They are the non-technical skills and knowledge necessary for effective participation in the workforce. They are the skills that make some employees stand out from others with similar qualifications and experience.
They are skills that are valued by employers and often the focus of employment interview questions and selection processes. Employability or core skills include:
• Communication.
• Self-management.
• Problem solving.
• Teamwork.
The good news is that these skills can be developed from a very young age and in both formal and informal settings. In children’s services across Australia very young children are developing these skills as they engage in a variety of classroom and playground activities.
These activities can also be used at home. Simple activities to promote skill development in young children:
Communication
Talk to your child while you are undertaking routine activities and involve them in the discussion. For example if you are changing their clothes, talk about what you are doing: I am going to take off your shirt now, I am undoing the buttons: one, two, three. Now we need to put on your shoes, what do we put on before the shoes? Talk to your child about an activity you have both shared, ask open ended questions to encourage your child to respond. For example if you have just been to the park you could ask: what did you like best?; how many colours did you see?- encourage the child to describe where they saw the colour; do you know what was happening to the trees? What games were people playing today?
Self-management
As soon as children are able to do so encourage them to develop self-management skills: feeding themselves, holding their own cup, getting dressed, putting away their toys etc Help your child learn strategies to manage their own behaviour, for example when they are feeling upset or angry. Once they are calm talk to them about what happened, what made them angry. If there was another person involved talk about how they may be feeling. Give your child small responsibilities to manage each day and praise their efforts, especially when you do not have to remind them; for example setting the table, helping to tidy up before dinner, getting ready for bed.
Problem solving
Engage in problem solving activities with your child. For example when you are working through a problem talk about what you are doing. For example if you are cleaning out and re-arranging cupboards so you can fit things in or find things talk to your child about what you are doing and get their ideas about where things should go and why. Provide your child with age appropriate jigsaws to complete. For an extra challenge mix up the pieces for two jigsaws and see if they can sort them out. Have a building block challenge to build the tallest tower that can support the weight of a small can. Increase the size of the can and see what happens and how the tower needs to change. Encourage your child to talk about what they are doing.
Teamwork
Look for opportunities to involve your child in activities where teamwork is needed and praise their efforts. For example ask for their help in carrying parcels from the car or washing from the line, praise them for their effort saying you could not have got that job done without them. If you have more than one child get them to work together to pack up toys, feed the dog etc and praise for getting the job done and their teamwork. Encourage your child to play games where two or more people are required such as throw and catch, hide and seek. Older children can be encouraged to play team sports.
Densie Taylor is a former CEO with a background is education and quality assurance. She holds qualifications in teaching, education and management. If you have a question for Denise email: askanexpert@wsba.com.au
