Grit and Perseverance Videos and Activities for Kids

Perseverance is a powerful trait that can help kids overcome challenges and achieve their goals, no matter how tough things get. Teaching children about grit—the ability to keep going even when things get difficult—helps them build resilience and confidence for a lifetime.

In this blog, we’re sharing some videos that highlight the importance of perseverance for kids. From animated cartoons to read alouds, to songs, to Ted Talks for older kids, these videos are a helpful way to introduce the concept of grit and perseverance to kids to encourage them to stick with goals, learn from mistakes, and keep pushing forward.

If you want some books on grit and perseverance, be sure to check out this blog post.

The first video I am going to share is a grit and perseverance video social story that I made.

Here are some more videos on grit and perseverance for kids:

3 Dudes Who Never Gave Up by RocketKids is a video that introduces 3 people who exemplified perseverance. Elvis shares the stories of Harlan Sanders, Nick Vujicic, and Thomas Edison, highlighting how they faced immense challenges and never gave up, ultimately achieving great success. Each story serves as a motivational lesson on the importance of persistence in the face of adversity.

Xavier Riddle | Puzzled: The Value of Perseverance by PBS Kids is a 1:50 cartoon video showing Brad who struggles to keep his tent standing to earn his tent making badge. With encouragement from Berby and inspiration from scientist Marie Curie, he learns the importance of perseverance: sticking with something even when it's challenging. Motivated by Curie's example of overcoming obstacles, Brad successfully builds his tent and realizes that perseverance is key to achieving his goals.

PBS KIDS Talk About: Perseverance is a 9:49 video that features real families discussing the concept of perseverance. Children share their own experiences with challenges in school, sports, and activities like ballet and gymnastics. Conversations explore the importance of practice, determination, and knowing when it might be acceptable to give up on a goal. Parents and kids emphasize that perseverance is crucial for overcoming difficulties and achieving success in various endeavors.

Perseverance for Kids by The Mr Saad Show is a 3:47 video encouraging kids to develop perseverance by highlighting its importance in overcoming challenges and achieving success. It emphasizes believing in oneself and not giving up, even when faced with difficulties. The message promotes trying new things, learning from failures, and seeking help from role models and friends to enhance problem-solving skills.

Perseverance by Build Character Success is a 1:57 video that teaches students about the importance of perseverance, emphasizing that it's about not giving up, even when faced with difficult challenges. Through the example of practicing basketball shooting, it illustrates how consistent effort leads to success. The lesson encourages students to think about how they can apply perseverance in their own lives and classrooms.

You Can Do It! A lesson on perseverance for kids by Douglas Talks is a 4:08 video where a puppet named Douglas teaches kids about the importance of perseverance, using his experience with a physical challenge in school to illustrate the concept. After struggling to complete a one-minute plank, he succeeded with encouragement from his gym teacher, Mr. Payne, who motivated him to keep going. Douglas emphasizes that, like Mr. Payne, God can help us persevere through life's challenges, doing what is right even when it's hard. He encourages viewers to trust God and lean on their community for support.

Amazing Kids of Character: Portraits of Perseverance by HumanRelationsMedia is a 1:44 video showcasing inspiring stories of kids who embody the virtues of perseverance, courage, empathy, respect, and responsibility. Each segment highlights real-life examples of how these children achieved remarkable results through their character traits, encouraging viewers to stand up and make a difference in their own lives and communities.

Kindness 101: A lesson in grit by CBS Mornings is an episode where Steve Hartman focuses on the concept of grit, illustrating its importance through the inspiring story of Felicia Perez, a determined high school football player. Despite being one of the shortest students and facing skepticism, she pursued her dream of playing football, embodying perseverance and resilience. Her story proves that grit can lead to remarkable achievements, regardless of one's size or societal expectations.

Determination with Dr. Panda in this 7:08 episode of Dr. Panda, the characters tackle a large laundry task for Moo and face challenges when the washing machine breaks down. They learn about teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance while fixing issues and getting the laundry done.

Songs about Grit and Perseverance

Keep on Trying Song by Jack Hartmann I love Jack Hartmann and this video features a fun , and inspirational song aimed at encouraging kids to persevere through challenges. It emphasizes the importance of not giving up, seeking help when needed, and maintaining a positive outlook despite difficulties in life and school.

Bruno Mars: Don't Give Up by Sesame Street is a fun song where Bruno Mars encourages children to persist in their efforts when attempting new and challenging activities, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience in this fun song called "Don't Give Up."

