Teaching with Valor A Veteran's Perspective Podcast "Building Student Resilience at All Levels"

Welcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we explore the brave and inspiring world of education. 

I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s close to my heart: building student resilience. We’ll be exploring how to nurture this vital quality in elementary, middle, and high school students. 

Plus, we have two additional segments that will delve even deeper into related aspects of resilience, and a special bonus segment answering a parent question about promoting resilience at home. 

Show notes:

For more information and resources:

1. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck - This book explores the concept of a growth mindset and its importance in building resilience.
2. "The Resilient Classroom: Creating Healthy Environments for Learning" by Elizabeth G. Reavis - A comprehensive guide on fostering resilience in the classroom.
3. "Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings" by Kenneth R. Ginsburg and Martha M. Jablow - This book offers practical advice for parents and educators on promoting resilience in young people.
4. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) - CASEL provides resources and research on implementing social-emotional learning in schools.
5. "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth - This book delves into the role of grit in achieving success and building resilience.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

Transcript

Don: 0:07

Welcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we explore the brave and inspiring world of education. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s close to my heart: building student resilience. We’ll be exploring how to nurture this vital quality in elementary, middle, and high school students. Plus, we have two additional segments that will dive even deeper into related aspects of resilience, and a special bonus segment answering a parent question about promoting resilience at home. Let’s get started! As always, we will begin looking at Building Resilience in Elementary School Students. Resilience in elementary students is about laying the foundation for a positive and enduring attitude toward challenges. At this level, children are learning to navigate social interactions, handle setbacks, and develop a growth mindset. In the early grades, it’s crucial to create a supportive and safe environment. This means showing empathy and patience as children learn to cope with difficulties. For instance, during a challenging math lesson, instead of focusing solely on the correct answers, emphasize the effort and process. Praise students for their persistence and willingness to try different approaches. One effective strategy is the use of storytelling. Sharing stories about characters who face and overcome obstacles can help children understand that setbacks are a natural part of learning. For example, a story about a turtle who slowly but surely makes it to the finish line despite numerous obstacles can be incredibly impactful. It teaches that persistence, not speed, is key to success. Classroom activities can also play a significant role. Incorporating group projects where students must work together to solve problems can help them develop collaboration and problem-solving skills. When they encounter difficulties, guide them to reflect on what went wrong and how they can approach the problem differently next time. This reflection fosters a mindset that values learning from mistakes. Another important aspect is modeling resilience. Teachers should openly share their own experiences with challenges and how they overcame them. This transparency helps students see that even adults face difficulties and that resilience is a lifelong skill. To illustrate this, let me share a heartwarming story about a student named Emily. Emily was a first grader who struggled with reading. She often became frustrated and wanted to give up. Her teacher, Mrs. Johnson, noticed this and decided to introduce Emily to the story of"The Little Engine That Could." They read it together, and Mrs. Johnson would often remind Emily,“Just like the little engine, you can do it too!” Over time, Emily began to echo the phrase,“I think I can, I think I can,” whenever she faced a difficult word. Slowly but surely, her reading skills improved, and with them, her confidence and resilience. And now, let's move onto how we can Nurture Resilience in Middle School Students. Middle school is a pivotal time for building resilience. Students at this stage are experiencing significant physical, emotional, and social changes. It’s a time of self-discovery, and resilience becomes essential for navigating the ups and downs. One effective approach is integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum. S-E-L programs teach skills such as self-awareness, self-management, and relationship building. Activities like journaling can help students articulate their feelings and reflect on their experiences. This practice not only helps them process emotions but also builds emotional intelligence, a key component of resilience. Encouraging autonomy and responsibility is another strategy. Give students opportunities to take charge of their learning through projects that require planning and decision-making. When they encounter obstacles, resist the urge to step in immediately. Instead, guide them to problem-solve and find solutions on their own. This empowerment fosters a sense of control and competence, which are crucial for resilience. Peer support is also invaluable. Create a classroom culture where students feel safe to share their struggles and support one another. Group discussions and team-building activities can strengthen these bonds. When students know they are not alone in their challenges, they are more likely to persevere. I remember a student named James, who was a shy seventh grader struggling with group presentations. His teacher, Mr. Alvarez, paired him with a supportive and encouraging classmate. Together, they worked on a history project. James was nervous, but with his partner’s encouragement and Mr. Alvarez’s gentle guidance, he gradually gained confidence. By the end of the year, James volunteered to lead a group presentation on his own. The support from his peers and the opportunity to step out of his comfort zone had a profound impact on his resilience. Lastly, lets look at Cultivating Resilience in High School Students. High school students face the dual pressures of academic achievement and preparing for their futures. Resilience at this stage involves managing stress, maintaining motivation, and developing a strong sense of self-efficacy. One key strategy is fostering a growth mindset. High school teachers should emphasize that abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication. Incorporate discussions about famous individuals who faced failures before achieving success. These examples can inspire students to view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. Providing real-world