Persistence Mini-Lesson

Opening/ Hook Opening activity- Students are tasked

with the “Smile Challenge” in which
they face off against an opponent with
the goal of not smiling before their
partner does. The winner moves on to
face the winner until the championship
ends.

Students will answer reflection

questions about the smile challenge and
how this relates to persisting through
challenges

Materials: Smile challenge reflection

questions, pens/pencils

Introduction to New Material Students will use the reflection

questions from the smile challenge in
order to create a working definition of
persistence

Materials: chart paper, post-it notes,

markers/pens/pencils

Guided Practice Students will then be given the

marshmallow tower challenge in which
they must complete the tallest tower
given the materials offered and a time
limit. They will then answer reflection
questions about the experience.

Materials: marshmallows, spaghetti

sticks, tape, pens/pencils, reflection and
guiding questions
Independent Practice Students will complete an exit ticket on
their marshmallow challenge packet
regarding persistence

Materials: Reflection questions/ exit

tickets, pens/pencils

Closure Students will turn in exit tickets and

note instances that they have/ will
continue to demonstrate persistence in
their own lives