Welcome to kid-grit’s evidence-based, professional development packages! We have curated sets of training topics from our robust catalog tailored to meet the diverse needs of staff ranging from newly hired team members to experienced educators and executive leaders.
Interactive, energizing and research-based content
Delivered by passionate, expert facilitators
Tools and strategies you can use immediately
Since 2020, the Claremont Evaluation Center has partnered with kid-grit to develop a survey and continuously assess the quality of our training sessions. Overwhelmingly high marks have consistently been reported twice: in 2021 and 2025 in the areas of relevance to job and self, improved performance, valuable content, engaging facilitators and the likelihood of making a recommendation to a colleague.
Read on for more information about kid-grit’s packages. Book 3 or more sessions to receive volume discounts!
Tangible teaching tools that educators can utilize with K-12 students the very next day. This package focuses on communication, collaboration, problem solving, classroom culture, relationship building and educator self-care.
Struggling to make the connection to build trust with your students? In this session, participants will learn how to communicate with care and strength in order to build relationships for more impactful delivery of instruction and activities. We will navigate how to create safe spaces, build rapport, establish trust and use positive behavioral strategies with 9 intentional ideas and methods.
In this wonderful session, we will address philosophies surrounding restorative practices. Participants will walk through challenges as well as easy-to-discuss topics in a step-by-step process while they learn to facilitate circle activities by doing them. By implementing a four-question approach and applying kid-grit principles in their own lives, educators can help foster positive changes in students, including critical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, behavior and even academic content.
What are your students’ profiles saying to the world about themselves on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat or X? And WHY is it a problem? In this interactive session, we will expose, discuss and share the impact of poor social media activity. We will ALSO share tips and tricks on how to help students create thoughtful, positive and appropriate social media profiles and behaviors.
In this hands-on session, participants will explore effective decision-making strategies using circle group formats and kid-grit’s curated four-question approach to learning and problem-solving. Educators will walk through kid-grit: THE CURRICULUM step by step and engage in activities by actively facilitating and participating. Through collaborative exploration and group presentations, participants will dive into key kid-grit modules and discover how to deliver impactful lessons. By the end of the session, educators will be equipped to help students make positive shifts in their attitudes toward school, improve class attendance, address bullying (in-person and online) and creatively navigate behavioral challenges.
Discover the transformative power of the kid-grit Holistic Wellness Wheel (HWW) in this hands-on, interactive session. The HWW is a versatile tool designed to enhance self-awareness, decision-making, social consciousness and cultural understanding for everyone. Explore three unique iterations tailored for different age groups and staff and learn how to create your own personalized versions. Through engaging activities, you’ll experience how the HWW fosters community, inspires goal setting and facilitates deep reflection. Join us to dive into kid-grit’s innovative approach to holistic human development, foster emotional intelligence and vital life skills.
A 2023 Pew Research poll revealed that nearly 9 in 10 young people aged 14 to 25 regularly face mental health challenges. The reasons for high rates of sadness and depression in teens are complex, and it can be hard to differentiate between mental health issues and typical hormonal changes. In this session, we’ll explore strategies to identify teens struggling with mental health, how to ask the right questions and address the modern mental health crisis. We’ll discuss early intervention, exchange ideas and explore how school culture can foster mental health support. Join us and get ready to talk!
“How do I manage kids?” Do you wonder where to begin? Whether you are in the classroom or working in an out-of-school time program, explore, learn and engage with kid-grit in hands-on activities, personal connections and strategies to utilize with youth from all backgrounds. In this research-based session, we will facilitate dialogue about how to develop strong relationships with youth, lead by example and inspire your students.
Participants will walk through the kid-grit curriculum step by step while they learn to facilitate activities by doing them. We dive into each module and ask participant groups to explore and present lesson plans on the kid-grit curriculum. By adopting kid-grit concepts for themselves, educators will be ultimately helping students to build positive shifts in: — Attitudes toward academics and school culture. — Improved class attendance. — Handling face-to-face bullying and cyberbullying. — Creative solving of discipline problems.
