If at first you don't succeed, try try again: Perseverance (Gr. K-2) by

The Power of Yet by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 02:56:51 UTC

A young piglet becomes frustrated when he is not "yet" able to ride a bike, flip pancakes, join the baseball team, play the violin, ride a rollercoaster, or finish a 1000-piece puzzle. Through his struggles with these everyday tasks, he learns that "the path to YET is not a straight line," and that it takes practice, patience, courage and grit to achieve your goals.

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 02:58:10 UTC

After finishing his swimming lessons and passing the swim test, Jabari feels ready to jump off the diving board at his local pool. While he tells his father he's not scared "at all," Jabari's father teaches him that it's okay to be scared. When feels a little scared, he takes a deep breath and tells himself that he is ready. After taking his father's advice, Jabari re-climbs the diving board ladder and splashes into the water!

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 02:59:28 UTC

Vashti doesn't like art class because she believes she can't draw. When she has a blank paper at the end of class, her teacher encourages her to "make a mark and see where it goes." Vashti's "dot" takes her on journey of creativity and teaches readers that with a little hard work, anyone can be an artist if they believe in themselves.

Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andrae

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:00:45 UTC

Every year in Africa, the animals hold a Jungle Dance. Although Gerald the giraffe wants to dance well at the event, his thin legs and bandy knees prevent him from doing so. After the other animals make fun of him at the dance, Gerald leaves and meets cricket, who teaches him that "we all can dance when we find music that we love."

When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left by Peter H. Reynolds

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:01:53 UTC

This picture book teaches readers that they have the power to choose their own paths. When things aren't going right for the boy, he decides to "go left," leaving behind his worries, doubts, fears, and frustrations along his journey.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:02:31 UTC

A girl has an idea to make the most magnificent thing, but struggles bringing her idea to life. After she has given up on her attempts, her canine assistant encourages her to take a long walk. While on her walk, she comes across all her failed attempts of the most magnificent thing and realizes that some of the wrong things have the right parts. This picture book teaches readers the importance of perspective and that although failure can be frustrating, it can also be valuable.

Betty Bunny Wants a Goal by Michael B. Kaplan

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:03:34 UTC

Betty Bunny wants to score ten goals in her first soccer game. Although she tries her hardest, Betty Bunny does not score a single goal and decides that soccer is "yucky." It is up to Betty's older siblings to convince her to try again (otherwise they don't get to play their video games). Through persistence and practice, Betty scores her first goal and learns that "trying is important, but if you want to get good at something, you also have to practice."

How to Solve a Problem by Ashima Shiraishi

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:05:02 UTC

Ashima Shiraishi is an American rock climber that began climbing at the age of 6. Now 23 years old, How to Solve a Problem tells the true story of how Ashima has learned to overcome obstacles in both her life and climbing career. Climbers refer to boulders as "problems," and Ashima solves her problems by climbing to the top. Although there are falls and mistakes made along the way, she breaks these falls into little pieces, using them as hints to ultimately achieve her goals.

Long Shot: Never Too Small to Dream Big by Chris Paul

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:05:49 UTC

Chris Paul is a 10x NBA All-Star and 2x Olympic Gold medalist. Although he is considered a NBA superstar today, many considered Chris to be too small to play basketball when he was in school. However, Chris's grandfather, Papa Chilly, tells him "work harder than everyone else on the court and your size won't matter." Through hard work and determination, Chris makes the school team, teaching readers that you are never too small to dream big.

Players in Pigtails by Shana Corey

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:06:29 UTC

Players in Pigtails is a historical fiction picture book that tells the story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was created by Philip Wrigley in 1943. Katie Casey "wasn't good at being a girl" and dreamed of playing baseball. Although her parents and peers continuously asked her "what good is baseball to a girl?" she finally gets her chance when Philip Wrigley, owner of the Chicago Cubs, decides to form the first (and only) girls professional league.

Dream Big: Michael Jordan and the Pursuit of Excellence by Deloris Jordan

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:07:10 UTC

Michael Jordan's mother, Deloris, provides a glimpse into young Michael's dreams of becoming an Olympian. While Michael's friends Reggie and David wanted to become astronauts and pilots when they grew up, Michael always dreamed of playing basketball in the Olympics. Although Michael worked hard on the court to pursue his basketball dreams, his mother also emphasizes the role that good values and doing well in school can play in achieving one's dreams.

