This blog has gained many new readers over the past year. Because of that, I thought it might be worth sharing a daily “A Look Back” where I share a best post from the past twelve years. You can also see all of my choices for “Best” posts here.
This post originally appeared in 2016:
I just came back from taking my grandkids to see the new Disney movie “Zootopia.”
Though I agree with other reviewers who say the movie’s message on race and prejudice is a bit muddled, I also have to say that I think it provides an excellent perspective on “grit.”
At the beginning, he movie’s star, Judy the rabbit, exemplifies the sterotypical belief in grit – she will try, try, try and succeed, and won’t let anything stop her. As the film goes on, however, she finds that her individual grit isn’t enough — she has to deal with additional challenges she faces from the attitudes and prejudices of society at large, and needs advice and assistance from others to ultimately succeed.
This story reflects what I wrote in my Education Week Teacher column titled ‘It’s Time to Change the Conversation About Grit’:
researchers David Yeager, Gregory Walton and Geoffrey L. Cohen have defined [it] as “the fuller formula for success: effort + strategies + help from others.”
The movie’s message is particularly timely in light of very recent cautions from Carol Dweck (Carol Dweck Makes Strongest Statement Yet On Growth Mindset Misuse) and Angela Duckworth (NY Times Reports On Social Emotional Learning Run Amok) about the dangers of viewing Social Emotional Learning as panaceas.
Even with those concerns, I have to admit I also did like the Shakira theme song for the movie, “Try Everything,” and see how that could be used as part of an SEL lesson.
Here are the lyrics to the song, along with four videos:
* The official music video to the movie
* A “lyrics video” of the song
* Two official trailers to the movie
You might also be interested in:
Video: “Better Call Saul” Scene Illustrates The Limitations Of Grit
The Best Video Clips Demonstrating “Grit” – Help Me Find More
My teammate, Kathleen Ahlers, a talented photographer and videographer asked her 3rd grade students to send her videos related to trying new things. Then they worked together and made it into this video!
https://vimeo.com/222685232
Since you enjoyed the theme song, I think you’ll enjoy her video.
Your students might like seeing how 3rd graders in Arlington, VA are TRYING EVERYTHING!