TNSM has shared many posts of life-skills work with our preprimary and kindergarten students. You’ve seen images of children washing dishes, turning screws, sewing buttons on cuffs and more.
But what life skills do the (9-12) students work on, besides algebra, geometry, grammar, civics, history, literature, science and Spanish?
Next generation workers need to be self starters with strong communication and interpersonal skills, continuously learning and adapting as situations change.
Our students practice those skills as part of their everyday curriculum.
- They work with their teachers to create a personal work plan where they are accountable for deadlines and objectives that they will track and manage.
- Students practice teamwork and learn how to navigate the dynamics of working in a group on a project or presentation.
- (9-12) Students take field trips where they take more responsibility for planning, map reading and managing their money for meals.
- 6th graders spend all year on their senior projects, researching and writing a 10-15 page paper that they summarize and present to TNSM families, alumni and friends.
- (9-12) Students have the opportunity to prepare a 2-3 minute speech to run for student board where they will guide daily community meetings, plan fundraisers for nonprofits and bring forward ideas and issues brought to them by their peers to discuss with teachers, working together toward better understanding and resolution.
When students graduate to attend other local schools, we often hear how prepared they feel for the real world challenges that face them in middle school, high school and beyond.
Ann Baumgardner
