LIFE SKILLS IN THE CLASSROOM AND BEYOND The World Health Organization defines life skills as “abilities for adaptive and positive behavior that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life” (World Health Organization, 2020). Life skills enable a person to translate knowledge, attitudes, and values into actual abilities (Saravanakumar, 2020). Life skills can prepare an individual to better understand themselves and others, to make better decisions, and to handle internal and external pressures. By introducing life skills in the classroom through literacy and discussion, children can set themselves up for success in the classroom, and lay the groundwork for success in their future careers. According to a 2016 jobs report by the World Economic Forum, an estimated 65 percent of children entering elementary school will end up working in jobs that don’t yet exist (World Economic Forum, 2016). While it may be difficult to pinpoint the specific technical skills needed for these new jobs, there is a set of skills employers seek, year in and year out, even in this changing landscape. The life skills children can learn in the classroom and at home can translate into their careers as adults.
Teacher’s Guide • 7
Teacher’s Guide Sampler 7
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