Update: "The List" was recently featured by Hermene Hartman, Editor of N'Digo Magazine during her daily segment, "Views From the Heart" on Chicago's V103.
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There's no getting around it. Mastery of life, social and communication skills are critically important to the self development of young ladies. The wonderful thing is that girls don't have to master them all at once. We can develop these skill-sets over time.
Here is our list of 101 Skills Every Girl Should Master Before Entering the 9th Grade. Some are tasks, some of skills....all are based upon and neatly woven into Girls Rule! programming for girls ages 7 - 18. Recognizing that all girls do not experience the same adult modeling, instruction or social, life and communication skills modeling, we have designed this list to meet girls where they are, addressing both remedial needs and advanced ones
Before entering the 9th grade, every young lady should be able to:
(Tasks listed are in no particular order and not all inclusive)
- Respect adults
- Disagree without being disagreeable
- Properly groom her nails, hair and body from head to toe
- Understand what her clothing and personal style choices tell the world about her
- Hem a skirt/pants
- Sort and wash clothing
- Boil an egg
- Navigate the public transportation system
- Select the proper undergarment for her outfit
- Listen to a friend
- Master her emotions
- Say no "gracefully"
- Read a newspaper
- Plan a meeting or gathering
- Use a map
- Answer the phone properly
- Prepare her own breakfast
- Say "please" and "thank you"
- Handle conflict with poise and grace
- Write a check
- Set a table for a family or holiday gathering
- Respect the role of teachers
- Plan a schedule of weekly activities
- Set goals
- Pack her clothes for a three day trip
- Create a budget
- Calculate sales tax
- Dress for her body type
- Dress appropriately for formal, informal and casual events/activities
- Properly use eating utensils
- Make a dinner reservation
- Read a bus or train schedule
- Schedule a doctor appointment
- Properly measure over the counter medication dosages
- Attend church on their own
- Complete a job application
- Speak confidently and clearly
- Register for summer employment
- Take a proper telephone message
- Write a 3 paragraph letter
- Walk away from an argument
- Know her clothing measurements
- Read, write and understand how to use a table of contents
- Properly count, fold and protect her own money
- Shop for the best deal
- Cook a balanced meal
- Recite a prayer
- Respect herself in all situations
- Iron her own clothes
- Clean out a refrigerator
- Clean her room
- Protect herself from an aggressor
- Select ripe fruits and vegetables
- Follow written and verbal instructions properly
- Speak proper English
- Understand how to read and pay a utility bill
- Honor her word
- Call or hail a cab when alone
- Shop for groceries
- Change a light bulb
- Tell the truth
- Properly dust furniture
- Baby-sit younger siblings for a day or night
- Make decisions that honor her body
- Create a document on a computer
- Understand formal, information and casual dining etiquette
- Order breakfast, lunch or dinner from a menu
- Perform CPR
- Send a parcel post package
- Wrap a gift
- Lead a project or committee
- Speak publicly
- Re-sew a button onto a garment
- Put on nylons without running them
- Utilize library reference materials
- Use a Thesaurus
- Be a contributing team member
- Resolve conflict non-violently
- Deal effectively with various personality types
- Trust and believe in herself
- Respect others
- Walk away from gossip
- Deal with jealousy
- Own her esteem
- Navigate challenging situations
- Open a savings account
- Send a thank-you note
- Be a gracious hostess
- Attend school regularly without incident
- Give a proper handshake
- Be a respectful guest
- Calculate the proper tip on a $25 bill
- Mail a letter
- Properly introduce herself to others
- Understand when to use proper English vs Slang
- Conduct herself properly at the Theater
- Navigate social networking sites safely
- Honor her values
- Pick friends who enhance her life
- Properly use a Dictionary
- Calculate wages, taxes and a paycheck
What other skills do you feel are important for young ladies to master before entering the 9th grade?
Ladon Brumfield
Girls Rule!
Inspiring girls to blend...OUT!
http://www.girlz-rule.org/