What is important for students to learn when they come to school each day? How do parents and teachers support these characteristics and qualities to develop?
Earlier this week, Mrs Singles and I attended a conference addressing these very questions. What is the latest research saying about knowledge and skills, and how do we all encourage these at home and at Thomas Hassall?
In today’s classrooms, soft skills are essential for each student to develop. At the primary level, we focus on nurturing qualities like empathy, resilience, teamwork and communication because they lay the groundwork for lifelong success. These skills help children build strong relationships, navigate challenges with confidence and contribute positively to their communities.
What is important for students to learn? One of the speakers talked about 3 essential areas he called, ‘Stuff, Skills and Soul’.
WHAT DOES THIS COVER? |
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| Stuff | content |
| Skills | critical thinking, creativity, connection, collaboration |
| Soul | curiosity, community, citizenship, compassion |
By itself, the ‘Stuff’ is not enough. Look at the qualities listed in the Skills and Soul sections and consider how these are essential in your working and home lives. Imagine our home and school without them.
As we continue to instruct our students at school this semester, please encourage your children to continue developing these qualities too. Through them will come the necessary skills of questioning, analysing and reflecting, lifting surface learning to a higher plane.
By embedding soft skills into everyday learning, we are not only supporting academic growth but also helping our students become thoughtful, capable and kind individuals.