Why Resiliency Is the Secret Ingredient Every Classroom Needs

Resiliency is the ingredient in all success

By Catherine Patterson-Sterling, PhD, RCC

When teachers consider what students need to succeed,  the answer may be around literacy, numeracy, or critical thinking. There is another critical ingredient in the mix that students need and without this ingredient, there can be no success across the board. In fact, this ingredient is so pivotal that students need soft skills training in this area which is resiliency.

In a world where challenges, pressures, and setbacks are unavoidable, resiliency is the skill that equips students to not only survive but thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.

Why Resiliency Matters More Than Ever

In the world today, students face stressors that previous generations never imagined. From the pressure of provincial/state standards testing to the impact of social media and the ongoing reality of global uncertainty, children and teens are navigating a world filled with constant change. Without resiliency, setbacks can quickly lead to frustration, disengagement, or even giving up altogether.

With Resiliency, Students Can…

·       Bounce back from failure rather than see it as final.

·       Adapt to change with confidence instead of fear.

·       Stay motivated when challenges feel overwhelming.

·       Build a healthy mindset that values growth over perfection.

Teaching resiliency is not just about helping students get tough, and is instead, about equipping them with lifelong tools for problem-solving, perseverance, and personal confidence.

Resilience as a Teachable Skill

Students are not born with or without resiliency, and instead, this is a skill that can be identified, cultivated, practiced, and grown within a larger school culture. Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping how students respond to challenges. By modeling resilience, celebrating effort, and creating safe spaces whereby students can grow outside of their comfort zones, educators can turn classroom lessons into strategies for how to set up for success.

The Ripple Effect of Resiliency

When resiliency is woven into daily teaching, the impact extends beyond academics. Resilient students become resilient adults who are better equipped to face the realities of life, from workplace stress to personal challenges. They learn that persistence pays off, that setbacks do not define them, and that growth is always possible.

What about teachers?

A resilient classroom is one where students often feels more engaged, motivated, and connected. When students believe they can overcome obstacles, discipline issues decline, creativity expands, and the joy of learning flourishes.

As you plan lessons, design projects, and set goals this year, remember that teaching resiliency may just be the most important lesson of all.

Some Resources

LOTUS School-Wide Positive Behavior & Resilience Program for K to 8 filled with school-wide and classroom-based activities supporting students around resiliency with ready-made materials and resources.

TWENTY for Grades 5 to 10 which includes over 70+ animated videos, quizzes, reflection prompts supporting students with resiliency, screen time overload, future planning, self-regulation, managing anxiety, executive functioning and school engagement skills in an engaging way that supports 6 characters through their adventures at Urschool.

For a limited time receive your FREE TEACHER’S COPY of both programs in one. Order individual logins for students to unlock the quizzes, self-reflection, and writing activities. These materials are ready-made and loaded on to a learning management system so you can set yourself up for success with your school annual goals today while also building capacity for positive learning and resiliency in your school culture.

For more information and to access your Free Teacher Copy visit: https://www.softskillstrainingcenter.com

 This site also includes school-wide or even district-wide infographic implementation plans for quick reference and use amongst educators.

About The Writer:

Catherine Patterson-Sterling, PhD, RCC is an educator of 20+ years with diverse experience in all levels of elementary, high school, and post secondary education as a teacher, counsellor, and clinical supervisor. With extensive experience in research and counselling, she understands the impact as well as sources of disengagement as well as chronic absenteeism on learners at all levels. She is also the creator of these new innovative programs “Twenty”  & “LOTUS” sponsored by Soft Skills Training Center and Patterson-Sterling Consulting and Counselling Services.