WHAT IS RESILIENCE?
DEVELOPING RESILIENCE
We cannot always control what happens to us but we can control how we think and respond. It is not just about ‘thinking positive’; it’s about recognising our responses & developing “flexible thinking”.
- Testing negative thoughts & predictions – when/if we have a strong reaction to something – we need to pay attention to our thoughts and find ways to respond differently.
- Analysing our thoughts (thinking errors) – Is our thinking helpful or not? If not, can we see it differently? This is called ‘flexible thinking’.
According to research conducted by a leading psychologist, Susan Kobasa, there are three elements that are essential to resilience:
Another leading psychologist, Martin Seligman, says the way that we explain setbacks to ourselves is also important. He talks in terms of optimism and pessimism rather than resilience; however, the effect is essentially the same. This ‘explanatory style’ is made up of three main elements:
In an Interview with Dr. Cal Crow, the Co-Founder and Programme Director of the Center for Learning Connections, Dr. Crow identified several further attributes that are common in resilient people:
How the way we view adversity and stress strongly affects how we succeed, and this is one of the most important reasons why having a resilient mindset is so important.
The fact is that we are going to fail sometimes. It is an inevitable part of life. We make mistakes and occasionally fall flat on our faces. The only way to avoid this is to live a shuttered and meagre existence, never trying anything new or taking a risk and I am sure a few of us want a life like that.
Academic Stretch and Challenge Activities that may be of interest:
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3Education: Language Courses & Interest Classes
3Education provides a wide range of learning experiences for students including academic exploration (English, Chinese, Mathematics and Mandarin) and Enrichment classes (Visual Arts, Ballet, Taekwondo, Abacas Maths and Music). We advocate child-centered learning approach in which we serve children as the priority. We let children explore, share, spark in the classrooms. We provide professional support in helping children to design their individual learning plans to achieve whole-person development.
ActiveKids - Mission Runway
Since 2004, ActiveKids has been specializing in delivering leading edge fun and educational programs to children ages 3 – 18 in Hong Kong. We have established a strong track record with over 60+ schools and clubs, and a growing participant’s list. We strongly believe that our highly interactive and engaging supplementary activities are truly worthwhile and beneficial to the development of children.
AISL Outdoor: Holiday Camps
At AISL Outdoor, we believe every student deserves to learn and grow through discovery in the natural world. Our outdoor education programs provide transformative experiences that foster personal growth, leadership, and environmental stewardship.
CreativeKids - Essential Skills Program
Since 1991, CreativeKids has committed to advance creative development in children and teenagers, bond families and mobilize communities with art, design and architecture programs.
DRE Learning Lab
DRE Learning Lab is an online course for children (5-11) using Drama in Education pedagogy. It offers interactive classes with tasks, drawing, and questions to enhance critical thinking. The course includes parent consultations, fosters independent learning, and promotes social skills through group collaboration.
KFBG Transformative and Mindfulness Forest Immersion Walk
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) delivers inspiring, awareness-shifting, and transformative programmes with potential life-changing experiences. They offer an opportunity and a peaceful space in the natural environment of KFBG for participants to experience, rethink, identify, and deeply connect with Gaia, our Mother Earth, and the interconnection and interrelationship we share with her. By being close to, and having respect for nature, through their transformative workshops, participants can experience a sense of deep happiness and spiritual contentment, which could facilitate a more holistic way of living.
Oxford Scholastica Academy: Oxford Summer School
Oxford Scholastica Academy offers summer courses for 12-18-year-olds in subjects like Medicine, Business, Psychology, and Engineering. Experience a mix of theory and practice, learn from top tutors, and build lasting connections. The programme inspires academic direction and personal growth in the heart of Oxford.