The Dip and Perseverance by Class Dojo

Perseverance (1 of 3) is a 4:19 video episode in the Class Dojo series on perseverance. In this video, Katie and Mojo explore the concept of 'The Dip', a challenging phase that everyone faces when striving to learn something new. While attending art class, Katie struggles with her artistic skills and feels anxious about an upcoming art show. Through a conversation with Thomas Mojomus Edison, she learns that encountering difficulties is a universal experience, including for geniuses, and is part of the learning process.

Perseverance (2 of 3) is a 3:57 video in ClassDojo's series on perseverance where Katie learns how to overcome challenges or 'The Dip'. With the help of her teacher Miss Clara, she discovers the importance of reflection in improving her work and finding a way out of her struggles. The story encourages kids to practice reflecting on their mistakes as a strategy for growth and perseverance.

Perseverance (3 of 3) is the final 3:57 video in ClassDojo's series on perseverance where Katie prepares for the Big Show, feeling anxious about her art piece. Despite initially striving to be the best, she learns to embrace the dip of self-improvement and reflects on her growth as an artist. The experience teaches her the value of perseverance over competition, leading to a change in her perspective towards art and success.

Read Aloud Videos on Grit and Perseverance

Perseverance Makes Me Stronger by Elizabeth Cole is a read aloud video by Little Cozy Nooks is a 5:21 video read-aloud of the children's book Perseverance Makes Me Stronger by Elizabeth Cole, focusing on the story of a young boy named Nick. After facing initial failures while learning to roller skate, Nick learns the importance of perseverance from his father's encouragement and relatable anecdotes. The narrative emphasizes growth mindset, tackling challenges, and the belief in oneself to overcome obstacles.

Ricky The Rock That Couldn't Roll Read Aloud by Book League Storytime Adventures is a 6:23 read aloud children's story about friendship and perseverance. It follows a group of rocks who discover Ricky, a flat-sided rock who cannot roll like the others. Determined to help their friend, they try various methods to enable him to roll and ultimately succeed, demonstrating the power of friendship and creativity in overcoming obstacles.

I Choose To Try Again by Elizabeth Estrada Read Aloud by Bedtime Stories is a 5:16 read aloud about Kiara, as she learns the importance of perseverance and diligence through various challenges. With guidance from her friend Whitney, Kiara discovers that making mistakes is a part of growth and emphasizes the value of trying again after failures, fostering mental strength and resilience.

A Little Spot of Perseverance by Diane Alber by Moomi Reads Aloud is a 4:57 read aloud video aimed at teaching children the importance of perseverance through various challenges. It emphasizes the qualities necessary for perseverance, including patience, determination, confidence, optimism, courage, teamwork, and mindfulness. The book illustrates how developing a 'perseverance spot' can help children tackle difficulties and encourages continuous effort despite setbacks.

Stephen Curry's The Boy Who Never Gave Up by Anthony Curcio Read Aloud by Magical Little Minds is a 5:42 video read aloud about the inspiring story of NBA superstar Stephen Curry. The book chronicles Curry's early struggles with self-doubt due to his height and size, his relentless practice and determination, eventually leading him to succeed in high school, college, and the NBA, showcasing that perseverance is more important than physical attributes in achieving dreams.

I Won't Give Up by Danielle Kenney is a 2:30 read aloud by Book League Storytime Adventures. The book illustrates various challenges faced by children such as learning to tie shoes, ride a bike, do math, play piano, and hit a ball, reinforcing the importance of determination and resilience. The narrator encourages young listeners to keep trying despite frustrations and challenges, highlighting that persistence is a superpower that leads to achieving goals.

Perseverance Makes Me Stronger by Reading Pioneers Academy is a 9:52 read aloud of the book by Elizabeth Cole. It tells the story of a young boy named Nick, who learns about the importance of perseverance through his struggles with roller skating. With encouragement from his father, Nick realizes that failure is a part of the learning process and that believing in oneself can lead to overcoming obstacles. Kids learn that through perseverance, children can achieve their goals despite challenges and setbacks.

Ronnie and His Grit by Vooks is an animated read aloud that follows the life of NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience. Ronnie learns to listen to his inner voice called 'Grit,' which encourages him to keep trying, respect others, and pursue his dreams, especially during challenging times. Through struggles and triumphs in sports, Ronnie exemplifies how grit can lead to success and inspire others. The story encourages children to recognize and cultivate their own inner grit.

