My Special Gifts

It’s the holiday season! At this time of year, most children are focused on the gifts they expect to get. This activity attempts to shift that focus to a different kind of gift: the ones they hold inside them, waiting to be discovered and shared with the world. 

Helping a child discover their gifts, or "strengths," increases their self-awareness and helps to develop their vision of who they are.  It also conveys a respect for them as unique individuals and helps build their confidence in themselves.  In her book Thrivers: The Surprising Reason Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine, Dr. Michele Borba calls these strengths "core assets" and uses the acronym TALENT* to define what they are:

• T = Tenacity. The child shows determination and perseverance to succeed at the task involving the asset.
• A = Attention.  The child is easily absorbed in the task and focuses longer than when compared to other strength/asset areas.
• L = Learning.  The child learns quicker and easier when using the strength/core asset.
• E = Eagerness. The child is motivated and energized to be an active participant in the task, and doesn't need adult prodding or rewards.
• N = Need. The child is possessive about the strength/core asset (ie, "It's MY thing.") The asset is a confidence booster, relaxer, or fulfiller of a positive need.
• T = Tone. The child sounds excited, proud or joyous when talking about the strength/core asset.

(*At OPS, we try not to use the word "talent" because it invokes a "fixed" mindset about one's abilities.  In other words, it leads children to believe they either can or can't do something.  Instead, we try to encourage the use of a "growth" mindset, which means believing that hard work and consistent effort will lead to the development of desired skill(s). However, Dr. Borba's use of TALENT as an acronym is useful here to help define the concept of core assets or "gifts.")

In this sense of the word, a “gift” is a quality, ability or passion that makes one who they are.  Others may have it, too, but not in the same way, or not to the same degree.  For example, your child’s gift may be that thoughtfulness.  Many people are thoughtful, but if it’s your child’s gift, they are thoughtful more often and more deeply than others.  Thoughtfulness may be what everyone thinks of when they think of your child.  

Perhaps your child is especially passionate about something - a subject, cause, activity, vocation, or process.  For example, many people care about the environment, but if it’s your child’s gift, they are knowledgeable about it, always seek to learn more, do the responsible thing, and encourage and educate others every chance they get.  Again, it could be what people think of when they think of your child.

Nurturing a child's strengths (rather than correcting weaknesses) builds confidence and self-efficacy - the belief that they can achieve what they set out to do.  It has been shown to improve academic performance, increase resilience, and support authentic happiness. It also helps kids develop a sense of meaning and purpose, which Dr. Angela Duckworth identifies as one of 4 key components of grit. As a result, children learn to approach challenges with a positive mindset, knowing they possess the capabilities to overcome obstacles.

For the activities linked below, take some time to talk with your child about their special gifts.  Use the TALENT acronym above to guide you, or the Core Assets Survey developed by Dr. Michele Borba.  You could even use this list of Positive Character Traits students use for writing class in school.  Once you and your child have identified 3-5 core assets - their gifts - you’re ready to complete one of the paper gift boxes linked below:

• My Special Gifts - small box

• My Special Gifts - tall box​

Once completed, please send pics of your gift boxes to [email protected]g ! 
We will be including some in posts on social media and/or future Community Flashes.

Enjoy!

“No one in the world was ever you before, with your particular gifts and abilities and possibilities.”                                 -- Joseph Campbell