Each new year provides an ideal time to reflect on our aspirations for our children. In a rapidly evolving world influenced by unpredictable technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), it’s crucial to consider how innovative and timetested educational approaches can prepare our children for the future. How do we ensure that future?
THE IMPORTANCE OF A BALANCED APPROACH
The resolutions’ literature (behavior modification) asserts that the most steadfast, unbreakable New Year’s resolutions ask us to consider the following three R’s.
- Reflect – Consider the past and present and envision the future you want.
- Resolve – Design the future you want by using your strengths to improve.
- Redirect – Innovate and implement your new approach.
It is important to see that a balanced approach is essential. The best of the past combines with the present to create an innovative approach for the future. The same is true with education.
WHY THE EMPHASIS ON THE CLASSICS OF KNOWLEDGE AND INSTRUCTION
Time-tested practices provide foundational skills that have worked generation after generation. The philosophy of Self Development Academy (SDA) accentuates that becoming literate citizens will unconditionally require a profound development of knowledge, core work ethics, and a culture of high expectations.
PROFOUND KNOWLEDGE
A robust understanding of concepts in reading, art, writing, and arithmetic is and will always be essential. These foundational skills remain crucial, regardless of technological advancements. A firm grasp of these subjects equips children with the tools they need to navigate their educational and professional journeys. Using a structured, sequential approach, the design of the SDA curriculum focuses on literacy and numeracy in the early years.
CORE WORK ETHICS
Time-tested approaches often instill a sense of discipline and work ethic. Starting in preschool, we help children develop a growth mindset: an unwavering belief in their abilities, seeing setbacks as an opportunity for intelligent growth. We teach an advanced and enriched curriculum, believing every child can rise to the potential beyond the limit. We provide personalized learning and small-group instruction for acceleration.
CULTURE OF HIGH EXPECTATIONS
Collectively, SDA’s traditional teaching methods foster a robust education environment:
- A belief in the limitless potential within each child
- High expectations
- Teacher Excellence
Each teacher from our Preschool to 8th grade is highly vetted. Professional development remains essential to each teacher’s job, and the collaborative approach allows teachers to learn best practices from each other. SDA has a high teacher retention rate.
PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR THE FUTURE
So, let’s return to our original question: What kind of future do you hope for your child? As we reflect on our hopes for our children, we must consider how we can support their development at school and home, balancing innovation and tradition.
Find a school that emphasizes foundation knowledge and encourages lifelong learning.
Equipped with foundational knowledge, children are ready to face the future. Many traditional roles are changing quickly, and new ones are emerging simultaneously. Rather than replacing humans, AI is expected to augment our capabilities. Future jobs may involve working alongside AI systems, requiring data analysis, programming, and ethical decision-making skills. At SDA, we encourage learning for learning’s sake.
That knowledge should extend beyond a test or quiz. Similarly, we foster a love for learning by exposing your child to diverse subjects and experiences. From specials and clubs to competitions, we offer a range of creative pursuits. At home, it’s essential to continue that momentum.
Provide opportunities for creative expression through arts, music, and hands-on projects. Help your child develop resilience by encouraging them to embrace challenges and learn from failures. Teach them that adaptability is a valuable skill in an ever-changing world.
As we embark on this new year, let’s take the time to reflect on the kind of future we hope for our children. By embracing a balanced approach that combines innovative and time-tested educational practices, we can prepare them for the challenges and opportunities. The future wants children with a diverse skill set, a love for learning, and the ability to adapt. Let’s guide them toward a future filled with promise and potential.
To learn more about Self Development Preschool, please contact (480) 396-3522. For the accelerated K-8 program, Self Development Academy, call Self Development Academy at (480) 641-2640.