Studies show that social-emotional skills contribute 80% to a person’s success.Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the conference organized by Verita International School on the theme: Emotional Intelligence – Empowering our Children by Ed Dunkelblau, Director of the Institute for Emotionally Intelligent Learning. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Verita International School initiatives, which continually educate their teachers and at the same time offer parents and other interested parties the opportunity to attend the lectures given by the guest speakers at the school.
Yesterday’s talk was interactive and energizing and I took away the following points, which I share with you:
For educators and parents:
One of the key elements of a child’s success at school is how they are greeted/welcomed in the morning (this goes for parents with the morning wake-up call as well). If the greeting is rushed and ugly or time pressured, the chances are lower that they will perform.
If students are greeted individually, one by one, it radically changes the learning/interaction dynamic. It’s all about the relationship you build.
Studies show that social-emotional skills contribute 80% to a person’s success. What do you want your student/child to be like in 20 years?
Meaningful learning only happens when there is a relationship/connection between the child and the educator/parent.
Talk to parents also when children have done something well, not just when there are problems. Teach children techniques at school that they can show to their parents, who in turn can use them at work. This will give the children a lot of confidence. The method is called up side down problem solving.
Find opportunities to laugh often. Laughter connects, relaxes and creates the optimal space for learning.
For parents:
Find a mission/vision for your family Listen to your feelings Emphasize your child’s qualities, strengths
Apologize when you lose control
Children imitate what you do, more than what you say, but be sure they also listen Make your home an oasis from stress, a space where all family members feel safe
Behave with your child as you would want others to behave with your child.
For teachers/educators:
Make them curious Make use of screens, we live in the digital age, children, even auditory and kinesthetic children have grown up with technology and visuals Challenge them (competitions, limited time, selection of information)
Do movement activities, they can’t sit still for long, just as we adults find it hard
Avoid telling them obvious information, it’s boring Delegate responsibility to the student in the area they are best at. For example Marius can show everyone how to tie their shoelaces and wants to help them. He’s the expert on tying shoelaces. Include technology in the learning process
Ask them to help with the teaching process, encourage group work, (peer learning) peer learning is most effective for children.
Provoke their imagination: what would the world look like if there was no gravity? What would you do if you won the lottery? By the way, this is a game I often play with Vlad. He even challenges me to answer different questions like: If you only had an hour to live, what would you do? If you could buy anything, what would you buy? If you had a superpower what would it be? etc.