With all the talk of the changing landscape of education preparing students for a changing world, we can get really caught up in simply looking at the role of schools in this journey. More technology, deeper level questioning and more opportunity for students to reflect on their learning becomes the banter in reform circles. That’s all well and good but I think we may be omitting a very important piece of the picture, one that is likely the most important in the development of our future generation . . . the parents. When we look at how parenting is impacting the development of those important competencies identified time and again by education pundits, we need to look look carefully at each.
1. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making – As parents, are we allowing our children to think about decisions in their life, make mistakes, reflect on the mistakes and retry or are we simply telling our children what to do on a regular basis? I’m not suggesting we allow children to juggle knives and learn the hard way that knives cut, that’s a safety issue obviously. Rather, I am suggesting we should give them some autonomy in some choices and let them learn from their decision. I like the way Barbara Collorosa elaborates on this; allow your child to choose their clothes, simply put a badge on them that they dressed themselves so people don’t think it’s your choice.
2. Creativity and Innovation – Throw the art supplies on the table and get out of the way. Let kids play with those crazy chunks of wood in the garage making some obscure creation. Let them invent games and go along for the ride. Easy stuff to do! Ask questions about what they are inventing and stretch their thinking a wee bit.
3. Social, Cultural, Global and Environmental Responsibility – Important word – responsibility! How do we teach our children to be responsible? We let them make choices and live with the consequences. When they make mistakes, in school, at home or with friends, we do not save them. We allow them to own the decision and help them see ways that they can make better choices next time. As educators, how many times do we see parents save their child, not allowing them to own their decision? Responsibility starts with owning decisions and moves on to being one with the world, realizing that we are part of a global community. How can they see their importance in the world if they never accept any responsibility in the first place?
4. Communication – Do we openly communicate with our children? There was a time when supper time was the opportunity for families to share their day, and examine their priorities. Now, with children being so over-scheduled, we rarely even eat together. Those long drives, once an integral part of family dialogue, seem to have fallen by the wayside. Now, every vehicle has a DVD player and every child has a variety of different ways to tune out. Communication no longer seems to be relevant in families. Change that! Take back those long boring drives and look at them as opportunities to get to really know your children.
5. Digital and Technological Fluency – Okay, admittingly this one seems to be taking care of itself. As natives to the digital world, children have few problems using technological tools. What they have issue with is using it appropriately. Too often parents turn a blind eye to the hours and hours spent on gaming and social media. Are you tech-savvy enough to know what your children are doing out there?
6. Lifelong Learning, Personal Management and Well-being – I remember my mom teaching me to iron . . . silly when I think back on it but it was one of those moments I look back on and remember that these simple little daily tasks need to be taught. Beyond that, teach your children how fun it is to learn by learning too. Always be open to learning and it rubs off.
7. Collaboration and Leadership – Support your kids in getting together with others in productive ways. Team sport, clubs and games help children see the benefit of working collaboratively, building on the strengths of a group. Inviting them to lead certain parts of the day, whether it be cooking a meal or choosing a family movie, all choices allow children to become comfortable making choices. Practice makes perfect.
Parents are great. They want their child to succeed and want them to grow into engaged, ethical adults. This does not happen through blind luck though. it requires a great deal of support from good parents. Hardest job I’ve ever had . . . best one too.
Keep on learning.
Dave
Be First to Comment