I recently read a book called the “Global Achievement Gap” by Tony Wagner he mentioned the 7 skills every kid needs to learn to be successful. It was an incredible read. Tony is very insightful, and his ideas very thought-provoking. What’s incredible is that many of them are not being produced by our current educational environments. This post is not about the evils of common core though I am not a big fan. As a parent, it is easy to feel powerless and frustrated by the fact we can not control the outcome of our kids.
As parents, I believe it is our responsibility to teach our kids what they need to be successful. Reggie Joiner says that “We need to start with end in mind”, we need to do this in a holistic fashion. I want kids influential wherever the hand of God places them. My kids are fortunate enough to go to a great school, we have been blessed. Each one of their teachers has been amazing. If those teachers able to speak freely. I believe they are being both hindered and frustrated by the bureaucrats from both sides of the aisle.
As a parent when think about what I want my kids to learn I think of Tony’s description of the 7 survival skills. We need kids who can solve problems work with others, think on their feet, cast vision and can change course when needed. If we teach our kids those tools give them the resources and model these skills at home. Our kids will rise the top every job they work. I want my kids to influential where ever the good hand of God guides them to have influence.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Collaboration across networks and leading by influence
- Agility and adaptability
- Initiative and entrepreneurialism
- Effective oral and written communication
- Accessing and analyzing information
- Curiosity and imagination
Here is a great clip of Tony talking about these 7 skills. It’s worth 6 minutes of your time.
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