Cardinal John Foley School

The virtue for the month of February is perseverance—the ability to stick with something even when it is difficult. We intentionally look for ways to help students build this skill because we know that life presents many situations where perseverance is necessary.

It is inevitable that children will face moments of disappointment: not making a team, struggling in a class for the first time, navigating changing friendships, or not getting a job or opportunity they were hoping for. We want them to know that it is okay to feel upset in these moments; those feelings are natural and valid. At the same time, these experiences can also become opportunities to practice perseverance—especially when something truly matters to them.

One way we work to build perseverance at school is through our puzzle initiative. Puzzles often challenge us and can feel frustrating at times. Through guided support, students learn that frustration is part of the process, not a sign of failure. When they finally “get it,” the sense of accomplishment helps them see that perseverance is worthwhile and rewarding.

Some ways that parents and teachers can support the growth of perseverance is by:

·       Allowing children to experience appropriate struggle without immediately stepping in to fix the problem

·       Acknowledging feelings of frustration or disappointment while encouraging effort and persistence

·       Asking questions such as, “What’s one small step you could try next?” or “What helped you keep going last time?”

·       Praising effort, growth, and follow-through rather than just outcomes