The Girl Who Ran: Bobbi Gibb, the First Woman to Run the Boston Marathon by Frances Poletti & Kristina Yee

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:08:06 UTC

The Girl Who Ran depicts the true story of Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to run in the Boston Marathon. In 1966, everyone in Bobbi's life believed it was impossible for women to run a marathon, as her application for the race was rejected because "girls don't run marathons." However, this belief didn't stop Bobbi, as she was determined to run, stating "she said she would do it, she wasn't a liar; she'd show them by running like the wind and the fire."

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:18:18 UTC

Molly Lou Melon is the shortest girl in first grade, with buck teeth and a 'voice that sounded like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor." However, her grandmother has always told her to walk proud, smile big, and sing out clear and strong, so that's what she does. When Molly Lou Melon starts a new school, however, a boy named Ronald Durkin begins to bullying her for these same qualities. Throughout the rest of the story, Molly Lou Melon teaches both Ronald and readers to embrace their individuality and celebrate the differences that make us unique, no matter what anyone else says.

The Day You Begin by Jaqueline Woodson

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:19:53 UTC

The Day You Begin teaches readers that although we all may feel like an outsider sometimes, it is especially brave to go forth and share our stories anyway. This picture book provides multiple children's perspectives on how they feel like outsiders in school, but once one person shares their story, they find out that they may have more in common than they think.

Meesha Makes Friends by Tom Percival

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:20:37 UTC

Meesha is great at making things, but not at making friends. When Meesha is invited to a party, she ultimately finds herself playing alone, as she is unsure of what to say or do. It is not until she meets Josh, who is interested in her creations, that she learns that her special talent may just be the thing that helps her overcome her fear of social situations.

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:21:44 UTC

Rosa is determined to buy a chair for her mother after their home is destroyed by a fire. With help from her grandmother, Rosa and her mother save coins in a jar until they finally have enough money to buy a chair comfortable enough for their family to sit in, especially when Rosa's mother comes home from working long hours each day. This picture book teaches readers how a community can come together to help meet a need as well as how a family can overcome hardship.

Me and the Boss by Michelle Edwards

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:22:40 UTC

Lee refers to his big sister, Zora, as "the boss." One day, "the boss" takes Lee to the library to learn how to sew, although he finds out he is not very good at it. When Lee goes home that evening, he works all night long to practice sewing and succeeds in closing the hole in his pocket. In the morning, Lee sneaks into Zora's room and mends her bears ripped ear. The two siblings then share a special moment before Zora returns to being "the boss" once again.

Flight School by Lita Judge

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:23:09 UTC

Although penguins cannot fly, Penguin is insistent that has the "soul of an eagle." Throughout Flight School, Penguin tries his best to soar, but ultimately accepts defeat once everyone passes the test but him. Thankfully, with the help of his friend Flamingo, the birds work together to make Penguin's dreams come true, teaching readers the power of teamwork and that your physical limits should never deter you from chasing your dreams.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:24:12 UTC

Wilbur is considered different than all the other naked mole-rats in his colony because he likes to get dressed. The other mole rats become so angry that Wilbur conform to their rules that they decide to reveal his secret to Grandpah, the "oldest, wisest, and most naked mole rat." Upon this reveal, however, Grandpah loves the idea of clothes, and wishes he had dressed earlier, teaching readers it's okay to be different and to stay true to yourself.

When Langston Dances by Kaija Langley

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:24:49 UTC

Langston likes basketball, but he adores ballet. After his mother takes him to see the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Langston wants nothing more that to dance. While a boy at school tells Langston that "boys don't dance like that," Langston's mother encourages him to pursue his passion, telling him "you can do whatever you set your mind to doing."

Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:25:24 UTC

Grace is a girl who loves stories, whether they are read to her, told to her, or made up in her own head. When her school decides Peter Pan will be the school play, Grace wants more than anything to act as the lead. However, her classmates remind her that Peter is a boy and is also not black. However, her family tells her that "you can be anything you want, Grace, if you put your mind to it," teaching her to follow her dreams and stay true to herself.

Ron’s Big Mission by Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:26:01 UTC

Rons' Big Mission is based off the life experiences of astronaut and physicist Ronald McNair. As a child, Ron loved going to his public library and looking through all the books. However, in the 1950's, only white people were allowed to check books out of the library. Ron decides his "big mission" today is to check out his books on airplanes and flight without the help of a white adult. Through peaceful resistance and determination, Ron is able to achieve his goal, and earns his own library card in the process.

On a Beam of Light by Jennifer Berne

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:26:32 UTC

From young age, Albert Einstein didn't want to be like the other children around him, as his teachers believed he wouldn't amount to anything if he didn't behave like all the other students. Instead, he wanted to "discover the hidden mysteries in the world" and imagined he was racing through space on a beam of light. This text shares the story of how Albert Einstein went from a boy distracted by the wonders around him and grew to be the genius we recognize him as today.

Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx by Jonah Winter

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:27:20 UTC

Before Justice Sonia Sotomayor was named the first Hispanic and third woman on the Supreme Court, she was just a girl from the South Bronx. Growing up, Sonia's family did not have much, as her mother worked tirelessly day and night to provide for her and her brother. However, Sonia did not let poverty or prejudice stand in the way of her dreams as bravery, determination, and her mother's love led her to success. Justice Sotomayor states "although I grew up in very modest and challenging circumstances, I consider my life to be immeasurably rich."

Inquiry Questions

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:33:24 UTC

What is perseverance?
How can we persevere through challenges we face in our day-to-day lives?
Why do you think it's important to keep on going, even when things get hard?

Inquiry Questions

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:33:56 UTC

Why is perseverance important in sports?
How can challenges playing sports impact our motivation to play?
How can coaches encourage perseverance in their athletes?

Inquiry Questions

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:34:13 UTC

How can perseverance help you in different areas of your life?
What does perseverance mean in regards to our relationships (family & friends)?
How would you encourage a friend or family member who is struggling to persevere?

Inquiry Questions

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:34:22 UTC

How can you use perseverance to accomplish a goal?
How can someone else's perseverance inspire you?
What is the difference between perseverance and stubbornness?

[VIDEO 2] Sesame Street: Janelle Monae - Power of Yet

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:39:06 UTC

Similar to the text The Power of Yet, this video introduces viewers to the "Power of Yet" but through song. Janelle Monae teaches the characters of Sesame Street that the "Power of Yet" is if you keep trying you'll be able to reach your goal. You shouldn't give up on yourself because eventually you'll learn how!

[VIDEO 1] PBS KIDS Talk About: Perseverance

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:44:00 UTC

In this video, families sit down and discuss what perseverance means to them and how they have personally overcome obstacles in school, sports, and everyday activities. Examples include running for school election, participating in sports such as baseball and cheerleading, doing homework, and the 2020 COVID pandemic. In addition, they also discuss when is an appropriate time to give something up and try something new.

[VIDEO 1] Story Time: Long Shot, a book by Chris Paul

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:50:17 UTC

Chris Paul, NBA superstar and author of Long Shot, provides background information about the creation of his book as well as small anecdotes about his childhood during "Story Time."

[VIDEO 2] A Boston Marathon First: Bobbi Gibb On Her History-Making Run

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:54:33 UTC

50 years after her historic run, Bobbi Gibb details her experience of becoming the first woman to ever run in the Boston Marathon. Although Bobbi was running 40 miles at a time in preparation for the marathon, her application was denied, ultimately causing her to unofficially enter the race. Bobbi wanted to "inspire people to follow their passion and their love" and "show that men and women can do things together and share all of life together."

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 2] Wonderopolis: Who is Michael Jordan?

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:54:59 UTC

This article answers questions ("wonders") regarding who Michael Jordan is, how many awards and championships he won during his basketball career, and what activities Jordan participates in outside of basketball. A video biography of Michael Jordan's life thus far is attached to the article for viewing as well.

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 1] PBS Kids: 5 Ways to Practice Perseverance as a Family

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:55:14 UTC

This article from PBS Kids shares five ways parents can practice perseverance with their children. They include setting small goals, normalizing mistakes, figuring out feelings together, cheering on children as they follow their passions and interests, and talking about the importance of supporting friends and family.

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 2] Cosmic Kids: 48 Positive Affirmations for Kids

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:55:23 UTC

This blog provides children with 48 positive affirmations to help foster self-esteem, confidence and resilience, as well as "yoga adventures" that can help students feel calm when facing challenges or fighting feelings of negativity.

Engagements

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:55:53 UTC

After reading The Most Magnificent Thing, the teacher will post the following headings on the board/chart paper: Goal, Barrier, Strategy. As a class, students will then discuss and record the main character's goal, the barrier(s) to that goal, and the strategies she used to overcome the barrier(s).
After reading The Power of Yet, students will complete a graphic organizer, recording a list of things they CAN DO in one column, and a list of things they CAN'T DO YET in the other column. Students will then select one item they CAN'T DO YET that they want to achieve and discuss with a partner how they can use perseverance to meet that goal.
Students will use FlipGrid to record themselves explaining a time where they had to persevere and what strategies they used to overcome the respective barriers.

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 1] Wonderopolis: Why Isn't There Baseball for Women?

