Whether it’s back to school time, or another time of year, various programs and opportunities beckon. As children and teens engage in learning experiences, let’s help them stretch their horizons and strive toward next levels of ability—and encourage their progress, creativity, and pleasure.
“Next-levelling” involves advancing—pushing forward, upward, outward, or onward. It requires effort, and initiative. It’s important at the outset of a new academic year or school term, but it’s equally important as a school year ramps up and gets into full swing. Whether kids’ pursuits have to do with creative endeavors, educational programs, interests (such as sports, art, music, technology, trucks), or something else altogether—there’s always room for growth. That is, to be able to reach or step further by acknowledging and extending experiences and learning opportunities that occur within their ZPD.
