One of the highlights of my recent work with students has been creating and playing the G.R.I.T. Cootie Catcher Game. Yes—you read that right! That classic playground favorite we all remember has been transformed into a powerful teaching tool to help students learn, apply, and talk about grit.

Students love interactive, hands-on activities, and the cootie catcher gives them a chance to laugh, play, and engage in meaningful conversations. Each flap opens to reveal a question, challenge, or reflection tied to the G.R.I.T. framework: Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management.

As students played, they weren’t just folding paper or choosing numbers—they were reflecting on how grit shows up in their daily lives. Many shared stories about pushing through challenges, staying consistent, or learning from mistakes. Watching them connect the dots while having fun was a reminder that sometimes the simplest tools can spark the deepest learning.

When students played, they remembered key points from my TEDx Talk, “The Power of G.R.I.T.” The game helped bring the talk to life in a way that felt personal. Students weren’t just listening anymore—they were living grit through the choices they made while playing.

If you’re a teacher looking for a simple, fun way to build grit in your classroom, here are a few strategies to get started:

1. Introduce the framework first. Before playing, spend time discussing what grit is and walk through the four pillars. This gives students the context they need.

2. Make it collaborative. Pair up students or form small groups. As they play, encourage them to share their answers and cheer each other on. This builds community and peer encouragement.

3. Use it as a bell ringer or exit ticket. Start or end class with a quick round of the cootie catcher. It only takes a few minutes but sets a tone of reflection and persistence.

4. Customize questions. Adapt the prompts inside to fit your subject area. For example, in math class, ask students how they can show grit when solving multi-step equations.

The Outcome: Joyful Learning, Lasting Lessons

What excites me most is that students aren’t just talking about grit—they’re practicing it in ways that are fun, memorable, and real. The G.R.I.T. Cootie Catcher is proof that learning about perseverance doesn’t have to feel heavy—it can be playful, interactive, and deeply impactful.

Let’s keep creating classrooms where students can laugh, reflect, and grow—all while building the grit they’ll need for life.

Want to see how grit can transform your classroom? Check out my TEDx Talk, The Power of G.R.I.T., for more inspiration and practical tools.