Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs is a practical summary of seven researched based life skills that children need to be successful and to reach their full potential. Ellen Galinsky describes in-depth research and provides simple activities that support the development of these skills. The seven skills are: 1) focus and self control; 2) perspective taking; 3) communicating; 4) making connections; 5) critical thinking; 6) taking on challenges; and 7) self directed, engaged learning.
This books encourages me to reflect on my practice as a parent educator. Activities can’t be just ‘cute’. They need to teach a skill or concept that will support learning. A component of my role is to explain to parents how and why a certain activity is important. Mind in the Making is a reminder that the ultimate goal is for a child to become a well-rounded and productive adult. The great thing about children is that they learn from independent play and interacting with others. Providing simple activities and time together are building blocks to learning.
Added 1/9/11
Focus and Self Control
This video of Walter Mischel’s The Marshmallow Test is an example focus and self-control. Studies show that if a child can delay gratification and manage frustration at 4 years they are less likely to become involved in drugs, bullying, have a higher level of education, and have a higher self-esteem. More details can be found in the video.