What are Affinities?
An affinity is an area of study where a child is most enthusiastic and passionate. Mel Levine wrote, “One of the most important things we can do is celebrate their strengths. Those assets with which they’re going to find meaning in life and be able to make contributions.”
A content affinity is an area of content toward which a child is drawn for some reason. It is so important to identify these content affinities.
A content affinity is an area of content toward which a child is drawn for some reason. It is so important to identify these content affinities.
- A particular kid loves cars.
- Someone else is into sports statistics.
- Another child loves fashion.
Quotes about Affinities
“Children need to know that adults believe in them even if their actions are not always strong.” Jennifer Fox“One of the most important things we can do is celebrate their strengths. Those assets with which they’re going to find meaning in life and be able to make contributions.” Mel Levine
“(Affinities) also can enhance skills; the best way to learn how to read and write well is to read and write about something you know and care a lot about.” Mel Levine
“An awful lot of important skills can ride on the coattails of your affinities. If you combine affinities with strengths, you begin to carve out a potential career.” Dr. Mel Levine
“If we want to prepare kids for adulthood, one of the most important things we can do is to celebrate their strengths, those assets with which they’re going to find meaning in life and be able to make contributions.”….Dr. Mel Levine.
“Schools should encourage the acquisition and growth of affinities. All children should have delineated topics they can pursue in depth over time. “ Mel Levine
“A child should experience the satisfaction of knowing that he quite possibly knows more about his topic than any member of the school’s faculty!” Mel Levine
“ Such mastery does wonders for academic self-esteem while allowing children to experience the feeling and the intense satisfaction that comes with being a true scholar, a person who possesses knowledge in depth.” Mel Levine
“Children need to know that adults believe in them even if their actions are not always strong.” Jennifer Fox
We need to create more opportunities for our students where we not only find their passion, but they have the chance to really display. Things like Identity Day and giving students the opportunity to explore their own learning are going to be hugely beneficial to our school environments. Jennifer Fox (Note Identity Day is very similar to The Affinity Program.)
“(Affinities) also can enhance skills; the best way to learn how to read and write well is to read and write about something you know and care a lot about.” Mel Levine
“An awful lot of important skills can ride on the coattails of your affinities. If you combine affinities with strengths, you begin to carve out a potential career.” Dr. Mel Levine
“If we want to prepare kids for adulthood, one of the most important things we can do is to celebrate their strengths, those assets with which they’re going to find meaning in life and be able to make contributions.”….Dr. Mel Levine.
“Schools should encourage the acquisition and growth of affinities. All children should have delineated topics they can pursue in depth over time. “ Mel Levine
“A child should experience the satisfaction of knowing that he quite possibly knows more about his topic than any member of the school’s faculty!” Mel Levine
“ Such mastery does wonders for academic self-esteem while allowing children to experience the feeling and the intense satisfaction that comes with being a true scholar, a person who possesses knowledge in depth.” Mel Levine
“Children need to know that adults believe in them even if their actions are not always strong.” Jennifer Fox
We need to create more opportunities for our students where we not only find their passion, but they have the chance to really display. Things like Identity Day and giving students the opportunity to explore their own learning are going to be hugely beneficial to our school environments. Jennifer Fox (Note Identity Day is very similar to The Affinity Program.)
History of Haycock ES Affinity Program
The Affinities Program at Haycock Elementary school began during the summer of 2006 in the living room of our reading teacher, Barbara Bosworth. The counselor, Jeanette Aydlette and Barbara had just read Dr. Mel Levine’s book “Ready or Not Here Life Comes.” As they discussed the main concepts introduced in his book it occurred to them that Haycock School needed something to capture the zest for learning in our students. When a student is interested in the subject and working with their strengths wonderful things can happen socially,emotionally, and academically.
With the end in mind, a night where students could share their affinities with each other and celebrate their knowledge and passion for a topic, the Haycock Cougar Explorers/Affinities Festival was born. Each year since that summer day, Haycock School has offered an opportunity for parents to support their child to develop and explore their affinities though a program called Cougar Explorers. In this program in which both parent and child sign up, parents will have opportunities to learn more about supporting their child’s affinities. The year will culminate in an Affinities Festival to celebrate Haycock students.
Check out this link for a school with a very similar program. http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/791
With the end in mind, a night where students could share their affinities with each other and celebrate their knowledge and passion for a topic, the Haycock Cougar Explorers/Affinities Festival was born. Each year since that summer day, Haycock School has offered an opportunity for parents to support their child to develop and explore their affinities though a program called Cougar Explorers. In this program in which both parent and child sign up, parents will have opportunities to learn more about supporting their child’s affinities. The year will culminate in an Affinities Festival to celebrate Haycock students.
Check out this link for a school with a very similar program. http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/791
Teachers' Role
There are things a teacher can do to support their students affinities. Here are a few suggestions.
1. Morning meetings - as students to share something about their affinity with an opportunities for Q&A
2. Within your classroom or grade level set up Affinity Groups and allow for time for students to meet and share.
3. Allow for research on topics of choice
4. Whenever possible link academics (such as a writing prompt, book reports, math stats. etc) to students affinity.
5. For Back to School Night allow students to display their affinities.
6. Invite parents to come as guest speakers to share their affinity with your class.
1. Morning meetings - as students to share something about their affinity with an opportunities for Q&A
2. Within your classroom or grade level set up Affinity Groups and allow for time for students to meet and share.
3. Allow for research on topics of choice
4. Whenever possible link academics (such as a writing prompt, book reports, math stats. etc) to students affinity.
5. For Back to School Night allow students to display their affinities.
6. Invite parents to come as guest speakers to share their affinity with your class.
Parents' Role
Nurturing Your Child’s Affinities
“If we want to prepare kids for adulthood, one of the most important things we can do is to celebrate their strengths, those assets with which they’re going to find meaning in life and be able to make contributions.”….Dr. Mel Levine.
1. Provide opportunities for your child to explore his/her affinity such as weekly visits to library, trips to museums or places of interest.
2. Look for mentors who may want to meet with your child.
3. Research together on the internet about child's affinity.
4. Share your affinity with you child.
5. Start an affinity club or playgroup around the affinity.
“If we want to prepare kids for adulthood, one of the most important things we can do is to celebrate their strengths, those assets with which they’re going to find meaning in life and be able to make contributions.”….Dr. Mel Levine.
1. Provide opportunities for your child to explore his/her affinity such as weekly visits to library, trips to museums or places of interest.
2. Look for mentors who may want to meet with your child.
3. Research together on the internet about child's affinity.
4. Share your affinity with you child.
5. Start an affinity club or playgroup around the affinity.
Finding your affinity
Sometimes students worry if they haven't discovered their affinity yet. Here's a cute story to help them.
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