Savvy Ways to help Kids have a Successful School Year

This time of year it’s hard to escape the endless back to school commercials with catchy tunes and dancing actors suggesting that kids are guaranteed to have a successful school year if they are dressed in the latest styles and have cool school supplies.

Despite our efforts to boost the economy, retail therapy is fleeting. The hard truth is that kids need "real" life skills to manage their day. Whether they are on the bus, in the classroom, eating lunch in the cafeteria, playing on the field, or are out and about around town- kids need a variety of skills for healthy positive development.

Academics are the natural emphasis in class, but social skills play a pivotal role in students' attitude, behavior and ultimate success. Their ability to manage these social circumstances can determine their experiences and achievements.

CASEL, The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning has conducted meta- analysis research studies that established that these factors are an integral part of education. A 2011 study indicates that positive social skill development influences responsible decision making, broader social awareness, improved self management, enhanced relationship skills and increased self awareness. Students gains include positive classroom behavior, an 11% gain on standardized achievement tests and improved attitudes about school, self and others.

These skills ultimately prepare young people for success in adulthood. Utilizing positive social skills helps students become good communicators, cooperative members of a team, effective leaders, and caring, concerned members of their communities. They are precisely the skills that today's employers consider important for the workforce of the future.

Parents, teachers and mentors strive to instill confidence and leadership skills in students but despite our ongoing reminders, our efforts are confronted by our evolving society 

Academics are the natural emphasis in class, but social skills play a pivotal role in students' attitude, behavior and ultimate success. Their ability to manage these social circumstances can determine their experiences and achievements.

CASEL, The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning has conducted meta- analysis research studies that established that these factors are an integral part of education. A 2011 study indicates that positive social skill development influences responsible decision making, broader social awareness, improved self management, enhanced relationship skills and increased self awareness. Students gains include positive classroom behavior, an 11% gain on standardized achievement tests and improved attitudes about school, self and others.

These skills ultimately prepare young people for success in adulthood. Utilizing positive social skills helps students become good communicators, cooperative members of a team, effective leaders, and caring, concerned members of their communities. They are precisely the skills that today's employers consider important for the workforce of the future.

Parents, teachers and mentors strive to instill confidence and leadership skills in students but despite our ongoing reminders, our efforts are confronted by our evolving society

Implementing these five savvy skills can help students succeed:

Put on a Happy Face

We are social beings and despite the advantages of being “wired in” with technology, kids need to know how to get along without cell phones, i pods or text messages. Nothing replaces true face time like looking someone in the eye, saying “hello”, greeting them with a smile and even shaking their hand. Technology is integral part of life but our senses are the catalysts to help us bond and develop healthy relationships. It’s fascinating -try it and watch your world open up to you and good things happen.

Get the Conversation Started

Staying in-tune with kids’ lives can be a challenge. After a busy and full day, sometimes children may not be ready to talk about the good, bad or ugly events. Parents’ questions may be met with one word answers and a fleeting glance. Make time to mix up your evenings together in small ways- walk the dog, play a game, share a snack, or prepare dinner with each other. It’s amazing how kids express their thoughts and feelings when they relax and engage in a new or unexpected activity. They need to feel that others care, are empathetic and that they are valued. These elements may be the key to learning more about your kids, getting them to open up and vital to developing their conversation skills.

Believe in Yourself

Each of us have special talents and interests; likes and dislikes; strengths and weaknesses. Those differences make us unique and special. Life would be boring if we were all the same. Have the faith to try new things, have a positive “can-do” attitude, get out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there. Imagine if you never had a negative thought- what could you accomplish? You just might discover that you possess a hidden talent and find out how you can turn it into a career!

Start a Trend

Kids yearn to be independent and ultimately they need to take charge of their life. Encourage them to be self reliant to gain a sense of accomplishment aside from school work. Devise an age appropriate plan about ways they can step up to manage their daily life. Be consistent and support them to-prepare lunch or snacks, manage laundry, and organize a back pack. They might not do everything the same way an adult would. Encouragement and practice leads to proficiency. Sooner than you may imagine they may head off to college and taking responsibility for their personal effects and household chores can fuel confidence when that day comes!

Do the Right Thing

Learning to accept and respect others makes life easier and more enjoyable.  Guess what- a classroom is a microcosm of the real world and includes brains, geeks, and jocks. Each of us contributes something to the world – appreciate our differences and learn from them. Show respect by saying “please”, “thank you”, “can I help you” in your daily interactions.  Be a leader and resist peer pressure to pass judgment - their strength may be your weakness-learning to live and work together, we can collectively grow up great.