40 Developmental Assets: COMMITMENT TO LEARNING

A love of learning will take them far

Young people need to develop a lifelong commitment to both formal and informal education. When we learn something new, we grow, change and expand our horizons.  Adults can have a strong impact on a youth’s desire to learn, and there are practical ways that everyone can encourage learning.  Modeling curiosity and discovery, reading with young people, making learning relevant through experiences like volunteering or talking about your job and being an advocate for effective schools are some of these ways. Taking learning outside of the classroom can help young people discover the joy of learning in all that they do by asking questions, helping them dig for information and sharing in their excitement about new information.

 

HERE ARE THE FACTS

Research shows the more young people are committed to learning; the more likely they are to grow up healthy. Search Institute has identified five assets in the Commitment to Learning category crucial for helping young people: Achievement Motivation, School Engagement, Homework, Bonding to School, and Reading for Pleasure.

TIPS FOR BUILDING THESE ASSETS

By supporting young people and reminding them of the built-in rewards of learning, you can help them deepen their engagement in learning at school, at home, and in the community. Focus on young people individually to help meet distinct needs, styles, and preferences. Schools and youth programs often offer different options. And remember: Learning happens everywhere, not just in school.

Kids need to develop a lifelong commitment to learning.  You help young people develop this commitment when you:

  • Encourage them in their education;
  • Challenge them to explore and learn new things; and
  • Read and learn with them

HOW CAN YOU ENCOURAGE LEARNING?

  • In your home and family: Encourage reading as a regular part of your child’s day or read aloud together. When young people are read to, have book collections at home and limits on TV watching, they are more likely to read for pleasure and lifelong learning
  • In your neighborhood and community: Be a role model. Show young people your enthusiasm for learning new skills and gathering information. Encourage and support young people in finding new things that get them excited about learning.
  • In your school or youth program: Bring in guests who have achieved their dreams. Invite the students and participants to interview them and learn firsthand about the commitment needed to succeed.

 

Want to know more about Search Institute’s other seven asset categories or the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas for helping young people build them? Visit www.ecabnetwork.org.

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Developmental Assets® are positive factors within young people, families, communities, schools, and other settings that research has found to be important in promoting the healthy development of young people. Adapted from Instant Assets: 52 Short and Simple E-Mails for Sharing the Asset Message. Copyright © 2007 by Search Institute®, 877-240-7251; www.search-institute.org. This message may be reproduced for educational, noncommercial uses only (with this copyright line). All rights reserved.

 

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About Us The Essex County Asset Builder (ECAB) Network creates regional connections and supports for individuals, families and organizations from Amesbury, Georgetown, Newbury, Rowley, Salisbury and Newburyport, in using a positive youth development approach to help youth thrive. Positive Youth Development Being a part of the ECAB Network brings local and regional opportunities.  Locally, communities have access to trainings, data, and best practices, and receive guidance on implementation and outreach strategies that build positive youth development possibilities.  Communities also get the benefit of regionalizing efforts, where networking, combining resources, current policies, and a shared vision strengthen the towns and cities as well as the region. History Recently, the communities of Amesbury, Georgetown, Newbury, Rowley, Salisbury and Newburyport came together to form the Essex County Asset Builder Network.  Funded by a three year grant, the goal of this Network is to create a common language of asset- based youth development (creating protective factors). It has been shown that youth who have more assets are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.  This grant will use the 40 Developmental Assets framework to build these protective factors and reduce risk behaviors by focusing on both the youth and the environment that shapes them. The community partnership will enhance the great work already being done to support youth and families, as well as expand community supports, opportunities, and resources. Additionally, the grant will collect and disseminate regional data, coordinate shared resources and bring educational opportunities for various sectors of the community. Goal To spread the philosophy and practice of the positive youth development approach through implementation of 40 Developmental Asset framework within communities across the region. We will accomplish this goal by: Mission To use a positive youth development approach to build networks within each community and across the region that help decrease risk behaviors in youth and produce a healthier community. Vision A network of communities that welcome, value and empower youth through meaningful opportunities and collaborative efforts to support and strengthen youth assets and increase healthy decision making.