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:56:06 UTC

This article discusses why there are no women in Major League Baseball. The article also educates readers on the existence of Title IX and the formation of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II. Readers can interact with the video attached to the article to view interviews of women that played in AAGPL as well.

Engagements

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:56:19 UTC

Students will analyze the Michael Jordan quote "if you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it.” Using a response pathway of their choice, (written response, audio/video recording, drawing), students will explain what the quote means to them and how they can apply it in their own life.
Using PebbleGo, students will research athletes who had to persevere to be successful in their sport (Ex: Michael Jordan, Chris Paul, Bethany Hamilton, Wilma Rudolph, etc.)
With adult assistance, students will use their research to create a multimedia or handwritten poster depicting a biography of their chosen athlete and explaining how they used perseverance to succeed in their life/sport.

[AUDIO 1] The Big Life Kids Podcast: Be the Kid Who Never Gives Up

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:56:34 UTC

The Big Life Kids Podcast tells stories through characters Zara and Leo, with episodes focusing on teaching children how to be resilient, believe in themselves, and how to face life's challenges with confidence. In this episode "Be the Kid Who Never Gives Up" (EP 5), Zara tells Leo the story of Paralympian Ade Adepitan, and how he uses perseverance to overcome all his life challenges, whether they're as big as a volcano, or as small as a basketball. Through this story, Zara helps Leo understand that "success means trying, and trying, and trying again!"

[VIDEO 2] PBS Kids: Daniel - Tiger's Neighborhood

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:56:41 UTC

Daniel Tiger and his teacher help his friend, O, to practice perseverance and not give up even though his block tower keeps falling over. This teaches viewers how they can encourage their friends to persevere, as well as teaching them that persistence, patience and a different perspective can help them achieve their goals.

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 1] National Geographic Kids: How to Be an Awesome Friend

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:56:51 UTC

This article provides children with tips on how to meet new friends, be a friend, and keep a friend. The article states "just like baking cookies or playing soccer, making friends is a skill. And the more you practice, the easier it gets."

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 1]

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:56:58 UTC

This blog post/infographic provides 15 movies about perseverance for children. As stated in the post, "watching and discussing movies about perseverance is one way to help children build this essential skill." Perseverance topics in these movies include friendship/teamwork, achieving dreams, overcoming hardship, and staying true to yourself.

[VIDEO 2] PBS Kids: Xavier Riddle - The Value of Perseverance

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:57:08 UTC

Brad is excited to earn his tent making badge, but first he must successfully build a tent that stays up on its own. Brad takes inspiration from Marie Curie, as she demonstrated perseverance when she followed her dreams of becoming a scientist even though the schools didn't accept girls.

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 1] National Geographic Kids: Albert Einstein

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:57:13 UTC

This article uses comic-like illustrations to depict a timeline of Albert Einstein's life, starting with his birth in 1879 and concluding in 1933, when Einstein decided to continue his scientific research at Princeton University.

[VIDEO 1] Let's Meet: Justice Sotomayor (Bronx Children's Museum)

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:57:21 UTC

Justice Sotomayor talks about her experiences growing up in the Bronx in addition to how she worked hard to make her dreams come true.

[SUPPORTIVE TEXT 2] Britannica Kids: Ronald McNair

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:57:31 UTC

This Britannica Entry provides readers with a biography of astronaut and physicist Ronald McNair. The profile includes and introduction of who McNair was, information on his early life, his career as an astronaut, and the legacy he left, as he inspired others to follow their dreams.

Engagements

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:57:43 UTC

After reading Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed and Ron's Big Mission, students will participate in a class discussion identifying the difference between perseverance and stubbornness using a Venn Diagram.
Using a text of their choice from the subtopic, students will build a story sequence using a boxed panel format, depicting a key moment from the text where the main character demonstrated perseverance or broke the status quo.
Students will select a person whose perseverance has inspired them to achieve their own goals/dreams (friend, family member, athlete, historical figure). Students will use a multimodal response of their choice (written response, audio/video recording, poster) to present this person to the class, explaining how this person overcame obstacles and inspired them to persevere.

Engagements

noramiller6 — 2024-07-30 03:57:55 UTC

After reading Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon, students will participate in a multimodal retelling from the perspective of one of the three main characters: Molly Lou Melon, Ronald Durkin, or Molly Lou Melon's grandma.
Using a response pathway of their choice (written response, audio/video recording, drawing), students will answer the prompt: How can I stand tall like Molly Lou Melon?
Students will create their own graphic stories depicting how they would help a friend who is struggling to persevere in school.