Facing Challenges with Confidence

Each week on the QuaverSEL Blog, we highlight one of the core CASEL competencies and a sub-competency. Today, we’re diving into one of CASEL’s core competencies, self-awareness, and activities that help students understand the importance of resilience

Let’s dig in! 

In light of COVID-19, we are all spending a lot of time at home. This may be a particularly challenging or frustrating time for many students, facing challenges and problems that they have not had to face before. 

Take five minutes this week to explore self-awareness and the importance of resilience and never giving up. 

Documentary: Stephen Hawking

You’ll find this activity in Resource Manager by searching “Resilience.” 

This story reinforces the theme of showing resilience. The story introduces Stephen Hawking, a man that showed great resilience in life. Because of COVID-19, students may be facing a set of challenges that they were not facing before. The story of Stephen Hawking encourages students with the idea that even under the most dire circumstances, we should never give up and amazing things can come from it. 

Learn how to assign this story to students at home.


This song, found in SELMusic, introduces students to important inventors like Thomas Edison and the Wright Brothers. Many of these inventors faced adversity and challenges, and persevered in spite of their circumstances. If they had given up, we might not have some of their amazing inventions today.

This activity also promotes STEAM learning as students discover scientific history, technology, and more!

Encourage students to consider the following questions:

  • What would have happened if Thomas Edison had given up when things got hard? 
  • What good might come of a challenge that they are currently facing?

How are you encouraging resilience in your students right now?

*Facing school closure due to COVID-19? Find tips on distance teaching and free, ready-to-use resources at QuaverSEL.com/Care2020

Stephen Hawking Documentary Preview
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