BUILDING GRIT- LESSON 3-

DELAYING GRATIFICATION

PART 1- (5 MINUTES)

Rationale

• propensity to delay gratification was positively correlated with SAT scores, educational attainment and good health, while being inversely related to rates of crime and substance abuse (Shoda, Mischel & Peake, 1990). It is clear that those who could resist the short term temptation were much better off later in life on a large number of measures.

Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners should:

• understand the meaning of "delayed gratification"

• explain how delayed gratification influences performance

• explain how delaying gratification may impact their own performance in at least 2 areas

PART 2- WATCH AND RECORD- (10 MINUTES)

PART 3- DISCUSSION- (5-10 MINUTES)

For class discussion:
What does it mean to "delay gratification"?
Why do you think those who are able to delay gratification achieve more in each of the following areas:

• health and wellbeing

• school and study

• work lives

• relationships

For teachers to consider: Delaying gratification can be thought of as "saying no to something good now, in order to yes to something greater later" (Luke McKenna). There are some times where it is adaptive to delay gratification. Other quotes for reflection that relate are: Brick by brick is the only way to build a way, Rome wasn't built in a day, it takes ten years to become an overnight success and the seeds of tomorrow's excellence are planted in the soil of today's activities. However, there are other times where it can be maladaptive to delay gratification- eg if you come from disadvantage, sometimes not delaying is beneficial. Because if you delay now, you might miss out later on. Studies have shown that those in low trust environments will typically find it harder to delay gratification. So let's ensure we fulfil any commitments we make to our students (as broken promises seem to lead to people who are less likely to delay gratification when it might be helpful to do so).

PART 4- KNEE TAG- (5 minutes)

Check out a video of this activity here. The purpose of this is simply to get the students active and having some fun before the final reflection and discussion.

Stop clip after 1 minute and have a try with a partner- keeping score. Swap partners and have another go if you have time.

PART 5- workbook and partner discussion- (15 MINUTES)

CAN YOU WAIT FOR THE MARSHMALLOW?

• In your workbook, record two or three things in your own life at present that will require your ability to delay gratification. At least one of these should be related to your school work.

• Explain how your results may differ based on your actions- It might take this form: "if I am able to delay the gratification of ...., my results are like to be improved because ..."

• Share your responses with your partner from "knee tag".

PART 6- (3 MINUTES) (WATCH IF YOU HAVE TIME)

DISCUSS: What strategies can students suggest for cookie monster (or anyone else) who was struggling to delay gratification? Students might even share examples of ways that have worked for them in the past.