CHARACTER COUNTS! Kindness 101

Determination – Quadruple Amputee Overcame Countless Rejections to Make His Pilot Dreams Take Off

Facing challenges head-on requires determination. By never giving up, we can overcome all kinds of barriers.

Determination
Grade Level: K-12
 
Character Skills
  • Trustworthiness
  • Responsibility
SEL Skills
  • Self-Awareness 
  • Self-Management 
Academic Skills
  • Diligent Learner 
  • Self-Direction and Engagement

Definitions

Trustworthiness
  • Be honest. Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal.
  • Have integrity. Do what you say you’ll do.
  • Keep your promises.
  • Be loyal. Stand by your values.
Responsibility
  • Do what you are supposed to do. Try your best.
  • Persevere. Keep on trying.
  • Be self-disciplined.
  • Think before you act. Consider the consequences.
  • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes.
Self-Awareness

Identify and understand emotions, values, attitudes, motivations, mindsets, and personal attributes.

Self-Management

Regulate emotions, attitudes, and actions and resist negative emotions and impulses.

Diligent Learner

Have a growth mindset and is willing to learn from mistakes.

Self-Direction and Engagement

Fully engaged in the educational process and connected to the school community.

Learn more about our character, SEL, and academic outcomes.
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The Ray Center at Drake University
CBS News

Students will learn about determination from a quadruple amputee who never stopped dreaming about becoming a pilot.

Download Google Slides
activiate prior knowledge

Activate Prior Knowledge

  • What is something you are proud to have accomplished?
  • What does it mean to be determined?
    • When we are determined, we are passionate about accomplishing a goal and won’t let anything stop us.
Kindness 101

Kindness 101 Video

discussion

Discussion Prompts

  • In the video, Zach said, “Nothing worth having comes easy.” What has not come easy for you but was worth the hard work?
  • “You can only succeed once you have learned to fail.” Explain what this quote from Zach’s Mom, Patty, means.
  • When can it be difficult to remain determined?
materials

Activity Materials

  • Cotton balls (5-7 per student)
  • Spoons (one per student)
  • Paper plates (one per student)
  • Bowl
  • Timer (optional)
  • Additional bowls (optional)
activity

Activity: Cotton Ball Relay

  • Put all of the cotton balls into the bowl.
  • Divide students into groups of 4-5.
  • Provide each student with a spoon and a paper plate.
  • Students must hold the spoon in their mouth by the handle.
  • Using the spoon in their mouth, students will transfer the cotton balls from the bowl to their paper plate.
  • Students take turns transferring cotton balls one at a time.
  • If a student drops the spoon or the cotton ball anywhere but on the paper plate, they must set aside the dropped cotton ball, and it no longer counts.
  • Give students one minute for the challenge. At the end of the timer, each student counts the cotton balls on their plate, and the group adds up their totals.
  • Option: Each student can have their own bowl of cotton balls and play individually or as a team.
  • Follow-up question:
    • What challenges did you face in the activity? How did you overcome them?
journal prompts

Journal Prompts

K-5

  • Write an acrostic poem for DETERMINATION.
  • What career do you want to have in the future? What challenges will you need to be determined to overcome?

6-12

  • What is something you are determined to accomplish?
  • Looking back over the past year, write about a skill you’ve learned. How has it changed you?
family connection

Family Connection

Educators: Copy the Family Connection and email it to parents, or click here to download a PDF version to email or print.

Watch
Watch the video as a family: https://youtu.be/IbHDhOPaKMw.

Discuss
Use these questions to start meaningful conversations about determination.

  • “My story isn’t just for amputees,” Anglin said. “We all go through trials and tribulations. The word ‘impossible’ is an illusion behind the word ‘possible.'” What have you accomplished or witnessed someone accomplish that initially seemed impossible?
  • What are some ways we can encourage each other when we face challenges?

Activity

  • Discuss how you can help each other stay determined to reach your goals.

More Kindness 101

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