Struggling with creating fun and innovative lesson plans for out-of-school time programs? In this session, we will review the basic components of a lesson plan with a twist of fun! We will learn by doing, discovering and creating a lesson plan from scratch. We will share how to align lessons with standards while including opportunities for inquiry, collaboration, leadership and reflection.
In this workshop, we will engage staff in a NEW approach to addressing self-regulation in areas of mindset, healthy behaviors, positive relationships and digital/social consciousness. We will provide team building and hands-on activities to implement in your organization focused on developing motivation, positive behavior and resilience as soon as tomorrow! (This session can be delivered in conjunction with the kid-grit: THE CURRICULUM Overview or as a standalone session).
Not only are we supporting today’s youth who may be enduring poverty, abuse/neglect, bullying, drugs & alcohol or dealing with mental health, we are also supporting staff who endure the stress from one and even all of these challenges. We know trauma today has been exacerbated by recent world events. This is true not just for youth, but for staff who are supporting youth and leaders who are supporting staff. In this session, we will show participants how to manage their own emotional state and build strategies of resilience so they can show up for students and each other with strength, calm and hope.
In a world where technology (devices, social media, AI) is rapidly advancing, the key to success lies in balancing digital skills with essential human intelligence. Join us for an insightful journey into the heart of digital consciousness. Let’s explore the profound impact of technology on the developing brain and how we can foster a balanced approach in education. Discover strategies to empower caregivers and educators in nurturing well-rounded, resilient young individuals equipped for a tech-driven world.
This introspective and powerful package is designed for executive, mid-level and emerging leaders.
Do your team members feel truly seen, heard and valued? Are there moments when your team seems disconnected or out of sync? In today’s fast-paced work environments, leaders often underestimate the power of interpersonal awareness—the ability to recognize and respond to the emotional dynamics that shape team culture. This interactive session explores how emotionally intelligent leadership fosters deeper connections, enhances communication and strengthens team morale. Participants will leave with five practical, research-based strategies to lead with empathy, build trust and cultivate a more connected culture across schools, programs or organizations.
Are you navigating challenges with disgruntled, disengaged or disconnected staff? Searching for effective and thoughtful communication strategies to address tough conversations? This session is designed to equip you with practical, inclusive and easy-to-apply tools for managing conflict and fostering productive dialogue. Explore non-threatening techniques that help build trust, collaboration and a positive work culture. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to the workforce, you’ll leave with fresh ideas and actionable strategies to create a cohesive and cooperative team environment. Join us and take the first step toward a more harmonious workplace!
As an educational leader, creating a supportive environment for your staff starts with ensuring they feel safe, valued and seen. When staff feel this way, it positively impacts their interactions with colleagues and students. In this session, we’ll explore practical, collaborative, approachable ways to incorporate meaningful practices into your staff meetings. You’ll learn simple, non-intimidating strategies to introduce these practices, build your confidence as a leader in guiding them, and seamlessly integrate them into your routines. This is a no-nonsense, actionable approach to fostering a supportive and balanced school or non-profit culture.
Are you a manager or supervisor facing challenges with staff engagement and professionalism? This reflective workshop explores how individual behavior shapes the work environment and asks: Are we showing the respect and professionalism we expect in return? Participants will examine how their daily actions affect colleagues, students, and even their personal lives. Through honest dialogue and team-based activities, we’ll build positive accountability plans and staff-led solutions to foster a healthier, more respectful workplace.
In this reflective and engaging session, we’ll draw inspiration from Simon Sinek’s famous TED Talk, Start With Why, to help staff uncover or rediscover their motivation for working in the youth space. Through meaningful discussion and introspection, we’ll explore what drives us, share strategies to reignite our passion, and discover how to cultivate a community where inspiration thrives. This session emphasizes team building and offers practical tools to help you feel fulfilled, energized and purposeful at work. Ready to dive deep and reconnect with your WHY? Let’s get started!
This series is designed to be facilitated in sequence with individual and group activities in between sessions (minimum of four per series). Participants will be prompted to develop healthy habits and accountability forums addressing mindsets, body awareness, relationship building and digital/social media balance that promotes learning, connection and a sense of community.
An upbeat session grounded in creativity, breathing, play-based games and laughter. Join us and release that tension by doing short writing activities, team building and diving into creative play. These activities are filled with entertainment, joy, recreation, pleasure and restoration.
