When you’re told often enough that one thing is important, you might start believing it. Like most things in life, this can be somewhat of a double-edged sword. While some may see writing and reading as simply tasks to be completed, there is so much more to it than this.
These days, you’ll find almost everyone with a tablet or a smartphone. The accessibility of information through digital means makes it easier for people to find the details they need, when they need them. For students, this can mean a never-ending stream of content to keep up with.
If you’re finding that your child is struggling with the same concepts over and over again, it may be time to dig a little deeper and see if there are other skills that they are lacking. While literacy is important and necessary for students to function in today’s world, there are other vital skills that they need to possess in order to thrive as independent adults.
Self-expression
If someone tells you often enough that you’re bad at something or that you should do something differently, it can start to sound very plausible. However, this is not the case. You are a unique snowflake and you will, at some point, find your own way to do things. This does not come easily and there will be times when you need to ask for help or try out different strategies. In some cases, this can be extremely frustrating, but even these moments are valuable lessons in understanding your strengths and weaknesses.
This is why self-expression is such an important skill to learn. You will not learn to be yourself effectively unless you are given the opportunity to try out various strategies and see what feels right for you. It is not wrong to seek help when you’re stuck, but you should not be afraid to try and fail as well. In some ways, this can be even more beneficial than simply following what others say. This is especially true for young learners, who may not yet have developed their own unique voice, style, or color.
Critical thinking
If you’re reading this, I assume you already have an idea of what critical thinking is and how it applies to your everyday life. If you’re getting a bit confused, that’s actually a good thing, because it means you’re applying it correctly!
You’re not thinking critically about something unless you’re analyzing it, considering both its positive and negative aspects, and coming up with a reasoned approach that makes sense in the context.
Whether you’re questioning whether or not to accept a friend’s invitation to join their book club, debating the merits of renting or buying a laptop, or dissecting the latest news story, critical thinking takes a lot of practice and it’s something that will serve you well in all areas of your life. Just because something is new or different does not mean that it is bad. In fact, it can often be a good thing, because it means you’re approaching it with a fresh set of eyes and are able to see things from a different perspective. Thinking critically about something does not make you better or worse than anyone else, it simply means you’re applying a different set of rules.
Problem solving
As humans, we are inherently inquisitive creatures. Driven by curiosity, we naturally want to know how things work and will often find the answers through hands-on experience. This is why young children are often so fascinated by things and will ask endless questions about them. As they get older, this naturally curiosity takes a backseat to a desire to follow the rules and be independent.
As much as we want our children to explore the world around them and be confident in their abilities, at some point, this desire to keep things simple and safe will take over. While problem solving can be challenging, especially early on, when your child is struggling with concepts like shapes, colors, or numbers, it is essential that you, as a parent, continue supporting their efforts to think creatively and solve problems. If you notice that your child is repeatedly getting themselves into difficulty, it may be time to step in and help out. Even if you’re not sure what the problem is, you can often solve it by discussing the different possibilities with your child. You may find that there are a number of different problems that stem from one root cause and that by addressing these issues one by one, you can help your child build their confidence.
Creativity
The last and arguably most important skill to learn is creativity. While it can be difficult to establish exactly what creativity is, it is generally agreed upon to be a combination of ideas, perception, and expression that comes from within.
If you’re not sure where your child’s creative side comes from, it can be difficult to know how to help them unleash it. Is it genetics, learning, or experience that makes them who they are? Whatever the case may be, you can be certain that you’ll never truly know unless you try. If your child exhibits signs of creative genius, be sure to recognize it and encourage it. While this can be extremely challenging, especially during adolescence, when they may feel pressure to conform to external expectations, it is crucial that you continue to support their uniqueness and creative spirit. If you keep the above tips in mind, you can be sure that your child will develop the skills necessary to be independent, successful adults.