One of the important building blocks of afterschool instruction is to help students develop life skills. But what does that really mean?

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.” The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and UNICEF offer us a framework for  life skills instruction in four categories:  1) Learning to Know—knowledge and critical thinking, 2) Learning to Do—practical skills, 3) Learning to Be—personal skills, and 4) Learning to Live Together—social skills.

Here is one example of how we may apply life skills instruction in an afterschool dance class:

Learning to know: Cognitive abilities

• Decision making and problem-solving skills – learning to choreograph a routine including eight-count sequencing and transitioning
• Critical thinking skills – learning the origins, evolution and impact of a type of dance style

Learning to do: Practical abilities

• Manual skills – learning the dance steps and performance routine, embracing timeliness and structure

Learning to be: Personal abilities

• Skills for increasing internal locus of control – developing confidence and self-esteem in dance, self-evaluation of abilities and setting goals for performance, overcoming challenges
• Skills for managing feelings and stress – learning about patience and practice, positive thinking, relaxation techniques

Learning to live together: Interpersonal abilities

• Interpersonal communication skills – learning about team-based communication, active listening of instruction, positive self-expression, and receiving feedback
• Negotiation and refusal skills – learning to manage conflicts and diverse perspectives, as well as developing assertiveness or refusal skills when needed
• Empathy skills - learning to listen to and understand others’ needs
• Cooperation and teamwork – learning to perform as a team, to respect differences in abilities and personalities, to help others perform, and to celebrate accomplishments
• Advocacy skills – learning networking and persuasion skills, and how to motivate others within the team

The afterschool environment offers leaders plenty of opportunity to teach life skills, while sometimes sharpening them ourselves in the process. Our kids don’t always have the best examples of knowing, doing, being, and living together at home. Let’s be intentional about building the four areas of life skills in everything we do.

Networking Question. . .
What creative ways do you incorporate life skills into your classes?