(Due to Snow Day & Delayed Start, this lesson carried over for make-up classes.)

In Tech Classes these weeks, we wrapped up our video series learning about Perseverance.

Watch the 3rd and Final Episode about Perseverance!

We learned from our friendly-monster friend, Katie, that when we encounter a difficult challenge and become frustrated we can REFLECT.

But, REFLECTING is not an instant, magic trick that makes a difficult challenge easy or a frustrating experience disappear.  We have to be intentional and choose to REFLECT about even the small moments in our day.  Over time that help our brain to grow stronger which means building PERSEVERANCE.

Katie spent several months REFLECTING in her Art Class every day.  Over time, as Katie thought really hard about how to make her work better, not only did her work improve, but also, she developed PERSEVERANCE.

God created us to work this way.  He tells us clearly in Romans 5:3-5 how building PERSEVERANCE strengthens every part of who we are.  REFLECTING and building PERSEVERANCE is part of how we practice and develop the Fruits of the Spirit, "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).

Students are already quick to identify when they or a peer encounter "The Dip" (or at least a frustrating situation).  Students have been quick to encourage "take a minute to breathe and let your brain think" and are collaboratively "reflecting" to find solutions to these small difficulties.

Mrs. Hendrix will continue to use "Exit Tickets" at various times both for students to REFLECT but also for Mrs. Hendrix to provide additional feedback, support, and encouragement to students individually.

This week we continued learning about Perseverance. (Wednesday Classes impacted by the Snow Day will catch-up next week)

Watch the 2nd Episode about Perseverance!

When we are in "The Dip" encountering a difficult challenge and becoming frustrated it might feel like the only thing to do is give up.  However, there is a small but powerful thing we can do to help: REFLECT.

When we make a mistake or feel stuck in a problem, it's ok to be upset, but we can take a deep breath and REFLECT.  Reflecting means to stop and look at our mistake - then think really hard about how to make our work better.  Reflecting also means when we are stuck with a problem to stop and think really hard about a possible solution.  After we reflect, we try, try again - like the Little Engine Who Could.  We stop and think about what we can do - I think I can, I think I can, I think I can - then we do it and begin the REFLECTING cycle all over again.

Reflecting is simple, but learning to reflect all the time makes the neurons in our brain grow stronger - it's like exercise and weight-lifting for our brain.  The more we reflect on our work or problems we encounter, the stronger our brain becomes building PERSEVERANCE.

God created us to work this way.  He tells us clearly in Romans 5:3-5 how building PERSEVERANCE strengthens every part of who we are: "We know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

Mrs. Hendrix already often asks students to stop and think about their work during class.  To help practicing REFLECTING, at the end of Tech Class students will complete an "Exit Ticket" (see example below).  Students will think about their work and circle their answer.  Mrs. Hendrix will use this additional feedback to support and encourage students individually.

Sometimes, things are easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy.  Sometimes, things are challenging, frustrating, and just NOT going well.

The Good News is that Jesus promised, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20).  God is with us when things are easy and good AND when things are hard and not going well.

This week, all students grades K-3 started a 3-episode video series about Perseverance starting with a concept called "The Dip."

The Dip happens to everyone - no matter how old, how smart, how talented, how hard working.  We are encouraged to know that God is always with us, even in The Dip.  God wants us to learn to persevere.  He specifically created us with brains that are always learning and growing stronger - we were made to learn to persevere!

Watch the First Episode about Perseverance!

"We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5​