A1. Skills, Strategies, and Habits That Contribute to Success
Specific Expectations
A1.1
demonstrate an understanding of the importance of resilience and perseverance in school, life, and work – why it is helpful to acquire skills for adapting to change, persevering in the face of adversity, learning from mistakes, and thinking positively about setbacks – and analyse how developing resilience and perseverance can help them in all areas of their lives
- Importance of adaptive and coping skills: to maintain a positive outlook and a sense of well-being as they confront challenges; to thrive in the rapidly changing world of work
- How such habits might be applied at school: seeking help from a teacher or parent after receiving a disappointing result and using the feedback to make improvements; advocating for themselves by articulating their strengths and needs so that others can help them be successful; In life: learning to work with and understand many different perspectives and approaches to an issue or problem; seeking guidance and support when faced with instances of bullying, racism, or stereotyping; finding healthy ways to cope with changes such as moving to a new town or a new home; At work: consciously applying strategies to help them move on after not getting a desired job, such as seeking feedback and identifying steps to gain the necessary skills and experience; recognizing the importance of taking initiative and staying curious at work; having a positive attitude and confidence in their ability to learn; and being willing to take on new tasks
- Social-emotional learning skills foster overall health and well-being, positive mental health, and the ability to learn, build resilience, and thrive. Among these skills are the ability to identify and manage emotions, cope with stress, maintain positive motivation, nurture healthy relationships, develop self-awareness and a sense of identity, and think critically and creatively. What role do these skills play in educational and career/life success?
- What examples of adaptability do you recall from games, sports, or other activities you have participated in? How did being adaptable help you succeed in those instances? How do you think adaptability will help you in your career/life journey?
- Think about your transition to secondary school. What went well? What challenges did you face? Did you seek help from a friend or a trusted adult? Are you facing ongoing challenges? What steps are you taking to overcome them?
- What are some positive responses you might adopt if you do not perform as well as you hope to on a test at school or if you receive a critical work review?
- What are some of the obstacles people encounter on their education and career/life path? How would you overcome such challenges? How might you turn them into opportunities?
- We’ve been discussing resilience and why it is important in all aspects of your life. How would you define resilience, and how do you think it is connected to a sense of well-being? What are some factors that have contributed to your personal resilience and your ability to bounce back from stressful events or situations?
- It is important to distinguish between factors that are within your control, such as managing your time and learning what helps you to cope with stress, and factors that are not, such as your family situation or current economic circumstances. What can you do to deal with and change the things that are within your control and to adapt to those that aren’t?
Student learning may be enhanced through the use of: situational scenarios (interviews, problem-solving and decision-making challenges); online quizzes; videos on resilience and adaptability; and/or games (board, cooperative, virtual reality).
A1.2
identify a range of strategies to help manage stress and achieve and maintain a healthy school/life/work balance, and explain how they have used such strategies in their lives so far and how they might apply them in the future
Strategies to help manage stress and promote balance: getting enough sleep, fresh air, and physical activity; making healthy food choices; listening to music; doing breathing exercises; participating in spiritual, cultural, or community activities; making a list of priorities; developing a plan of action; using time-management strategies, including using a digital calendar; making it a habit to reserve time for self-reflection; consulting and sharing ideas with a mentor, friend, or trusted adult
- What strategies have you used in the past when faced with a challenge or obstacle? Did these strategies help you cope with stress? What might you do differently next time?
- How might positive self-talk help in dealing with stress? What can you do to make this strategy work for you?
- How do you know when you are feeling stressed? What changes do you observe in your physical, mental, or spiritual health? How are mental, spiritual, and physical health related? Why is it important to understand the links between mind, spirit, and body?
- What have you learned about how various First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities in Canada view and achieve harmony and balance through approaches that respect Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing?
Teachers may wish to consult the ministry document Supporting Minds: An Educator’s Guide to Promoting Mental Health and Well-being, 2013 for information and strategies, based on current research, that can help them recognize students who may be struggling.
