Try, Learn, Try Again: Practicing Perseverance
Problem-solving and learning something new both require perseverance and flexible thinking. When we persevere, we keep trying even when something is difficult. We might try a new approach or keep practicing until the challenge we are facing becomes easier.
Stick With It: Encouraging Persistence in Kids
Persistence is a helpful trait in life. It describes how long we are able to stick at a task, manage frustration, and push through the challenges we encounter. Here are some ideas for parenting children at all levels of persistence.
Emotions & Self-Awareness
When facing a challenge like making blocks stack on each other or building a paper bridge, it’s helpful for children to consider what worked and what didn’t work in each attempt they made. Then think about what change could be made for better results the next try. Does it help to put the large blocks on the bottom of the block tower? Would a wider base of blocks help other blocks stack on top? Would a different material make the bridge stronger? Try each new idea and see if it helps complete the challenge.
Similarly, when children are learning a new skill like tying a shoe or riding a bike, it is helpful to think through ideas that might make the task easier. Would it help to loop the shoe string differently or push off with a different foot when starting out on the bike?
Help your child develop perseverance and a growth-mindset by facing and working through challenging tasks.
Articles
Learning How to Set Goals With Donkey Hodie
Setting and achieving goals helps kids (and grown-ups) build self-esteem — and teaches perseverance, too. Try these 3 easy steps for goal-setting with kids.
5 Ways to Practice Perseverance as a Family
Kids may approach how to try their best and not give up differently based on their interests and experiences. Try these five ways to practice perseverance.
Parenting Hacks That Help Children Become Problem Solvers
In “Lyla in the Loop,” parents Lydia and Louis Loops have a knack for creatively tackling issues that come up in life with kids. Try these parenting tips and tricks from the show.
3 Ways to Smooth Out Your Morning Routine
Feeling like your morning routine is a struggle? Here are three ways to improve your routine with kids!
Books About Scientists and Inventors
Inspire your young scientists and inventors with these picture book biographies for children ages 3-12.
What if...I Fail? Teaching Your Kids It's OK to Fail
In learning and exploring, we’re all going to face challenges. Instead of resisting challenges or new things out of fear of failure, encourage your kids to embrace them. Here are four ways to work through failure with your kids.
On "Sesame Street:" Embracing Mistakes and Not Giving Up
Through play, children can experience the joys of learning through failed attempts, which helps them learn focus and resiliency skills by persevering and not giving up.
"We Can Do Hard Things:" Building Resilience in Kids
In "Donkey Hodie," characters set goals, encounter obstacles, experience failure, and persist toward their goal, asking for help as needed. Here are four ways parents and caregivers can support kids with these skills of perseverance and resilience.
"I Can Do It...With a Little Practice": Learning to Use a Growth Mindset
Practice makes perfect! Learn how to guide your child through life's everyday challenges with positivity and perseverance.
Activities
Make Your Own Carnival Games
90 min activityLyla, Everett, Louisa, and Liana make their own carnival games with household items to cheer up Luke. Bring some carnival fun to your child with these games using items you have at home.
My Morning Routine
Lyla and her family have a lot to do in the morning — and so do you! Draw or write what you do in your morning routine.
DIY Shoe-Tying Board
Help your child learn to tie shoes by using items you have around the house.
Build a Better Birdbath
30 min activityHelp Ruff build a better birdbath! Using paper and books, investigate with three different birdbath models to find the strongest design.
Explore How Making Mistakes Changes an Art Project
20 min activityWorking on an art project like making a robot — or something else — is a fun way to use recyclable materials and help your child explore their creativity when they make a mistake.
Keep Trying! Create a “Tightrope” to Talk About Practice
Here's an activity to help your child learn that "If you keep trying, you'll get better!"
Learn to Hoof Dance With Donkey Hodie
25 min activityThis family dancing activity is a great way to have fun and incorporate physical movement into your day! Sing along with Donkey Hodie and Grampy as you learn the steps with your child.
Make A Plastic Bag Parachute Craft
90 min activityYadina and the Nature Troop face a hurdle on their hike — a giant tree stump. They are inspired by Bessie Coleman to overcome the obstacle. Your child can also learn about perseverance and determination with this parachute craft for kids.
Make a Donkey Hodie Puppet
30 min activityWhenever your child faces a challenge or fear, they can work through it in a fun way with a puppet of their favorite Someplace Else pal.
Games
Stu's Super Stunts
Lyla needs your help teaching Stu new tricks! Stu can do so many surprising things. Experiment with different sequences to see his super stunts at the playground, skate park, and basketball court.
Spin and Sing
It's so much fun to sing along with Daniel Tiger! Your child can spin a wheel of eight songs to sing along with Daniel and reinforce concepts such as counting to four when mad and being a helper at home.
Don't Wake Kate!
D.W. wants a glass of water, but needs to be quiet so that she doesn't wake up Baby Kate. Can your child help D.W. tiptoe across the room to get water without stepping on a noisy toy?
Arthur's Park
Gather supplies and donations to help Arthur build a new park and playground for Elwood City.
Elmo's School Friends
Elmo wants to play with his friends at school, but discovers that each friend is having trouble with their playtime task. In this game, your child can choose a friend to play with and then decide how to best solve his friends' problems such as stacking a high tower of blocks, cleaning up spilled toys, or deciding who gets a special dress up outfit.