We’re excited to announce a new, 8-module online training series called Mind in the Making: Essential Life Skills for Children and Adults. We’re offering this training series in partnership with the Families and Work Institute. With author Ellen Galinsky, motivational speaker Erin Ramsey, and nonprofit leader Jacquelyn Santiago Nazario as guides, the modules explore the science behind executive function through the lens of Seven Essential Life Skills.
The Seven Essential Life Skills are:
- Focus and Self-Control
- Perspective Taking
- Communicating
- Making Connections
- Critical Thinking
- Taking on Challenges
- Self-Directed, Engaged Learning
These skills are described in detail in this downloadable graphic:
Executive function has become something of a buzzword. But what does this term really mean? It refers to a set of brain-based skills that allow us to manage our social, emotional and cognitive capacities to pursue goals. We use these skills many times every day, like when we need to follow directions, resist an unhelpful impulse, switch tasks, or consider another person’s perspective. (Check out our free, downloadable Tip Sheets on executive function for more information.)
Executive function skills are fundamental to success in school, at work, and in social environments. Like other skills (tying shoelaces, riding a bike, learning an instrument), children aren’t born with them. They learn them through practice, ideally with the help of trusted adults–people like us. So, can we adults also improve our executive function skills? Yes, we can! In fact, when we understand, value, and practice these skills, we’re in the best possible position to help the children in our care do the same.
Mind in the Making: Essential Life Skills for Children and Adults is based on research from child development experts here at the University of Minnesota and at other leading academic institutions around the country. The training series offers “virtual field trips” into these researchers’ labs so participants can learn about the studies that have shaped our concept of executive function. The series also includes plenty of practical tools and strategies. Participants will use these to apply their new knowledge right away at work and and often report that this training is life-changing.
This training series is suitable for professionals who work with children and families, such as educators in schools and child care settings, parent educators, social workers and home visitors, medical professionals, and early interventionists. It’s also appropriate for parents and caregivers with children aged from birth through eight.
Get all the details and register for Mind in the Making: Essential Life Skills for Children and Adults!
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Tags: infant and early childhood mental health, parents and caregivers, professional development