Resilience Toolkit

8 Ideas for Building Resilience in Children

Equipping young people with the skills to both navigate the difficulties they face and to overcome challenges is essential and therefore the importance of using resilience development strategies consistently and regularly within the classroom should not be undervalued.

The Resilient Child

A child who responds well to difficulties in life will often have the following characteristics:

  • A strong sense of independence, autonomy, and self-confidence.
  • Ability to communicate well with others and express themselves.
  • Good problem-solving skills.
  • Strong empathy and respect for others.
  • Active interest in school activities.
  • Responds well to instructions and guidance.
  • Knows how to ask for support.
  • Open to trying new things.

A child who needs to work on their resilience may

  • Avoid problem solving
  • May lack self confidence
  • May not be confident in their communicating skills
  • May resist guidance and support
  • May avoid new experiences

With 1 in 10 children reportedly experiencing a mental health problem, it is important to look at the challenges faced by children and young people and look for ways to support them now and in the future.

Resilience Activities

Many resilience activities for all your students are easy to integrate in your class.  You don’t have to focus on one or two specific children or wait until something challenging happens to them. By being proactive, and using resilience development strategies consistently and regularly, the impact will have effective and lasting results for all the children in the classroom.

  1. Encourage healthy risk taking
  2. Show acceptance of mistakes and losses
  3. Ask questions to encourage independent thinking
  4. Praise accomplishments in the right way
  5. Define and discuss emotions
  6. Promote optimism and positive thinking
  7. Encourage interaction with others
  8. Show that it’s okay to ask for help.

(Liz Burton – High Speed Training)

For examples and further information in regard to the 8 Resilience Activities visit: –

You will also be able to test your own resilience knowledge through this link.

Resources