TEHRAN-The Persian translation of the book “Soft Skills for Kids: In Schools, at Home, and Online” written by Nancy Armstrong Melser has been released in the bookstores across Iran.

Doxa Cultural Institute in Tehran has published the book, which has been translated by Maryam Moayerzadeh, Mehr reported.

Children today are going through a lot—they are busy with school, involved in extracurricular activities, and trying to navigate the world of post-COVID and other concerns. Teachers and parents are busy too—with work, school, and parenting activities. How will they have the time to teach valuable skills such as manners and respect to children? These are “soft skills”; the skills necessary to work with others and be a respected and valuable citizen in the workplace of tomorrow. 

This book focuses on ways that teachers and parents can work together to teach soft skills to the children in their lives. It is not a curriculum program or set of lessons to help children, but rather a series of “teachable moments” in which adults teach strategies to children as they happen. Finally, as the education of children has changed recently due to the recent pandemic with an increased number of children learning online, this book will be a great resource for how adults can work together to help children learn soft skills—in schools, at home, and online.

The book uses a child-centered approach to discuss how to nurture 14 soft skills in elementary-aged children. Often overshadowed by the academic curriculum, mastery of soft skills such as composure and teamwork is widely recognized as critical to the success of students and workers of all ages. Nancy Armstrong Melser addresses each skill in detail, with clear definitions, illustrations, and ideas that teachers and parents can use to reinforce the skill at school and home. The book also addresses the opportunities and challenges involved for both teachers and parents trying to build soft skills in online learning environments during remote teaching. This book serves as an excellent resource for administrators, teachers, and parents working together in their efforts to support their children, Jay Fogleman, associate professor of education at the University of Rhode Island wrote about the book.

If educators and parents want to teach social skills and exemplify social-emotional learning skills in the classroom and at home, then they will benefit from reading “Soft Skills for Kids”—a simple yet intense guide for teaching character development to children. 

Melser provides practical information for implementing lessons for children on empathy, positive attitude, organization, teamwork, and so much more. Every chapter includes guiding questions that provide a pathway for learning how to execute the teaching of the skills, both in person and in online settings. The teaching of these soft skills now just may keep children from learning hard lessons later. This book will change how you approach teaching social skills and leave you feeling good about the results, Jennifer Young Wallace, an associate professor at Jackson State University explained.

Nancy Armstrong Melser, 62, is a professor and writer. She has taught for over 35 years and enjoys helping teachers and parents with practical advice for working with kids.

SS/SAB