One of the big benefits of a program like Gideon is the ability to train a child to focus on a task for period of time. Another great skill learned through repetition (when needed) is perseverance through difficult tasks pays off by making that task easier! We feel that almost all children can be taught both focus and perseverance, especially through daily practice. The experience gained from persevering through a previously difficult concept and coming out successful on the other side reminds a child he will likely eventually ‘get it’ and not to give up! This blog post below from Joannejacobs.com highlights an interesting study which show success later in life from early persisters.
Preschoolers who concentrate, follow directions and persist with a difficult game are much more likely to succeed in school, according to an Oregon State study that followed children from preschool through age 21.
“Our study shows that the biggest predictor of college completion wasn’t math or reading skills, but whether or not they were able to pay attention and finish tasks at age four,” said researcher Megan McClelland. These skills can be taught, she said.
While I think other articles and studies have shown that good math and reading skills will only aid more in college success, the focus and persistence shown at an early age is certainly an interesting add-on. (However, clearly a very focused person can learn the math or other skills needed once getting to college.) And yes, I agree, these skills CAN be TAUGHT!