| When you were a kid in school, did you just | | | | artistic talent than others, but what good is that if |
| assume that some kids were "born" smarter than | | | | the child doesn't have the ability to use them? In |
| others? Did you think that they were the chosen | | | | fact, kids who focus on developing the abilities |
| ones who received a magical gift of intelligence | | | | they have are much more likely to achieve |
| and success, and you just weren't one of them? I | | | | success than those who have great talent but |
| sure did. I still remember the day in sixth grade | | | | don't learn how to use it. |
| when I was the only one in the class who knew | | | | Pay attention to what your child is good at and |
| the answer to a math problem. Even the | | | | encourage them to develop their abilities in that |
| smartest boy in the class didn't know it. I was | | | | area. Also, identify areas where your child may be |
| speechless. I almost couldn't get my mouth to | | | | lacking, and work with them to help build those |
| form the words to answer the teacher's question. | | | | skills as well so they become well rounded in all |
| I just assumed I wasn't one of the "smart kids," | | | | areas. |
| and that was that. | | | | #3 Skills: Skills are something we usually associate |
| I have learned differently, but it has taken me 40 | | | | with a job or trade. But, good learning skills are |
| years of slogging through school, work and life to | | | | what set the average student apart from the |
| learn the secrets. At age 40 I graduated from | | | | exceptional student... and it has nothing to do with |
| law school. If I had had these success tools | | | | "talent." Skills are techniques developed by a |
| available to me in my younger years, I could have | | | | student over time which leads to excellent results. |
| gone straight from my bachelor's degree (which | | | | An example would be writing or public speaking. Is |
| took me longer than it should have) on to law | | | | anyone great the first time they write a paper or |
| school and could have finished by age 26. I | | | | speak in front of a group of people? Of course |
| wouldn't have had to work during the day and go | | | | not. It takes practice, and that practice is what |
| to school at night, and I would have had the | | | | produces the skills. A professional athlete doesn't |
| stamina of my fellow young classmates! Although, | | | | just get out of bed one day and hit a homerun. |
| there is something to be said about life | | | | The athlete spends years and years practicing |
| experience! | | | | before hitting that homerun. |
| Here are the four essential tools for educational | | | | #4 Habits: Habits may be portrayed as boring, |
| and personal success... and no, it has nothing to do | | | | yet good habits are what really give us flexibility |
| with being "born" with them! By the way, these | | | | and desired results. Having good study habits |
| work equally well for adults tackling school, work | | | | ensures a student will be well prepared and |
| or other challenges in life. | | | | efficient in their studies. That also means there will |
| #1 Attitude: How we perceive things, including | | | | be no surprises, cram sessions and last-minute |
| ourselves, is crucial to our success. If we are | | | | stress! Children thrive with routines, and when a |
| convinced we will pass a test, we will pass. If we | | | | child knows what steps he or she must take to |
| are convinced we will fail, we will fail. I saw several | | | | reach the goal, that child has the roadmap to |
| good friends talk themselves into failing the bar | | | | success, and, incidentally, is a much happier child. |
| exam, even though they knew the material inside | | | | Children are not developmentally advanced enough |
| and out. In fact, some knew the material better | | | | at this point to make their own routines - they |
| than I did. Yet I passed because I convinced | | | | need guidance. |
| myself I was going to pass. | | | | Habits should include study habits as well as time |
| It is important to start working with your kids | | | | and life management habits. For example, a |
| early on. Listen to how they are talking to | | | | morning routine ensures that the child has made |
| themselves, about themselves, and what they | | | | his/her bed, brushed their teeth, had a good |
| expect of themselves. If they say things like "I | | | | breakfast, gotten off to school on time, etc. A |
| can't do that," or "I will fail that test," talk to them | | | | good evening routine provides activities that |
| about why they feel that way. You can help them | | | | prepare the child for the next day and includes a |
| develop positive thoughts to replace any disabling | | | | consistent bed time. This is crucial for their life |
| beliefs that are holding them back now. The earlier | | | | success, and it is important to include all aspects |
| this behavior is addressed the better. | | | | of the child's activities, not just studying. |
| #2 Ability: Many people believe that you have to | | | | By working with your kids to develop these four |
| be born with ability in order to be successful. That | | | | areas, you will give them the tools to excel in |
| can't be further from the truth. Yes, some kids | | | | their schoolwork and in their life. |
| are born with a higher IQ or more sports or | | | | |