9th Skill of Christmas: Wisdom

by Annabel Coaker
For the 9th Skill of Christmas, Kings Tutors gave to me: WISDOM.
 
At Kings Tutors, we strongly believe that true education is not confined to exam knowledge. Yes, fulfilling your academic potential is important; but doing so with strong values (commitment, kindness, honesty, respect, courage, motivation) is an invaluable skill that will set any child up for a life that is both fulfilling and fulfilled.
 
These values can come under one name: wisdom. 
 
A frontrunner for championing such values among children and teenagers today is the inspirational Libbla Kelly. Her book “Wisdom While You Work” was originally written as a letter to her 12 godchildren outlining the importance of strong values and how to use them in everyday life.
 
It is now a popular notebook, featuring values and advice on each page, plus room to write and journal feelings and ideas, thoughts and doodles. Unsurprisingly, it is used as a wellbeing tool in many schools’ PSHE classes and as an aid to pastoral care. Its endorsement is tremendous – perhaps the most stand-out praise coming from Maxine Shaw, Head of St Paul’s Junior School: “Every child should have this book” and Sir Anthony Seldon:"You have clearly written something important here”.

 

We chatted to Libbla about her advice for children and teenagers today, and why she’d choose our Calm. Clear. Confident. Exam Preparation course…

 

Which wider skills do you feel are most important for young people today?

I do feel having written the book that understanding and communicating are key skills in life. It is easy to tick something off without really, truly understanding what it means. Communication comes in different forms: speaking up, being kind in communicating, letting yourself open up and talk to someone about anything that is bothering you. You may have different people you turn to for different issues, you can’t get everything you need from one person, but communicate you must. We all must!

 

What is your advice for teenagers revising for exams?

For young people, revising is such a big part of life. I encourage anyone taking exams to remind themselves that prepared, structured revision can be fun - and remember, different individuals have different ways of learning, so finding what works best for them is important. My top pieces of advice are:

  • Planning and preparing are key
  • Get comfy and ensure you can focus, away from distraction
  • Remember to take small breaks, a short walk outside - then back to it!
  • Don’t overdo it and if you get stuck, move on and come back to the sticky bit later!
  • Ask, ask, ask. Never be frightened to ask if you are stuck, it shows courage

What is your advice to those worrying about exams?

In short, worrying about exams is not helpful to you. Dealing with the worry is essential. Keeping it bottled up won’t help worrying. If you are anxious about exams, talk to a friend or tutor and share your worries. Perhaps you could revise with a friend or parent? Teaming up on exam revision can work wonders.

 

What is your top tip for any child revising over Christmas?

Revising over Christmas again is all about planning. Know how much you have to do and think about how you would like to get through it. You may prefer to do a lot before Christmas Day so you can enjoy the time after more. Then you can recap it all for a day or two before school starts to refresh. Alternatively, you might benefit best from a little each and every day.

Either way, give yourself a whole 2 days off on Christmas & Boxing Day to completely get away from the books/screens.

 

 

Which Kings Tutors Club course would you choose this Christmas?

“Calm. Clear. Confident."  would be my choice. I’d do it at the beginning of the holidays - then you can plan out your revision and enjoy your time at Christmas.

 

To find out how Kings Tutors can support your child's education, visit our full website here.
To explore all Kings Tutors Club courses, click here.
To buy or find out more about Wisdom While You Work, click here.
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