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Monthly Planner - May
Do you ever wonder
why some people are able to pursue a passion, from a very early age, that
provides them personal and sometimes financial satisfaction throughout
their lifetime? Is this just a lucky occurrence or can a "passion" be
cultivated and nurtured?
I believe "luck is where preparation meets opportunity" and that a strong
interest in something can be cultivated and nurtured base on exposure to
varying experiences and by identifying one’s personality type as early as
possible. As parents assisting our students in discovering what their
passion is can prove to be one of life’s best rewards.
Young students should be exposed to as many varied experiences as possible
-- the arts including music appreciation and expression, science projects,
physical play, team involvement, work situations and participation in
social organizations.
Through these varying experiences an aptitude will surface in your student
to one or more activity and it should be encouraged. These talents reflect
their gifts and the essences of who they truly are. The summer season is
the best time to allow your student to pursue their passions.
Providing an enriching summer experience requires research. Check into
programs available through the local Parks and Recreation centers, their
current and future schools as well as discussions with other parents that
have students of the same age.
If your student is old enough test them to determine their personality
type. Behavioral science has been used in corporate culture for several
years now. As noted in the book, Type Talk: The 16 Personality Types That
Determine How We Live, Love, and Work by Otto, Kroeger and Janet M.
Thuesen (October, 1989, Dell Publishing; ISBN: 0440507049) this science
describes, "how one perceives and relates to the world." On a personal
level this provides valuable insight and increases one’s self-awareness.
Also stated in this book is that, "it allows us to look at our uniqueness
as our strength, our styles as useful and our perceptions as assets. All
told, that can be a strong foundation on which to pursue our goals and
desires."
Another recommended publication on this subject is: Please Understand Me
II: Temperament Character Intelligence by David Keirsey (May 1998,
Prometheus Nemesis Book Co: ISBN: 1885705026) "Like four suits in a hand
of cards, we each have a long suit and a short suit in what interests us
and what we do well, and fortunate indeed are those whose work matches
their skills." Book Description
I can’t stress enough the importance of having your student read during
the summer months. If there is hesitation on your student’s part to read -
then as their parent read to them. Another suggestion is to collectively
select a book and get two copies - one for each of you to read. Read
simultaneously and then take time out to discuss it with them. Most
importantly however let them see you reading.
Early reading experiences are now recognized as being of such importance
that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that: "pediatricians
prescribe reading activities along with other instructions given to
parents at the time of well-child visits." The President of the Academy,
Dr. Robert E. Hannemann, stated: "We strongly recommend daily reading to
children from six months of age."1
Journal writing is also a good summer past time that will help your
student bring clarity to their thoughts and hone in on their writing
skills in preparation for the many essay questions that will need to be
answered during the private school admissions process.
1 Press
Statement, American Academy of Pediatrics, April 16, 1997
Alice Dickerson,
author,
"I’m going to high school. A Guide to the Private High School Admissions
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