Preparing our children to adapt to change is probably the most critical lesson we can pass on, whether as teachers or parents (whom I define as the first and most important educators). The following blog was brought to my attention by Kate M.B. (thanks, Kate!).
In the posting, the blogger, Leo Babauta, states:
How then to prepare our kids for a world that is unpredictable, unknown? By teaching them to adapt, to deal with change, to be prepared for anything by not preparing them for anything specific.
Here are the nine skills needed to maintain adaptability, according to the author.
- Asking questions.
- Solving problems
- Tackling projects.
- Finding passion.
- Maintaining independence.
- Being happy on their own.
- Feeling compassion.
- Practicing tolerance.
- Dealing with change.
Reflect on these skills. Teach them. Start a conversation with colleagues, with students, on what these skills mean. Especially, use these skills to foster independent and critical thinking, as skills that foster mere following and acceptance of the status quo are the greatest danger to individual freedom and a democratic society.
Here are some questions to get the discussion going:
- Is this list complete?
- Are there redundancies?
- Can we build a set of commandments or social mores based on these?
- Add more questions of your own.
Interestingly, these are also the types of skills that help teachers maintain classroom management. Yes, independence fosters learning and better classroom environments. But that’s another blog…
Let me know what you think of the blog by coming back and posting a comment. I want to know what you think.
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