 Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Skills for Elementary School Students Imagine a future where elementary students are equipped with the professional skills that are often reserved for adults. In this insightful Q&A, a CEO and a Founder share their thoughts on what professional skills should be taught in schools. The first expert emphasizes the importance of teaching effective communication early, while the last highlights introducing basic coding skills.
Teach Effective Communication Early One skill I think elementary students should learn about in the work field is effective communication. Children should learn to express their thoughts clearly, listen actively, and work with a group from an early age. Almost everything in the workplace requires some sort of teamwork, project leadership, or relationship building, all of which will require communication to lay the foundation. There are simple teaching exercises to build up communication in the classroom at the elementary level, such as sharing ideas in a group discussion or practicing active listening during a conversation. These exercises are helpful in allowing the children to feel confident in themselves and have an understanding of how others may feel. An example might be a group activity where students collaborate on a project and include time for each child to share their thoughts and receive feedback. That not only develops speaking skills but also teaches them how to take in and respond constructively to input. Why this skill is critical: It affects every personal and professional relationship throughout life. That person is able to resolve conflicts, persuade others, and relate to others with their communication skills. That is a skill that will be important beyond the classroom; and that will equip kids to meet challenges in the real world. Teach them to use words to express their emotions and thoughts, but show them that body language, tone, and active listening are also important. The development of these skills is nurtured in an environment where children feel secure and are encouraged to raise their hand and participate with their peers. When teaching communication early, we provide students with a tool that they will use through every stage of life. It helps them academically, fosters their confidence, and plants the seeds for success later in life. This skill forms a crucial building block for their future (personal and professional) if they make this investment early on. - Becky Babb, CEO, The Last Resort Introduce Professional Communication Skills When I run team-building workshops, I often notice how much easier it is for people who learned collaboration skills early in life. I believe teaching elementary students professional communication through group projects, peer feedback sessions, and classroom presentations would be incredibly valuable. Just last week, I watched my daughter’s class work together to organize a mini science fair, and it was amazing to see how they naturally developed leadership and teamwork skills. - Hanna Kanabiajeuskaja, Founder, Spaciously Prioritize Digital Literacy Last year, while helping my nephew with homework, I realized how crucial digital literacy is for today’s students. I watched him struggle to identify reliable sources for his science project, which made me think about how we take basic tech skills for granted. I believe teaching digital literacy in elementary school would help kids navigate online information safely and develop critical thinking skills they’ll need throughout their lives. - Tyler Hall, Developer, TROYPOINT Teach Basic Financial Literacy In my experience working with small businesses, I’ve realized how basic financial literacy could have helped many people avoid common money mistakes. I remember struggling with simple budgeting in college because I never learned these skills early on. Teaching kids about saving, basic budgeting, and the value of money through fun activities like classroom economies or mini-markets could really set them up for success later. - Jonathan Gerber, President, RVW Wealth Encourage Early Creativity As someone who works with marketing teams, I’ve seen how creativity becomes a game-changer in solving real-world problems, which is why I believe it should be taught early on. Last year, I watched my nephew’s class brainstorm solutions for their school’s recycling program, and their imaginative ideas like creating art from waste actually led to better recycling habits than our traditional methods. - Yarden Morgan, Director of Growth, Lusha Focus on Conflict Resolution Conflict resolution is a skill I wish more people learned early in life. Teaching kids how to mediate disagreements on the playground, for example, equips them to handle disputes as adults. In law, this is particularly relevant, as resolving conflicts outside the courtroom often benefits all parties involved. Early lessons in compromise and empathy build stronger leaders and professionals. - Gordon Hirsch, Founder and Managing Attorney, Hirsch Law Group Develop Teamwork Skills I’ve found teamwork to be an essential skill that elementary schools often overlook. When I led a business project recently, I noticed how many professionals struggled with basic collaboration skills that could’ve been developed early on. I suggest having students work on long-term group projects where they rotate roles — from leader to supporter — helping them understand different perspectives and learn to communicate effectively. - Patrick Carver, CEO, Constellation Marketing Emphasize Collaborative Problem-Solving One professional skill that elementary students should be taught in school is collaborative problem-solving. This skill not only aligns with real-world needs but also serves as a foundation for integrating all subject matter through methodologies like project-based learning (PBL). In a PBL environment, students tackle meaningful projects — such as designing an eco-friendly school garden or developing a community improvement plan — that require applying concepts from math, science, language arts, and social studies. This interdisciplinary approach mirrors how challenges are addressed in industries like managed IT services, where solutions often involve a combination of technical expertise, creative thinking, and effective communication. Moreover, PBL encourages professional networking development by connecting students with external mentors, industry experts, and community leaders as part of their learning journey. For example, a technology-focused project could involve consultations with professionals in managed IT services, giving students early exposure to the importance of teamwork, clear communication, and leveraging expertise to achieve shared goals. Teaching elementary students collaborative problem-solving not only prepares them for academic success but also cultivates the essential professional and interpersonal skills they’ll need in any future career. - Nick Kliminski, Client Relations Specialist, Go Technology Group Promote Public Speaking The professional skill I believe elementary students should be taught is public speaking. Learning how to communicate effectively in front of others is invaluable and has benefits that last a lifetime. Many adults struggle with this skill because they were never taught it early on. Introducing it in elementary school would give kids the tools to express themselves confidently, no matter what career path they choose. Public speaking teaches children how to organize their thoughts and communicate them clearly. Imagine a child presenting a simple project in class. They learn to structure their ideas, maintain eye contact, and speak at a steady pace. These skills don’t just help in school; they lay the foundation for future situations, like job interviews or pitching ideas in a professional setting. A confident speaker stands out and is more likely to make an impression, whether it’s in a meeting or at a networking event. - Shaun Bettman, Chief Executive Officer, Eden Emerald Mortgages Foster Empathy in Education Empathy should be well taught in elementary education. Our ability to connect with clients and understand their struggles profoundly affects how we serve them. One case that stands out involved a client who was hesitant to open up. By listening with empathy, we built trust and achieved a favorable outcome. Teaching kids empathy fosters emotional intelligence, a skill crucial for any profession that involves working with people. - David E. Preszler, Partner, Preszler Injury Lawyers Introduce Basic Coding Skills One professional skill that I believe should be introduced to elementary students is basic coding. Coding is not just about creating software; it teaches kids problem-solving, logical thinking, and resilience when troubleshooting. These are foundational skills that extend beyond tech careers. For instance, even understanding simple HTML can empower a student to build a website, sparking creativity while introducing the structure of digital communication. If kids grow up familiar with these tools, they will have an advantage in a tech-driven job market. - Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer, Helium SEO
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |