Nurturing Thrivers: The Importance of Holistic Character Education.
On Odd Socks Day, participants wear mismatched socks to honour their uniqueness.
As we embark on another exciting semester at our school, we want to take a moment to reflect on a vital aspect of our students' development: character education. In an ever-changing world, equipping our children with the necessary skills to thrive is more important than ever. This is reflected in our school’s mission of developing the whole child. The work of Michele Borba, Ed.D., particularly her book Thrivers, highlights that, with the ever more competitive systems we live in and the increased pressure our students feel, it is important that as teachers and parents we are committed to fostering holistic and transferable skills that empower our students to succeed in multiple areas of life.
One thought provoking quote from Borba’s study came from a 16-year-old girl who said “We are growing up in a highly competitive environment where we are compared to each other constantly. It’s like we are scores not kids”. This highlights the importance to our children that we do not focus solely on student grades as a measure of success and that we look at the learning process from a holistic standpoint. Through our character education lessons, we aim to highlight the holistic view, but success relies on a partnership with every family.
Dr. Borba identifies seven strengths essential for children to thrive: Self-Confidence, Empathy, Self-Control, Integrity, Curiosity, Perseverance, and Optimism. We believe that these strengths align closely with our own character traits: Compassion, Integrity, Balance, Confidence, Curiosity, Commitment, Creativity, and Reflection. Together, these frameworks create a comprehensive approach to character education that prepares our students for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter.
The Seven Strengths of Thrivers
Self-Confidence: Dr. Borba and the school emphasize the importance of self-confidence as a foundational strength. Children who believe in themselves are more likely to take risks, embrace challenges, and pursue their passions.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is a cornerstone of positive relationships and effective communication. Our character trait of Compassion aligns seamlessly with this strength.
Self-Control: A Key strength is the ability to regulate one’s emotions and behaviours is crucial for academic success and personal well-being. Our school promotes Balance by teaching students the importance of managing their time and emotions to navigate the daily ups and downs.
Integrity: Integrity, or adherence to moral and ethical principles, is essential for building trust and credibility. Our school stresses that children who demonstrate integrity are more likely to make positive choices.
Curiosity: A natural curiosity drives lifelong learning and exploration. Dr. Borba notes that curious children are more engaged and motivated. Our school’s emphasis on Curiosity encourages students to ask questions, seek answers, and explore new ideas.
Perseverance: The ability to persist in the face of challenges is a hallmark of successful individuals. Dr. Borba identifies perseverance as a crucial strength for thriving. Our character trait of Commitment aligns with this idea, as we instil in our students the importance of dedication and hard work.
Optimism: A positive outlook can significantly impact a child’s resilience and ability to cope with adversity. Dr. Borba emphasizes the importance of fostering optimism. Our school encourages Creativity, which often involves seeing possibilities where others may see obstacles and emphasising a growth mindset.
Bridging Character Education
and Holistic Development
At our school, we recognize that character education is not just about instilling values; it is about nurturing the whole child.
Giving students the time and space to choose their path, make and learn from mistakes, and enjoy some downtime to pause and reflect with the support of their parents is vitally important.
Holistic education considers the emotional, social, and academic aspects of a child’s growth. By focusing on character education, we prepare our students to navigate complex social dynamics, build meaningful relationships, and contribute positively to their communities.
We also understand that these skills are transferable. The strengths outlined by Dr. Borba and our character traits are not confined to the classroom; they extend into every facet of a child’s life. Whether in sports, the arts, or future careers, the ability to empathize, persevere, and maintain integrity will serve our students well.
The Role of Parents
As parents, your role in this journey is invaluable. You are the primary influence in your child’s life, and your support can significantly impact their character development. Here are some ways you can reinforce these strengths at home:
Model the Traits: Demonstrate self-confidence, empathy, and integrity in your daily interactions. Children learn by observing their parents.
Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to express their thoughts and feelings. This fosters empathy and self-control.
Promote Curiosity: Encourage your child to ask questions and explore new interests. Engage in discussions about their findings and discoveries.
Celebrate Perseverance: Share stories of your own challenges and how you overcame them. Remind your child that failure is a part of learning.
Foster Optimism: Help your child see the silver lining in difficult situations. Encourage them to focus on solutions rather than problems.
