We are all born with potential. Every kid is curious and creative. But as the race of life begins, some kids lose the focus and confidence. As the school labels them with grades and marks, winners and losers take shape. While some kids lack the skills to cope with the ongoing race, some kids are good at it. Yes, we\’re talking about both academic and life skills.
Interestingly, the social system focuses a lot on academic skills. The parents, school and the society want their kids to be the toppers and winners. We forget that a race can only have one topper or winner and the others can get into the loser mindset unless they win in another race.
So we need more races. Not just academic skill races but life skill races too.
Interestingly, academic skills help open doors for kids. But life skills helps them once the door is open. Life skills also help in opening hard and challenging doors.
Here is a list of life skills that students can have in this age:
- Communication skills: This includes the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. It also includes the ability to listen to and understand others.
- Critical thinking skills: This includes the ability to analyze information, identify problems, and develop solutions. It also includes the ability to think outside the box and come up with new ideas.
- Problem-solving skills: This includes the ability to identify and define problems, gather information, brainstorm solutions, and implement the best solution.
- Decision-making skills: This includes the ability to weigh options and make choices that are in one\’s best interest. It also includes the ability to make decisions under pressure.
- Self-management skills: This includes the ability to set goals, manage time, and stay organized. It also includes the ability to manage stress and emotions.
- Relationship skills: This includes the ability to build and maintain healthy relationships with others. It also includes the ability to communicate effectively, resolve conflict, and show empathy.
- Financial literacy skills: This includes the ability to understand and manage money. It also includes the ability to make sound financial decisions.
- Digital literacy skills: This includes the ability to use technology effectively and safely. It also includes the ability to evaluate and use information from online sources.
- Creative thinking skills: This includes the ability to come up with new ideas and solutions. It also includes the ability to think outside the box and see the world in new ways.
- Resilience skills: This includes the ability to bounce back from setbacks and failures. It also includes the ability to learn from mistakes and keep moving forward.
- Adaptability skills: This includes the ability to adjust to change and new situations. It also includes the ability to learn new things quickly and easily.
In addition to these general life skills, students may also want to develop specific skills that are relevant to their chosen field of study or career goals. For example, a student who is interested in becoming a doctor may want to develop skills in medical terminology, research methods, and patient care.
Students can develop life skills both in and out of the classroom. There are many opportunities to learn and practice these skills in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and part-time jobs. Students can also develop life skills by talking to their parents, teachers, and other mentors.
Each of us want to learn, but not to be taught.
Also, it could be a good idea to add more life skills like traveling, spirituality, and speaking as separate life skills. They are all important skills that can help people live richer and more fulfilling lives.
For example, traveling can help people learn about different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. It can also help people develop their independence, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills.
Speaking is a valuable skill that can help people communicate effectively, share their ideas, and influence others. It can also be used to build relationships, teach others, and promote positive change.
Online Courses for Life Skills
there are also many online courses available that teach specific skills such as coding, cooking, photography, and foreign languages.
Some of the most popular online life skill courses for students include:
- Learning How to Learn by Coursera
- The Science of Well-Being by Yale University on Coursera
- Personal Finance by Indiana University on edX
- Time Management for Students by Udemy
- Communication Skills for Students by Alison
- Critical Thinking for Students by Alison
- Career Development for Students by Udemy
Students can find online life skill courses through a variety of platforms. Many universities and colleges also offer online life skill courses through their own websites.
Come Home to a Student’s Hangout
We are building a platform to bring the best courses on life skills at one place. Urja Library would be the home you can come to for practicing the life skill that you want in your life.
Urja Library is the place where you can heal yourself, unlock your creativity and get back your confidence. It’s going to be a student’s hangout where there are no labels and no judgement.
We invite teachers and parents to join us in creating a playbook on essential life skills.