Perseverance is an essential trait for effective learning. It is the ability to persist in the face of challenges and difficulties, and it plays a crucial role in achieving academic success and personal growth. It also aligns with the UNIS Value of ‘Courage’ and our Approaches to Learning. 

Grade 2 students have been exploring what perseverance can look like and what strategies they can use whether they are in Unit of Inquiry, Art or PE. The strategies students have been using across their time in school include:

 Growth mindset – The power of yet

• Positive Self Talk
• Seek help when needed
• Just right challenge 
• Learn from role models
• Mindfulness

To show how these strategies can be used beyond the classroom Grade 2 students participated in a Courage Day. Students were given a choice of 5 activities and had to rank how challenging they would be for them on our ‘Just right’ challenge scale, with the ideal learning zone being a 6,7 or 8. 

Based on how the students rated an activity, they were assigned to ensure that they would be challenged in the hope they would have to use their perseverance strategies. 

Listening to student reflections at the end of the day, the activities seemed to provide a  transformative experience for our Grade 2 students. Providing  them with a platform to:

• Apply perseverance strategies in real-life situations.
• Develop a strong sense of self-belief and resilience.
• Embrace challenges with enthusiasm and determination.
• Celebrate their individual strengths and abilities.

We are confident that Courage Day will leave a lasting impact on our students, empowering them to navigate life’s challenges with courage and perseverance.