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Diligence is the character trait we will focus on for the month of March. Diligence is:
Committing to doing tasks with excellence and persevering with determination and patience to complete tasks in spite of difficulties and discouragement.
Let’s start by praising the diligence of our kids in finishing their Invention Convention projects! If your student experienced any difficulties or discouragement along the way, talk about how that’s part of being diligent too. And tonight as we celebrate the achievements of great inventors of the past, we also celebrate the hard work our kids have diligently put forth to complete their assignments and present their research to others. Way to go, SLOCA kids!
We always talk about modeling character in order to teach it, and one thing that comes to mind when thinking about diligence, is that we ARE modeling it every day for our kids just by being part of this school, and part of their education. When we diligently print our grids, sit down and read with our kids, edit their essays, help them with math, and complete countless other homeschool tasks, we are showing them the value of sticking with something that we believe in and working hard at it. So way to go, SLOCA parents!
While diligence isn’t necessarily easy to practice, it’s easy to find everyday opportunities to help teach kids diligence: in doing their chores, learning an instrument, practicing a sport, taking care of pets, competing school assignments, etc. Here are a few thoughts about teaching/learning diligence:
- Challenge your kids to do hard things (within reason). It’s good for them!
- Help them come up with a plan for completing what they want to accomplish.
- Give them the tools they need. Use online resources – if a video, chore chart, flash cards, coloring page, or other printable would help, google and Pinterest are your friends. Many many people have done the work already and make it available to others online.
- Motivate them using positive rewards (and negative consequences). Make it fun when you can – maybe have a contest with prizes.
- Cheer them on and encourage them when the going gets tough.
- And of course, be patient and model diligence in your own tasks. Show them that you can do hard things too!
How do you teach diligence in your home? We know there are lots of great strategies and tips out there – share yours! Leave a comment below and be entered into this month’s drawing for a Starbucks gift card. Be diligent to participate, and you may win the prize! Drawing closes next Friday, March 15th.
See you tonight at 6:00 for our Invention Convention…
