Problem Solving and Creative Thinking are Essential Skills

 

"I AM CONVINCED THAT HUMAN FLIGHT IS BOTH POSSIBLE AND PRACTICAL."

-WILBUR WRIGHT, 1899

At the time Wilbur Wright made this statement this was a completely radical and unbelievable concept.  To most people the idea of humans flying was absurd!  However, a little over 70 years later man was not only flying, but we were sending people to the moon.  In a person’s lifetime, they could have marveled at the first flight in 1903, and seen the first flight to the moon on television in 1969.  That is an astounding accomplishment in a relatively short period of time.

Since the time of the first flight, thousands of jobs that never existed have been created-  pilots, airplane mechanics, and air traffic controllers just to name a few.  Students going to school during the time Wilbur and Orville were experimenting with flight could never have imagined these careers.  The same holds true today. The careers that our children need to be prepared for may not even exist today.  So, how can we make sure our children are ready?  We need to prepare them to be problem solvers and creative thinkers.  They need to know how to work collaboratively with others to accomplish a goal. Students need the opportunity to struggle through difficult challenges and find solutions.  Students also need a solid background in the basics- reading, writing, and mathematics- to be prepared for their future.  They need to put this knowledge to use with new challenges.  Who knows what the future may bring.  But, if we give our children the necessary skills, they will be prepared for whatever careers come along.

Lessons From A Trail Hike

 

Last summer I went on an overnight trail hike with a friend.  You know, the kind real "backpackers" do.  We had talked about it a few times, and our schedules finally allowed for it.  I packed a large hiking backpack full of all the things I needed to survive on the trail for a few days, and he planned a route for us on the Tuscarora Trail.  

The experience was not exactly what I hoped.  But, as with many things, there are lessons to be learned!  Here are a few of my takeaways from our trip:

1) There are lots of good, friendly people out there!

My truck got a flat tire before we even arrived at the start of the trail.  As it happens, there was a guy coming back from a hike with his dog who pointed this out to me and helped us change the tire.  While I am certain we could have done it without him, his help made the job quicker and easier!  A complete stranger who took time from his day to help us out, just because he knew he had skills.  There are lots of kind people around!  

2) I am an over-packer, and it's not ok!

I did some research and determined what I needed for this trip.  Then, as I usually do, I packed way more of it than what was needed.   On a typical trip, this doesn't usually cause a big problem.  But, when you have to carry all you have packed on your back for many miles and many hours, it creates sore shoulders.  This is an area I must improve on!  The one thing I didn't pack enough of was clothing for the cool evening temperatures.... This made for some cold sleeping conditions.

3)  Stop and fill up your canteen at every water source you come across!

Hydration on a hike like this is critical.   I had the experience of being extremely dehydrated when I did the Tough Mudder a few years ago.  This is not something I want to repeat.  Filling your canteens with clean water is essential.  I found the water sources to be less prevalent than I imagined.   While I only got slightly dehydrated, I did get nervous a little.  The other clear lesson here is also to take advantage of opportunities when they come up.  You never know when you'll have the chance again!

4)  Fully committing yourself to a goal is always a good thing.  Especially when it's hard!

I'll admit that this hike was a lot harder than I expected.  There was a section on day one that was an exhausting 1.5 miles straight up.  The majority of our hike on day two, about 7 or 8 miles, was all on very large rocks.  Nothing that appeared like a trail to me!   My feet hurt.  My shoulders hurt.  And it's clear my cardiovascular endurance is not what it used to be!   However, once you are out on the trail you are fully committed.  You can't call time out.  You can't call for a ride.  You have to keep going until you get to the next destination.  This "full commitment" is a challenge and one that makes you a better person for completing it.  Seeing something that is difficult through to the end is always rewarding.

5) Always stop and enjoy the views!

   

 

COMPLIMENTS MATTER!

“I can live for two months on a good compliment.”
-Mark Twain

 

“Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names can never hurt me.” A nice idea, but unfortunately, it is not true.  Bones sometimes heal much quicker than feelings.  Our words have more power than we imagine.  Why not use our words for the positive power they have.  A kind word can be such a wonderful thing!  Everyone enjoys being complimented. 

The acknowledgment of our children’s good work is perhaps the best reward we can give.  It doesn’t cost a dime and can yield benefits that are worth millions.  Children respond well to positive praise.  It may not last two months, but it is sure to last longer than many of the prizes we give away.  These kind words are motivational, and inspire children to continue to work hard and be successful.  

Find specific things to compliment your child about every day.  Looking for ideas??  A quick Google search will yield hundreds!!   One of the great things about giving a compliment is that it makes you feel just as good for giving it as the person does for receiving it!