Ep. 69 - Learning Lifeskills ~ Making Memories

I’ve just come across an article that I’m pretty sure some of you, who are not feeling so “at home” in the role of homeschool teacher, might really appreciate. The article appeared in National Geographic, and its title is, “Forget homeschooling during the pandemic. Focus on LIFESKILLS instead.”

The over-arching purpose of the article is to absolve parents of guilt for not being great at replicating school in their home  when none have been trained and none have the necessary resources.

I’ll just share with you that social emotional learning and lifeskills are, in my experience, inseparable, which is why I’m going to quickly share gems from the article, as well as some insights that the article triggered for me

Learning is the most natural thing in the world for kids… when their natural interest is kindled.  Academics don’t always accomplish that goal of naturally kindling interest, as you may have recently noticed … so, the article suggests, instead of trying to force academics, think about what you are set up to do with your kids… to continue their constructive learning experiences during this time of quarantine.

What do you know a lot about, or what would you and your kid like to learn together? Maybe something that your child’s teachers couldn’t teach, but something that has life enriching value, even if it doesn’t pass the purely academic criteria.  Whatever … consider using this incredible time to teach lifeskills.

Ellen Galinsky, author of the highly respected book: Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs, is referenced throughout the article, and she suggests that when kids are resistant to engaging with what interests you, then it’s time to switch over to your child’s interests, because those, too, can provide plenty of opportunities for constructive learning of essential lifeskills.

… and I’m not just referring to do-er or maker type lifeskills, though, of course, those are valuable and definitely enjoyed by kids …

I’m wanting to remind you about the deeper levels of lifeskills that you are in THE best position to impart … …

I’m talking about the deeper lifeskills of •critical thinking, •collaborative problem-solving, •perspective taking, •communication skills, of •growth mindset … THESE are the lifeskills that provide major advantages in life … THESE are life satisfaction skills … THESE are relationship nurturing skills…. These Lifeskills align with, and perfectly support social emotional learning …

Looking for new ways to educate and entertain your kids? Visit NatGeo@Home for all kinds of resources—including quizzes, science experiments, lesson plans, and fun activities to do as a family.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/family/at-home-education-resources/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/family/2020/05/foster-relationships-between-kids-and-grandparents/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/family/2020/05/how-to-keep-kids-positive-through-pandemic-coronavirus/

Great play ideas (that are 'sneakily' educational) from the San Francisco Public Library:  https://sfpl.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/big-play-ideas.pdf