What are soft skills?
What soft skills do children need to develop?
How do you develop soft skills?
How does the school help in developing flexible skills?
What are soft skills?
Soft skills are a set of characteristics and qualities that help a person to be successful in communicating, managing emotions, resolving conflicts, and achieving goals. Unlike hard skills, which are related to areas of knowledge, soft skills focus on interpersonal relationships and behaviour. They are essential for academic and professional success.
One of the main reasons why they are so important for children is that they help them better adapt to an ever-changing world. Now that automation and artificial intelligence are becoming more prevalent, soft skills are essential. Children with well-developed soft skills find it easier to find themselves in the labour market and adapt to new situations.
We recommend that you start developing these skills in your children from an early age. It is in childhood that we develop the character and basic habits that can determine future success. But first, it is necessary to determine which soft skills children need.
What soft skills do children need to develop?
We have selected a few basic skills to look for in parenting:
Emotional Intelligence. This is the ability to recognise your own emotions and those of others, and to manage them effectively. It is important for children to learn how to express their feelings and understand and respect others' feelings. They need to be told how to seek compromise in any conflict situations. Well-developed emotional intelligence makes it easier for children to adapt to a new school environment.
Communication skills. One important aspect of soft skills is communication skills. Children who can communicate effectively can easily express their thoughts and ideas, listen to others and co-operate with them. This helps them to work successfully in teams, solve problems and achieve common goals. Communication skills also contribute to the development of emotional intelligence, enabling children to be sensitive to the feelings of others.
Creativity and problem thinking. Children with these qualities can solve problems easily and effectively when faced with them. They are able to analyse a situation, look for alternative ways out of it and make thoughtful decisions. This skill also promotes creative thinking. It is important to encourage children to experiment, develop their imagination and teach them to see problems as opportunities for growth.
Leadership and responsibility. One of the main reasons why it is important to develop these skills in children is that they help them to become independent and confident. Children become aware of their strengths, learn to overcome challenges and develop skills in organisation, leading and motivating a team, making decisions and achieving goals. This enables them to become responsible for their actions and behaviours. Children should be encouraged to participate in community activities, sports competitions or school projects.
Cooperation and teamwork. Children who know how to work in teams and build relationships with others can achieve a lot in the future. They know how important and appropriate it is to listen to and respect the opinions of others, and to share ideas and information without interrupting their classmates.
Time management. This is another important aspect of soft skills, especially for children. This skill allows them to allocate their time effectively between their studies, school clubs, play, hobbies and other activities. Time management helps children to be more organised, responsible and independent. It also develops planning, prioritising and analytical thinking skills.
How do you develop soft skills?
Developing soft skills in children is a process that requires attention, support, and most importantly, practice. Here are some ways you can help children build these skills:
It is important to create the right environment for developing soft skills. This can be done by using a variety of games and activities that promote communication and interaction with other children. For example, organising group projects and tasks where children have to cooperate and find common ground. Such experiences will help them learn to listen to each other, build reasoned dialogues, and make common decisions.
Attention should be paid to the individual characteristics of the child. Some children are more inclined to problem solving, others to communication or leadership. Parents and teachers should help children discover and develop their strengths. For example, a child can be asked to lead a small group in the classroom or at home to develop his or her leadership potential. In this way, children will be able to overcome their weaknesses and excel at what they enjoy doing.
Children need to be taught emotional literacy, which is an important component of soft skills. This can be done by using games and exercises aimed at developing empathy, the ability to manage emotions and constructively resolve conflicts. At the same time, you should discuss with children their emotions in different situations so that they learn to understand and name their feelings.
Constant family support is very important, because parents can be an example for their children. Regular encouragement from parents will help children to believe in themselves and in their own abilities.
How does the school help in developing flexible skills?
Soft skills are not directly linked to academic knowledge, but they play an important role in shaping identity and success in life, and schools play an important role in developing them.
-
The school should teach children the basics of communication, teamwork and cooperation.
Students should work in groups, solve problems together, discuss ideas and share their opinions in order to develop skills in effective communication, mutual understanding, constructive critical thinking and tolerance.
At the British International School we have successfully used the house system, developing flexible qualities in our pupils who have been divided into 4 groups or 'Houses'.
The children take part in joint projects and competitions. For example, we suggested that each "House" should design its own scarf and emblem. The children had to develop a colour scheme, come up with a name and logo. This task allowed them to show their creativity and contribute to the common identity and unity of their "Home".
- Developing problem-thinking projects and tasks.
The school should offer tasks and projects that require problem thinking, creative problem solving and innovative ideas. This helps children to develop skills in critical thinking, analysing, finding solutions and creativity.
For example, at School №5 we offered the children to take part in an interesting masterclass on designing a canteen. The students not only discussed together what they would like to change, but also presented their ideas on how the design could be turned into reality.
- Leadership system
How to educate not only purposeful and versatile, but also independent, responsible individuals who are ready to make their own decisions? The answer is simple - to organise a community of school leaders.
This can be through the structure of class leadership, election of Head Students and class representatives, organisation of student committees and clubs. This model helps children develop leadership, decision-making, time management and organisational skills.
Our school has a system of Head Students. They act as representatives on behalf of the students and share their ideas and suggestions with the leadership team, as well as representing the school at official events and ceremonies.
Every 2 years we hold an election for Head Students: one Head Boy and one Head Girl are elected from among well-performing students.
- Sports and cultural events
The school should offer a variety of sports, cultural and social activities in which children can participate and develop their skills. For example, sports tournaments help to develop team spirit, and the ability to work as a team. Team sports are known to foster a healthy level of competition, as well as bringing pupils together as they strive together to achieve a goal. It is a great opportunity to spend time, celebrate achievements with their classmates and gain useful competitive experience.
Every year students take part in volleyball, basketball, squash and football competitions. We also organise traditional Sports Days.
Taking part in theatre productions, music groups or clubs enables children to develop their creative skills, to perform in front of an audience and to express themselves confidently. Drama Class, for example, helps us with this. In the classes the children develop their stage performance and public speaking skills. They learn to speak loudly and work in public, which removes barriers to communication.
There are more than 35 clubs at the British International School, where every child can find something to his or her liking. Children can try their hand at playing the ukulele, modeling with a 3D pen, mental arithmetic, chess, ceramics and drama in English. Sporting activities at the school include a football club, ballet, gymnastics and Latin American dance.
Do you want to fulfill your child's potential to the maximum? It is important to select your school with careful consideration. The British International School places significant emphasis on nurturing the abilities and talents of every child in addition to providing excellent education. Find out more by phone +7 (495) 450-16-26 or leave a request on our website.
MORE TO READ:
International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma)
Benefits of studying at an international school
How to make your child interested in learning English?