Fostering Productive Struggle at School and Home

A cornerstone of the educational philosophy at Silicon Valley International School (INTL) is a deep commitment to Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). SEL is a crucial framework that equips students with the skills to understand and manage emotions, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. A key component of this SEL focus at INTL is embracing the concept of "productive struggle."

Productive struggle is about providing the right amount of challenge and support to help children build resilience, critical thinking, and a growth mindset. This philosophy aligns with the INTL’s inquiry-based learning methodology and foundation in the International Baccalaureate (IB). Students grapple with a problem, try different approaches, and ultimately experience the satisfaction of overcoming an obstacle. 

To further support this concept, INTL recently hosted a series of impactful workshops led by renowned author and parenting expert, Sheri Glucoft Wong, LCSW. Known for her practical, insightful approach, Sheri shared invaluable strategies with both INTL teachers and parents, strengthening the essential partnership between school and home for nurturing emotionally intelligent and capable children.

Sheri's workshop for teachers provided a framework for creating classroom environments where struggle is accepted and even encouraged as a vital part of the learning process. She emphasized techniques for guiding students through challenges without rescuing them, fostering independence, and building their problem-solving toolkits. 

Recognizing the critical role parents play, INTL also organized an early evening seminar with Sheri offering advice on fostering their children's social development, resilience, and maintaining a lifelong relationship. Parents learned how to apply the principles of productive struggle within their homes, helping their children develop resilience and self-reliance in everyday situations. Sheri emphasized that these everyday, constant interactions, not just "teachable moments", have the biggest influence on a child's social development. She helped parents understand that a child's frustration is often a signal of growth, not a sign of failure. By stepping back and offering encouragement rather than immediate solutions, parents can empower their children to develop crucial coping mechanisms and a sense of agency. Attending parents also left with a free copy of Sheri’s book, Raising Kids: Your Essential Guide to Everyday Parenting, to further their understanding of these concepts.

The partnership between school and home is paramount in fostering a child's resilience and competence. When teachers and parents are aligned on the importance of productive struggle and SEL, the impact on a child's confidence, perseverance, and overall well-being is profound. INTL understands that education extends beyond just academic excellence; it’s about cultivating individuals who are emotionally resilient, adaptable, and ready to navigate the complexities of the modern world.