Life skills are a new age phenomenon in the education world which is path-breaking, revolutionary and may be a holistic way of learning and development. It has changed the way education is imparted to our children. In this ever-growing technology and data-driven world, STEM-based (science, technology, engineering, math) education system is necessary to prepare students for the course work and careers for the future. But you must be surprised to know that life skills play a critical role in a well-rounded and comprehensive education. You are at the correct place if you want to know more about this innovative education system.

What is Life Skill-based education?

According to Childcare Monrovia, CA, Life skills are the building blocks that allow students to apply the knowledge they acquire in school to real-world problems and situations. Life skills, also referred to as soft skills, give children the ability to think abstractly and approach problems from multiple angles to find feasible solutions. Life skills provide children with important tools for development such as independent thinking, how to socialize, make new friends and collaborate and how to make the right choice in situations where their parents or teachers may not be around to help or intervene.

Examples of soft skills are as follows:

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Decision making and problem-solving skills
• Creative thinking and critical thinking skills
• Self-awareness and empathy
• Assertiveness and self-control
• Resilience and ability to cope with problems

Life skills touch upon issues that are:

• Real: they affect people’s lives
• Topical
• Sometimes sensitives: they can affect people on a personal level, especially when family or friends are involved
• Often controversial: people disagree and hold strong opinions about them
• Related to human morality: what people think is right or wrong, good or bad, important or unimportant in society

The benefits of teaching life skills in children:

Childcare Monrovia, CA, teachers focus on building life skills as it is an important exercise to help children develop sound judgment and good habits for being successful in their life. To promote life skills among kids, parents can take an active role. They can teach life skills at home through stories or activities that provide real-world examples and lessons in decision making and problem-solving. They can be as simple as assigning household tasks and budgeting exercises through an allowance, to taking care of a pet or volunteering in the community services.

Encourage your kids to organize some fun and easy events at home like game nights with family members or play dates with friends. This type of activity will help kids to work in teams, think creatively and plan the whole event keeping the objective in mind. These are good opportunities to develop their social and interpersonal skills.

Students in Childcare Monrovia, CA, are encouraged to read books from a very early age as reading is one of the easiest and best activities available to teach children a range of new skills. Reading helps in building and strengthening vocabulary and language skills as well as developing creative thinking and problem-solving skills.