With the start of the new school year, daily life takes on a refreshed rhythm—schedules are reestablished, routines fine-tuned, and the structured environment at school brings a welcomed change. For parents, it’s not just about the peace and quiet that comes with the kids heading back to class, but also the excitement of watching their children dive into new academic challenges, form new friendships, and continue their growth. The beginning of the school year represents a fresh start, an opportunity to reset, and an invitation to embrace the possibilities ahead.
However, as Wayne Jones, Personality Dimensions® Master Trainer and retired school principal, points out: “The school only has your kids for six hours a day, and not every day. The rest is up to you to encourage them in their role as life-long learners.”
Each of the four Personality Dimensions® has its own way of approaching new experiences, and understanding these can help create a supportive learning environment outside of school hours.
Inquiring Greens thrive on asking “why?”—they need to understand the big picture to stay engaged. If a subject doesn’t initially interest them, show them how it connects to their strengths or passions. For example, a student who loves hard sciences might appreciate learning languages if they see it as a tool for discussing advanced scientific concepts.
Organized Golds focus on “how?”—they need to see the practical application of what they’re learning. Helping them understand how a concept like decimal points applies to everyday tasks, such as managing money, can boost their engagement and sense of purpose.
Authentic Blues are driven by “who?” — after all, they are all about people and purpose. They may struggle with subjects that don’t seem to have a personal connection. Linking scientific concepts to real-world benefits, such as medical advancements that impact loved ones, can make learning more meaningful for them.
Resourceful Oranges ask “when?”—they need to know how and when they can apply their new knowledge. They thrive on hands-on experiences and variety. For instance, taking them to a pick-your-own fruit orchard to learn about healthy foods can turn an abstract concept into an engaging, sensory experience. Understanding these needs can help parents foster a more supportive and effective learning environment outside the classroom.
For a deeper dive into what makes kids tick, pick up a copy of Great Parenting Skills for Navigating Your Kid’s Personality available on www.clsr.ca or as an e-book on www.amazon.ca. The book acts as a Roadmap (…or GPS!) that provides effective parenting techniques geared to your child’s specific and natural way of behaving, while promoting positive self-esteem. It supports the notion that every child has great potential ready to be unlocked. Drawing from the principles of Personality Dimensions®, GPS is both enjoyable and user-friendly, offering engaging real-life stories and anecdotes to help you understand each dimension’s needs and obstacles.
Tref Alun MA joined the Career/LikeSkills Resources Inc. team in January 2016. Little did he know when he started, that over the years his official job title would become “Doer of All Things”. From customer service to working on new resources to technical support Tref is always bouncing between tasks and is never doing less than three things at one time – and he wouldn’t have it any other way!
