Fall Into Good Character-Perseverance
Have you met Do’er Duck? This is one of the nine Characters of Character who have impacted thousand of children and helped build a firm foundation for our children to build up on. How many times have you said to your child; “Try again?” or, “You can do it!” The Little Engine Who Could story comes to mind, right? It’s a classic children’s story from back in the day. A story of perseverance. Like our character Do’er Duck, helping to reinforce and teach a child that you should not give up, you should not quit and with perseverance, patience and endurance, dog gone it, you can do it! The outcome is spectacular! The feeling of accomplishment is even better, knowing that you just kept trying and you did it helps you feel that you can do anything when you put your mind to it.
Here are some tips from Do’er Duck to help teach or reinforce in your own children or classroom what it means to PERSEVERE:
Ask for help if you are not sure how to do something.
Ask for help if you are not sure what is expected of you.
Take your time, be patient with yourself!
Take a break if you need to, but, do not quit!
Keep a positive mindset and keep trying!
Practice makes perfect, it may take a couple of trys at something new, keep at it!
Not ‘IF’ but, ‘WHEN’ your child or student perseveres, reward them, encourage them to keep up the good work! Print out this certificate of achievement from Do’er Duck to help get you started. YOU are NOT spoiling a child with encouragement by any means. I had many ways to encourage our kids while they were growing up. While each of them had their own personalities, it was up to my husband and I to recognize what sparked them. When a child has difficulty with a task, project or new environment, its really very important to help them feel comfortable to come to you with any questions or concerns that they may have.
For example, if and when your child struggles with a task, be patient with them, allow them to fail and allow them to soar! It builds character, helps with coping skills and teaches them more about their own capabilities which builds a better mindset. How many times have you, yourself thought about quitting or throwing in the towel on something? Things get hard and we think it’s the easy way out, NOT!! One can learn so much when they keep trying, persevere and see a task or committment through. Children need encouragement and to understand what your expectations are in all situations. So, encourage them! Be their role model and allow them to internalize the feeling of your approval for a job well done. It’s important to not just point out the bad choices that are made, but instead, point out the good choices. This puts a bounce in their step, a smile on their face and happiness all around!
The above are in the Resource book which is filled with templates, ideas and suggestions to reinforce and teach perseverance. The bulletin board book and poster book is filled with reproducible activities to use as visual reminders while learning and teaching perseverance to our children and youth. You don’t need a bulletin board, use a door! Keeping visual reminders is a great way to reinforce anything. Use the chart as a journal prompt, a sticker chart and an open discussion with your child.
Each of the Characters of Character have a Resource Book filled with templates, suggestions and ideas to help teach and reinforce their character trait. Do’er Duck can be found here. There is also a Bulletin Board and Posters Book for you to teach this trait and is available here. Let’s Persevere social story is available here. A small investment for a lifetime of learning! Remember that your children or students look up to you, you are their role model, they are listening to what you say, they are watching what you do and how you engage with others. Make good choices.
How about our Do’er Duck Planting Journal, a fun way to grow sunflowers and learn about planting, growing and measuring is available here.
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TELL me and I forget, TEACH me and I remember, INVOLVE me and I learn. Benjamin Franklin
