Character Education: Perseverance (Grade 8)
What role does perseverance play in relationships and life success? How can developing perseverance equip people as world citizens who contribute to the common good?
Photo Credit: Teen Volunteers by Princeton Public Library is licensed under CC by 2.0
Perseverance involves staying with a task even if it is difficult. Learners identify obstacles and barriers they must overcome in order to reach a goal. They brainstorm universal obstacles to completing goals in difficult situations and then they write creative one-liners to help them face obstacles with determination and humor. As a reflection, the learners illustrate a conversation about perseverance between Lyndon B. Johnson and an imaginary opponent.
Learners define perseverance and identify the need to persevere in completing tasks. They will explore obstacles and excuses that deter perseverance.
Learners brainstorm universal obstacles to completing tasks and meeting goals.
Perseverance involves breaking down a task into small parts and seeing it through, even if it is difficult. In this lesson, groups plan a service project, including what is needed, how to overcome barriers, and a timeline.
Learners reflect on universal obstacles to persevering and write creative "one-liners" to help them face obstacles with creativity, determination, and humor.
As a reflection exercise on perseverance, learners illustrate a conversation about perseverance between two people.