Navigating the School-to-Career Transition: Soft Skills for Teenagers

Hey there, parents and guardians! We’re about to embark on a journey that’s crucial for your teenagers’ future success — navigating the school-to-career transition. In this blog post, we’ll explore how soft skills play a pivotal role in this journey, providing guidance on how you can help your young ones acquire & demonstrate these essential skills.

Soft Skills: The Hidden Superpowers

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s clarify what we mean by “soft skills.” These are the invaluable, non-technical skills that go beyond the classroom and traditional curriculum. They include things like communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and resilience — skills that are the building blocks of success, both in education and the workplace.

Imagine soft skills as the hidden superpowers that empower your teenagers to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Now, let’s explore how they can be observed in everyday life:

• Communication: Notice how your teenager handles conversations with friends, teachers, or family members. Do they listen actively, express themselves clearly, and engage in respectful dialogues?
• Critical Thinking: Encourage your teenager to question things around them. Do they analyze situations, seek multiple perspectives, and make informed decisions?
• Teamwork: Observe how they collaborate in group projects or extracurricular activities. Do they contribute positively, respect others’ ideas, and work towards common goals?
• Resilience: Pay attention to how they handle setbacks or challenges. Do they bounce back from failures, learn from experiences, and maintain a positive attitude?

The Science of Soft Skills

Now, let’s add some science to the mix. Numerous studies have emphasized the importance of soft skills in the modern world (MacCann et al., 2020). Employers often prioritize these skills when hiring because they recognize that technical expertise alone isn’t enough. Soft skills like communication and problem-solving are essential for success in the workplace.

Moreover, academic success is closely linked to these skills (Panayiotou, Humphrey, & Wigelsworth, 2019). Teenagers who excel in soft skills tend to perform better in school. They are more adept at managing their time, collaborating with peers, and approaching learning with a growth mindset.

Morphoses: Your Partner in Soft Skill Development

As you guide your teenagers on this exciting journey, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. At Morphoses, we specialize in nurturing soft skills in children and young adolescents aged 6 to 17. Our online platform offers engaging sessions tailored to different age groups, and offers experiential learning activities, making soft skill development a fun and immersive experience. Through activities designed to develop up to three specific soft skills each week, we follow David Kolb’s experiential cycle, engaging learners in concrete experiences, reflective observations, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.

And here’s your call to action: Dive into the world of Morphoses with your teenager. Explore our wide variety of classes and witness the transformation as they build the soft skills that will set them on the path to success in both school and their future careers. Together, we’ll help them unlock their full potential.

Join us & find out more: https://app.morphoses.io/register/login

In conclusion, as your teenagers navigate the transition from school to career, soft skills are their compass. Embrace these skills, nurture them in everyday life, and let Morphoses be your trusted ally in this exciting journey.

References

MacCann, C., Jiang, Y., Brown, L. E., Double, K. S., Bucich, M., & Minbashian, A. (2020). Emotional intelligence predicts academic performance: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 146(2), 150–186. doi:10.1037/bul0000219. Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fbul0000219

Panayiotou, M., Humphrey, N., & Wigelsworth, M. (2019). An empirical basis for linking social and emotional learning to academic performance. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 56, 193–204. doi:10.1016/j.cedpsych.2019.01.009 Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0361476X18303382?via%3Dihub