Explore Real-Life Examples of Resilience

Juan’s uncle is teaching him how to play chess. His uncle keeps winning. Juan storms out of the room in anger and says, “I don’t want to learn how to play anymore.”

Is Juan showing resilience or not?

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, mistakes and disappointments… all of which are a normal part of life! Being a resilient individual is a skill that extends far beyond the walls of the classroom; it lays the foundation for students to become capable, adaptable and confident individuals who can navigate the complexities of life with resilience and grace. As teachers, it is important that we impart not only academic knowledge but also the skills and attitudes that will enable our students to be happy and confident in all aspects of their lives.

This set of 16 resilience task cards has been created by a dedicated team of educators to help your students explore real-life situations where the skill of resilience is required. The students are required to read the scenario on the card, then decide whether the child in the scenario is showing resilience or not. The situations are those that the students will relate to, such as wanting to do well on a test, achieve a sporting goal or maintain strong friendships.

This resource downloads as a full-color PDF or editable Google Slides file.

Multiple Applications for This Resilience Activity

This resource has been specifically designed to be used in a variety of ways, depending on your needs and those of your class. The download contains everything you need to implement this activity in your classroom. It includes:

• Instruction page
• 16 x resilience task cards
• 2 x sort headings 
• Recording sheet (spans two pages)

Using these pages, your students will be able to use this resource in any (or all!) of the following ways:

1. Sorting Cards – Read each scenario. Decide whether the child is showing resilience or not. Place the card under the correct sort heading (Resilient or Not Resilient).
2. Group Discussion Cards – Read each scenario. Discuss the situation as a group, then decide together whether the child is showing resilience or not. 
3. Task Cards – Read each scenario. Decide whether the child is showing resilience or not. Write your response on the recording sheet, and provide an explanation for your answer. 

Download These Resilience Scenario Cards

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides file before accessing it.

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Please consider printing the recording sheet double-sided.

This resource was created by Lisamarie del Valle, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.

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