Little Engine that Could Ideas that Teach Perseverance

Perseverance

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets theprize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV

Today was an errand day. We WERE going to go on errands and then have a special trip to either Barnes and Noble or the Library IF the kids were being good. While there we were going to look up books on perseverance. I had done a little research and knew some books to look for. I am not going to recommend the books here because, guess what…we didn’t go. The kids were very difficult this morning, and it took forever to get out of the house. So, the consequence was no outing. We ran our errands, and their attitude certainly changed, but I had to follow through on my promise that they wouldn’t do anything special if they were behaving poorly.

I didn’t give up completely, but my lesson today was less involved. What we did do was read a book we already own, “The Little Engine that Could.” (affiliate link) We then had a conversation about it. I also read them this poem:

For all of life is like a race, with ups and downs and all.

And all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.

“Quit. Give up. You’re beaten!” They still shout in my face.

But another voice within me says, “Get up and win the race.

“The Little Engine that Could” is such a great story to help relate the idea of perseverance. Today I wanted to provide you with some great ideas inspired by this story. I hope this round-up helps your teach your own little kids about having a stick to it attitude. For more ideas on teaching perseverance, please visit my perseverance under my character development tab.