Parent/ Community
Success for students outside of school in life and in the community requires the development of a number of soft skills in addition to the subjects they learn in the classroom. Supporting your children and the students in the community in the development of these soft skills will help them be well-rounded in the classroom and productive, successful members of the community. Wherever they go, if they have these skills, they'll be alright.
PoG skills can be incorporated into interactions with your children and the students in the community in a variety of ways, many of which you are probably already doing now. Below are just a few examples of ways to highlight these skills in your interactions with students.
TEAM PLAYER
If your student is a team player it means they can cooperate with and be respectful of others, they are aware of others in their group and use available resources and strategies to work well as a group.
Why is this important?
When an individual is a part of a group there is a sense of belonging and support, as well as responsibility. There is no limit to what can be accomplished if everyone respects each other and works together!
How can you incorporate this skill in your home/community?
Support the youth in the community to make new personal connections and build relationships. Emphasize the role they play and the responsibilities they have to a larger group, whether it is family, work, town or online community, sports team, club or members of a school or town organization.
PROBLEM SOLVER
If your student is a problem solver it means they always ask questions and use information to plan out their solutions, and then use what they have learned to create something new and continue to make it better.
Why is this important?
Encourage your children and the students in the community to work through problems they experience in their lives. Let them help you work through minor problems that occur, ask for their feedback and come to a solution- or many solutions, together.
How can you incorporate this skill in your home/community?
Problems are inevitable, as are successes and failures in solving them. But it's not just about any solution, it's about the perseverance in finding the best solution.
INNOVATIVE THINKER
If your student is an innovative thinker it means they look for ways to help and find new solutions, they always believe in the work and learn from their experiences and they can continue to make improvements.
Why is this important?
When you support young minds by valuing their attempts to view a task or an idea in a new way, you foster confidence in their creative thinking. Everyone's life has been improved by a new creative idea!
How can you incorporate this skill in your home/community?
Help your children and the students in the community to learn from their experiences and continue to improve what they do in their lives. Encourage them to find a better way to do things, and praise them for their attempt, even if it doesn't work out.
INFORMED & ENGAGED CITIZEN
If your student is an informed and engaged citizen it means they set a good example and always look out for others, stay focused on the goal of helping their community and are always respectful.
Why is this important?
Talk to your children and the students in the community about current events and ways to become involved in their community. Look for opportunities to volunteer, let them know there are no small actions and they can make a difference!
How can you incorporate this skill in your home/community?
Talk to your children and the students in the community about current events and ways to become involved in their community. Look for opportunities to volunteer, let them know there are no small actions and they can make a difference!
SKILLED COMMUNICATOR
If your student is a skilled communicator it means they plan what they will say and are thoughtful about how they say it to keep the message clear and interesting, but always listen to others to make the work better and consider other perspectives.
Why is this important?
Miscommunication can bring down relationships, employment, and even societies. It is important that we all communicate clearly and respectfully and listen with the same care and attention we desire.
How can you incorporate this skill in your home/community?
Model good listening and communication skills for your children and the students in the community. Be clear and direct with your messaging and ask your child/student probing questions to help guide them in their communication.