Perseverance

Perseverance is one of the six learning dispositions which are important for lifelong learning.

Last updated 29 May 2025

What is perseverance?

Perseverance is the ability to keep working at a task to complete it. Some child-friendly slogans are:

Perseverance helps children progress in their learning as they are not easily discouraged and do not give up even though they face challenge.

Here are some examples of how children might demonstrate perseverance through their actions, speech and behaviour:

Keep working on an activity to complete it.
Seek help or advice from peers or teachers in their attempts to complete a challenging activity.
Say encouraging words about their own and others’ efforts in completing a difficult task.
Continue to press on with their efforts and do not give up easily even when faced with challenges.

I Can Do It! by Emily Lim (2011)

The main character in the story displays perseverance and is encouraged by his brother when he makes the effort to learn to speak well.

Use the story to guide children through the process of recognising and valuing the disposition of perseverance:

1. Introduce the story

Introduce the story of the main character who displayed perseverance and was encouraged by his brother in his efforts to learn to speak well.

2. Discuss

Engage children in a discussion about the challenges the main character faced and the efforts he made to overcome them.

3. Identify perseverance

Encourage children to identify and recognise the quality of perseverance demonstrated by the main character in the story.

4. Value perseverance

Discuss the importance of perseverance and how it can lead to success and encourage children to appreciate and value this disposition.

5. Relate to children’s personal experiences

Encourage children to share their own experiences of perseverance and how it has helped them overcome challenges.

Download the book and accompanying teacher’s guide in English, 华文, Bahasa Melayu and தமிழ் மொழி .