(For specific skill area ideas, download word documents listed below)
Strategies abound into today's information age. As parents and educators it can be overwhelming to choose and apply! If we try too many things we drop the balls we are juggling. If we keep things simple we can feel guilty. HOW CAN WE NAVIGATE THROUGH THE MAZE OF CHOICES AND PRESSURES? (for lists of strategies I have seen be helpful, see links below)
I propose a focused approach:
1. OBSERVE current skills and patterns.
2. CHOOSE 1 clearly defined new step in one skill to strive for (focus).
3. CHOOSE 1 new strategy to help aim for that focus goal.
4. TRY that consistently for a defined time (4 days, 2 math tests, 2 outings...)
5. REPEAT (adapting for best effectiveness over time)
Focusing on one step at at time in this manner allows us to observe what worked and what didn't. Things that worked can become a natural part of life, things that didn't work can be set aside guilt free. Over time, a repertoire of skills gets built up and incorporated with confidence that it is the best fit for that particular child.
I propose a focused approach:
1. OBSERVE current skills and patterns.
2. CHOOSE 1 clearly defined new step in one skill to strive for (focus).
3. CHOOSE 1 new strategy to help aim for that focus goal.
4. TRY that consistently for a defined time (4 days, 2 math tests, 2 outings...)
5. REPEAT (adapting for best effectiveness over time)
Focusing on one step at at time in this manner allows us to observe what worked and what didn't. Things that worked can become a natural part of life, things that didn't work can be set aside guilt free. Over time, a repertoire of skills gets built up and incorporated with confidence that it is the best fit for that particular child.