The 9C’s, or 21st-century skills, are essential for children to develop in order to succeed in today’s world. These skills include
Communication
Curiosity
Critical Thinking
Collaboration
Citizenship
Creativity
Competence
Commitment
Confidence
Compassion
Cooperation
These skills can be grouped into three categories:
Me skills– such as Creativity, Curiosity, and Critical Thinking, are essential for children to have a sense of self-awareness and self-direction. Creativity allows children to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems. Curiosity drives children to seek out new knowledge and experiences, encouraging them to ask questions and explore their surroundings. Critical Thinking helps children evaluate information and make well-informed decisions.
Me+ skills- such as Competence, Commitment and Confidence, are important for children to interact and function within society. Competence helps children feel capable and capable of achieving their goals. Commitment helps children persevere and follow through on tasks, even when they are difficult. Confidence helps children feel self-assured and capable of tackling new challenges.
We skills – such as Citizenship, Compassion, and Cooperation, encourage children to think beyond themselves and consider the well-being of their community. Citizenship helps children understand their role in society and how they can contribute to their community. Compassion allows children to empathize with others and act with kindness and understanding. Cooperation helps children work effectively with others and find ways to compromise and resolve conflicts.
It is important for children to develop these 21st-century skills from an early age, as they will continue to build upon and use these skills throughout their lives. In the early years and primary education years, children can begin to develop these skills through activities and experiences that encourage exploration, collaboration and communication. For example, children can be encouraged to participate in group projects, ask questions and express their ideas, and work together to solve problems. By fostering these skills in children during their formative years, we can set them up for success in the future.