GONNA-GET-IT-DONE mindset helps to have a positive attitude, stay determined and gain the skill of being responsible. This exercise accompanies the...

Students will have the opportunity to put themselves in Braden’s shoes in this activity, teaching the importance of flexible thinking and responsibility. The exercise accompanies the storybook My Day is Ruined! from the Executive FUNction series...

Staying focused and completing a task can be a difficult skill to manage for most children. Reinforce the message from Bryan Smith's Are You Working Hard or Hardly Working? storybook, by displaying this colorful 8.5"x11" poster in classrooms,...

From Gina Prosch's Hope! More than Wishful Thinking storybook, remind students that H.O.P.E is more than just positive thinking by displaying this colorful 8.5"x11" poster in classrooms, hallways, and other common areas in your school. The poster is...

Teaching students to plan, prioritize, and post can help break down assignments into more manageable tasks. Reinforce the message from Bryan Smith's I'll Never Get All of That Done! storybook, by displaying this colorful 8.5"x11" poster in...

Competition is a natural, and in most instances, healthy part of growing up. We encourage our students and athletes to strive to be the best they can be. Reinforce the message and social skill of "Displaying Good Sportsmanship" from Bryan Smith's...