From Industry to Identity - Part 1

Starting to school is a crucial turning point in the social development of a child. For some children, this is a significant first step for entering an environment where expectations, social demands, and ethical standards may be different from their home life. If the atmosphere is acceptable and safe, a child begins a lifetime learning adventure.

          Developing a positive attitude toward learning is essential for successfully adjusting to school life. If school adjustment problems persist, parents must make sure their child gets help so the developmental task of industry and productivity progresses normally. This critical task centers around cooperating with teachers and those within their peer groups.

          Responsibility for a child's social and intellectual growth depends on the child, parent, and teacher. Persistence and perseverance are required. Listen to James 1:12: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him." That's God's promise.  

Learning Productivity - Part 3

Do you realize how much determination it takes for an infant to master crawling, learning to walk, and acquiring language? As parents provide an atmosphere of trust that allows a strong sense of self to flourish, their children go to school prepared and eager for mastering the task of industry and productivity.

There are children who enter elementary school unprepared and unready for the task of learning. Parents must overcome their own fears, unpreparedness, and anxiety so they can take appropriate steps to insure their child is provided all available resources to meet their needs. While there are barriers to overcome, persistence helps insure success.

Success in the elementary years can't be stressed enough, for children take with them these initial ideas of what it means to be productive throughout adulthood. Listen to Proverbs 22:6. "Train or teach a child how he should live, and he will remember it all his life." The choices you help your children make about persistence and staying on track will remain a continuous guide and encouragement.  

Learning Productivity - Part 1

God's desire for his people is that they be industrious and productive. Industry is a developmental task the elementary age child learns to master. The goal for a child at this age is to become skilled in reading, math, social studies, and science. Success most often depends on acquiring social skills. This learned productivity creates patterns for living that last a lifetime.

Children who are shy or feel inadequate conceal their treasures. These children need encouragement and tutoring until their self-image changes. Be alert to identifying a child's strengths and positive attributes. Feelings of inadequacy and inferiority are difficult to overcome, but with determination and God-given courage, change is possible.

The temptation is to linger in the shadows of your capabilities. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness." With every temptation, God provides a way to escape. So please be encouraged, and strive to be the person God created you to be.  

Motivation for Change - Part 2

Learning, growing, and changing should be a never-ending process and desire. Children who have the opportunity to explore and discover their world seem to develop a conscientious attitude that leads to a life of productivity. Attitudes and values are caught rather than taught, so being an example is the primary means of encouraging children to learn.

God expects us to be productive and industrious and to learn to over-come obstacles we invariably encounter. Listen to God's instructions from Genesis 1:28: "So God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature.'"

Making choices for positive change may include evaluating your attitude toward learning and growing. Proverbs 12:1 points out the relationship between discipline and learning. "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge." I hope that you will never grow weary of learning and that you help children to love learning.