Embedding Skills for Life in activities

Almost all activities can involve an aspect of maths, English or ICT to some extent. Themes that have been used successfully by previous organisers to support Skills for Life include:

• Healthy Living (e.g. estimating and measuring the weight of fruit and vegetables as part of healthy eating).

• Our Environment (e.g. building a recyclable robot – measuring and shapes).

• Understanding Others (e.g. making a community scrapbook – communication and writing skills).

Activities that seem to be aimed at children can also be created to help mums, dads and grandparents refresh their maths knowledge, improve communication skills and help their children to read and write.

Family Learning events can also give parents and carers the opportunity to help their children with the tasks involved. This can help build confidence in both the children and the adults and can also motivate the parent or carer to continue to help their children when at home. Research has shown that ‘children of parents showing high level of interest in their children’s schooling can progress between 15-17% more in maths and reading between the age of 11 and 16 as compared to pupils whose parents showed no interest.’ Feinstein and Symons 1999

Activities of this nature can often raise awareness amongst adults who get involved of the need to improve their own Skills for Life. If handled sensitively and immediately, this is an ideal opportunity for signposting further learning without causing embarrassment or anxiety.

For Skills for Life activity ideas visit the Family Learning Festival A-Z of resources

Other Skills for Life pages:

Supporting Skills for Life
Embedding Skills for Life in activities
Signposting further help for Skills for Life
Skills for Life and Family Learning in Action
National Skills for Life support and initiatives