Grit and Perseverance Videos For Older Kids

Overcoming Obstacles by Steven Claunch is a Ted-ed animated video where Steven Claunch shares his personal journey of overcoming physical disabilities and encourages others to face their own challenges. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on abilities rather than limitations, using examples like Jim Abbott's baseball success to inspire resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

The Mindset of a Champion is a 6:48 TEDx talk, where 5th grader Carson Byblow discusses the importance of having a growth mindset, emphasizing how it can lead to success in overcoming personal challenges. He shares his experiences with reading difficulties, drawing comparisons with famous figures like Michael Jordan, to illustrate how perseverance and a willingness to learn can transform one's abilities. Byblow encourages viewers to embrace the concept of 'yet' to signify ongoing improvement.

The Power of Perseverance by Chloe Freund is a TedxTalk 3:28 video where middle schooler, Chloe Freund shares her journey of perseverance, emphasizing that true perseverance goes beyond definitions and involves striving toward one's goals despite challenges. With personal anecdotes, she illustrates how overcoming failures and doubts has led to her growth and success in art, encouraging others to find their potential.

Perseverance for Students by Mister Brown Kids is a 3:52 video that would be good for older students. In this video, Mister Brown discusses the importance of perseverance through personal anecdotes from his childhood. He emphasizes that perseverance means sticking with a task until it's completed, even when it's difficult, and highlights the choices we make that can lead to personal growth and success. The lesson is to focus on progress rather than the entirety of the task, and to approach hard tasks with a strategy and a positive mindset. Grit Motivational Video by INSPIRED Motivation is a short 2:00 inspirational video that discusses the concept of 'grit' as a vital component of success, emphasizing perseverance, sustained passion, and the ability to confront challenges head-on. It highlights the importance of continuous self-improvement and the willingness to endure discomfort in pursuit of goals. Grit is presented as the defining factor that separates successful individuals from those who give up in the face of adversity.

Grit, By Angela Duckworth | An Animated Summary | Between The Lines Animations by Jeffrey Marr This 4:10 video emphasizes that success is not solely determined by IQ or talent, but rather by a combination of talent and persistent effort. Grit is identified as a crucial quality that contributes to success, and it can be developed through interest, practice, purpose, and hope. The video recommends surrounding oneself with gritty individuals to foster a supportive environment and outlines the importance of having a growth mindset.

Activities to Teach Grit and Perseverance to Kids

I know you’re going to love this new Grit and Perseverance Bundle that’s on sale now!

I’ve put together a collection of interactive and fun activities that’ll help your kids build grit and resilience. Whether you’re working with younger kids or upper elementary, this bundle has something to support them at every stage. The activities are designed to encourage kids to learn to keep trying and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. 

What’s Included at a Discount in the Bundle:

• Set 1: Grit & Perseverance Game and Activity Set – Kids will practice pushing through challenges and learn the importance of resilience with a board game, scenario cards to sort, and worksheets.

  
  

• Set 2: Perseverance Social Story & Game Set – This set includes a social story, a board game, worksheets, and open-ended discussion prompts to help children understand the importance of never giving up.

  
  

• Set 3: Perseverance Flip Booklet & Reading and Writing – Perfect for upper elementary students, this set includes reflection activities, a story with writing prompts, worksheets, and graphic organizers to help them explore how perseverance shows up in their lives.

Each Set Also Includes:

✔ S.M.A.R.T. IEP and Treatment Plan Objectives for Easy Goal Writing

✔ "I Can" Learning Targets Poster

✔ Playing a Game Visual Poster

✔ Data Collection Sheet

✔ Positive Notes Home

✔ Editable Letter to Families About Grit and Perseverance

✔ Suggested Companion Resources and Ideas to Extend and Practice Perseverance

✔ Resources Come in Both Color and Black and White, Digital and Print!

Each of these resources is designed to spark meaningful conversations about the power of persistence and to give your students the tools they need to strengthen their grit.

You can also get this at a bigger discount in my Social Skills Treasury Growing Bundle which has units on flexible thinking, grit, kindness, perspective-taking, and sportsmanship. Sneak peek: I’m adding 3 more resources soon, so grab the bundle before the price goes up!)

 

Free Perseverance and Grit Coloring Pages

And if you're looking for some free coloring pages on grit and perseverance for kids, and you're a subscriber, just head to the free resource library. Otherwise, sign up to become a subscriber today!