In this engaging session, discover how gratitude can serve as a powerful tool for fostering happiness, improving mental health and strengthening relationships—both personally and professionally. Through interactive discussions and activities, you’ll explore the latest research on gratitude’s transformative impact and learn practical strategies to incorporate gratitude into your daily life focusing on personal well-being, team dynamics and one-on-one connections. This session will provide you with actionable insights to cultivate a meaningful and sustainable gratitude practice.
In this session, we will explore and discuss how to build a growth mindset in order to build resilience and grit over time. Participants will cultivate new strategies, enhance body awareness, foster community connections and develop digital and social media consciousness to create habits that support learning, connection and a stronger sense of community.
The ability to know when to step back in order to create something new is a highly valued quality in the workplace. It takes courage to slow down, pause, ideate and risk a new way of being. In this session, we will examine the power of pause in developing a space for innovation and creativity. Participants will explore pausing to imagine a classroom or program of their dreams!
Through reflection and collaboration, this culminating session invites participants to design lesson plans, meeting agendas or action plans tailored to their own communities that draw from the content and insights gained in the previous workshops.
The first session of the series guides participants to explore their self-awareness and life balance to better understand how they are navigating the challenges of the current irregular normal. Through interactive discussions, we’ll exchange ideas and practical strategies for building positive habits while breaking free from negative ones. This session is designed to help participants identify outdated patterns that no longer serve them and replace them with intentional, empowering practices. Together, we’ll embark on a journey of personal growth and reflection to create a sustainable mindset that empowers us to show up fully for our students, our colleagues and ourselves. Join us for an engaging and transformative experience!
Are your actions and thoughts misaligned? Could your inner dialogue be affecting your decision-making? In this session, participants will uncover how past thought patterns and perceptions influence their present choices. By recognizing and addressing these “sneaky” subtexts, you’ll gain clarity and develop a fresh approach to decision-making. This session will also focus on fostering clear communication skills, helping you move forward with confidence and purpose. Join us to explore the power of aligning your thoughts and actions for more effective outcomes!
DYK? Doodling might be just the break your brain needs to stay focused without losing interest? In this session, participants will learn how doodling helps fill mental gaps by activating the brain’s “time travel machine.” This process can uncover forgotten memories and spark creativity, bringing thoughts into the present and creating a more complete sense of self. With this renewed clarity, we may feel more relaxed and able to concentrate better. The session will also explore how doodling can be used to solve problems, along with the research that supports its benefits.
In today’s world, current events are driving deeper divides—making it more important than ever for educators to lead with awareness, empathy and strength. This powerful session creates space for educators and students to engage in meaningful dialogue around challenging social and political topics. Together, we’ll explore how to navigate difficult conversations with confidence and compassion.
Inspired by the historic Freedom Rides of 1961, participants will reflect on the power of collective action and personal advocacy by asking themselves: What do YOU ride for? Join us to discover how history can empower present-day change—and how your voice can make a difference.
Combining our most playful sessions, this package offers participants opportunities to explore their undiscovered inventive side using visual art, creative writing and improvisational activities connected to 21st Century and life skills. It’s time to play!
Get ready to get going, grow, glow, gasp, growl, giggle and grin! Improvisational theater has long been used to spark creativity, build collaboration and strengthen communication and critical thinking. In this fun, high-energy session, you’ll learn how to lead simple improv games and use them with your staff or students. These activities are perfect for boosting public speaking skills, enhancing creative writing and language arts, supporting character development and promoting team building and leadership—all while keeping the energy high and the laughter flowing.
This engaging session offers a variety of creative activities that inspire self-expression and reflection through visual art and music. Participants will build skills in observation, analysis and creative interpretation while exploring how the arts can deepen understanding of personal and group experiences. Come with an open mind—and don’t forget your markers and paper!
In this creative session, participants will explore their emotions and experiences through writing exercises – without even realizing it. By reflecting on thoughts and feelings, participants will develop a deeper understanding of their own mental health, emotional intelligence and well-being. Participants will also learn how creative writing can be utilized as a powerful tool for self-expression and self-discovery.
