Last evening I attended a book event sponsored by the Early Education Initiative of the New America Foundation. The event featured Ellen Galinsky, president and co-founder of the Families and Work Institute and author of the new book, Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs. Ms. Galinsky talked about the research she accumulated and reviewed -- over a period of 10 years -- and how she arrived at the seven skills she sees as essential for success both in childhood and in adulthood. They are:
- Focus and Self Control
- Perspective Taking
- Communicating
- Making Connections
- Critical Thinking
- Taking on Challenges
- Self-Directed, Engaged Learning
A highlight of the evening were videos that said so much more than words ever could. One, depicting Focus and Self Control, was of the "marshmallow test." If you haven't seen it, watch it now!
Whether you're a parent or an early childhood professional, it's imperative that you ask yourself whether or not you're helping to instill these seven essential skills in the children in your care!
There are many resources available at Mind in the Making. I encourage you to check them out!
Ooooo, this was great! Are there more of the videos on YouTube?! I'll have to head there next and see. I was curious about whether or not she mentions other ways to help instill focus in children at a young age in the book? That seems like such a tough one at times... but kids need help with it a lot, it seems. I thought the suggested game of "opposite" Simon Says was really a GREAT idea! Another book to add to my reading list! I've missed reading your blog! Unfortunately, I don't think I'm going to be able to catch up on the last 6 months that I've missed!!! lol But I'm going to go as far as I can (and try not to inundate you with comments! ha ha)
Posted by: Ellen M | July 09, 2010 at 10:28 AM
Don't really think you've missed much over the past 6 months! I've been really negligent about posting regularly. : (
So good to hear from you again!
Posted by: Rae Pica | July 09, 2010 at 11:33 AM
What an interesting study. The book intrigues me. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Heather | July 15, 2010 at 12:55 PM