Developing Capable Young People—The Three Perceptions—Work of Stephen Glenn
H. Stephen Glenn’s course, Developing Capable Young People, can be found on the website, http://www.capabilitiesinc.com/ , and when I look at the drawings of kids across the top, I so remember those childlike pictures. The lead on the website reads, “This powerful training program developed by H. Stephen Glenn prepares adults who work with young people at developing the three perceptions and four skills which determine how effectively they’ll [young people] deal with life. Young people who gain strength in these assets normally increase in character, resiliency, and other human intelligences essential for living. They meet life’s challenges of learning, relationships, and the work world – successfully.”[1] For around $100 you can purchase the DVDs, a participant workbook, and the book, Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self-Indulgent World.
The Course focuses on the Significant 7—3 perceptions and 4 skills that young people need to develop in order to be successful. Today I am blogging about the 3 perceptions (tomorrow I will share the 4 skills). The perceptions take a look at how young people perceive themselves. Self-perception is the definer of what we accomplish. In the story of the Little Engine That Could, children learn the important of “I think I can”. Unfortunately, much of what we do with and to youth does not support the simple notion of positive perception. Glenn looks at the perceptions of “capabilities”, the ability of young people to be resilient and work through problems and challenges and coming through these trying times stronger and wiser than they went into the situation. The second perception looks at how youth see the significance of the contribution that his/her life can make to the world, believing that they are a value-add. The third perception focuses on understanding that the choices you make, the behaviors you demonstrate have a direct effect on what happens. On the website, these perceptions are outlined in this way:
“PERCEPTIONS OF CAPABILITIES
“I am capable of facing problems and challenges and gaining strength and wisdom through experience.”
PERCEPTIONS OF SIGNIFICANCE
“My life has meaning and purpose—who I am and what
I have to offer is of value in the scheme of things.”
PERCEPTIONS OF INFLUENCE
“My actions and choices influence what happens.”[2]
If these ideas resonate with you, check them out.
Learn more about Consult 4 Kids by visiting our website at www.consultforkids.com or calling us at (661) 665-8270.
[1] H. Stephen Glenn. http://www.capabilitiesinc.com/
[2] Ibid