challenges is another effective approach. Projects that require critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity help students develop resilience. These projects should include stages where students must revise and improve their work based on feedback. This iterative process teaches that initial failure is not the end, but a step toward improvement. Mentorship programs can also make a significant difference. Pairing students with mentors who can provide guidance and support helps them navigate challenges with more confidence. Mentors can share their own experiences of overcoming difficulties, providing a relatable and motivational perspective. Let me share the story of Maria, a high school senior who dreamed of becoming an engineer but struggled with advanced math courses. Her mentor, Ms. Thompson, a math teacher, worked with her after school, breaking down complex problems and providing constant encouragement. Maria’s initial test scores were discouraging, but she persisted, fueled by Ms. Thompson’s belief in her abilities. By the end of the year, Maria not only passed her math courses but also gained acceptance into a prestigious engineering program. Her resilience was a testament to the power of mentorship and hard work. Now, lets look at the Role of School Culture in Building Resilience in our students. Beyond individual classroom strategies, the overall school culture plays a crucial role in fostering resilience. A supportive and inclusive school environment can significantly impact students' ability to handle adversity. Creating a culture of respect and empathy starts with the administration. School leaders should prioritize policies and practices that promote mental health and well-being. This includes providing professional development for teachers on recognizing and supporting students in distress. When teachers are equipped to handle emotional challenges, students feel more secure and understood. Extracurricular activities are also vital. Encouraging students to participate in clubs, sports, and arts programs can help them develop a sense of belonging and community. These activities provide a platform for students to explore their interests, build friendships, and experience success outside the academic realm, all of which contribute to resilience. Parental involvement is another critical factor. Schools should foster strong home-school connections through regular communication and involvement opportunities. When parents are engaged in their children's education, they can provide additional support and encouragement, reinforcing resilience-building efforts at school. I recall the story of a school that implemented a"Kindness Campaign," where students and staff performed acts of kindness and shared their experiences during school assemblies. This initiative not only improved the school atmosphere but also encouraged students to support one another. One student, Alex, who had recently moved and was struggling to fit in, found comfort in the supportive environment. His participation in the campaign helped him make friends and build the resilience needed to adapt to his new school. Life is a rollercoaster ride, and building Resilience in the Face of Adversity is so important! Let’s discuss how to support students facing significant adversities, such as family issues, illness, or traumatic events. These situations require a delicate and compassionate approach to resilience-building. Teachers should be aware of the signs of distress and know how to refer students to appropriate support services, such as school counselors or psychologists. Creating a safe space where students feel comfortable discussing their challenges is crucial. Listening without judgment and offering empathy can make a world of difference. Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques into the classroom can help students manage stress and build emotional resilience. Simple practices like deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, or short meditation sessions can equip students with tools to calm their minds and cope with anxiety. Additionally, fostering a sense of hope and optimism is essential. Help students set realistic goals and celebrate their progress, no matter how small. Encouraging them to focus on their strengths and achievements can build their confidence and resilience in the face of adversity. Consider the story of a student named Sarah, who lost her father to illness during her junior year. Her teachers and school counselor worked closely with her, providing emotional support and flexibility with assignments. They encouraged her to join a grief support group at school, where she connected with other students facing similar experiences. This support network helped Sarah navigate her grief and continue her studies. Her resilience grew stronger as she realized she wasn’t alone and had people who cared about her well-being. Now, for our special bonus segment, we will address a common parent question:"How can I promote resilience at home?" First and foremost, model resilience. Share your own experiences with overcoming challenges and emphasize the importance of perseverance. Your attitude toward difficulties will greatly influence your child’s perspective. Encourage problem-solving and independence. When your child faces a problem, guide them to think of possible solutions rather than immediately stepping in to fix it. This approach helps them develop critical thinking skills and confidence in their abilities. Provide a supportive environment where it’s okay to fail. Encourage your child to take on new challenges and reassure them that mistakes are part of the learning process. Celebrate their efforts and progress rather than just the outcomes. Promote a growth mindset by praising their hard work and determination. Help them understand that abilities can be developed through effort and persistence. This mindset will help them approach challenges with a positive and resilient attitude. To illustrate, let’s revisit Emily’s story from the first segment. Emily’s mother, inspired by Mrs. Johnson’s approach, started reading resilience-building stories with her at home. She also set small, manageable challenges for Emily, like tying her shoes or solving a simple puzzle, and praised her efforts. Over time, these practices at home reinforced the resilience Emily was developing at school, leading to her improved reading skills and confidence. And now we have come to the end of another episode and today’s deep dive into building student resilience across elementary, middle, and high school levels. I hope you found these strategies and stories inspiring and practical. Remember, resilience is not just about bouncing back; it’s about growing through adversity and coming out stronger. For more resources on this topic, check out the links in our show notes. And as always, if you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, feel free to reach out. Thank you for joining us on Teaching with Valor. Keep nurturing those brave and resilient hearts and minds. Until next time, stay strong and keep teaching with valor!