If we understand a child’s preferences and character, and accept them, we will learn to help the child effectively so that they can succeed. The most important thing is to support their personal abilities, rather than change the child according to a predetermined template.

Teresa Rudzińska, the director in charge of the Psychological and Pedagogical Counselling Centre in Bolesławiec, described four models of a child’s self-organization in a very practical way for meetings with parents. She explained how a child acts, plays, what they like doing and how they can learn even the most difficult things.

How can you recognize a child’s innate abilities? You only need to answer the question of whether the child is a hardworking penguin, a sensitive puppy, a visionary horse or a strategic lion.

Hardworking penguin

This is the ideal child for school because they like order, so they readily and easily submit to the school regime. They are usually a model pupil because they memorize words and definitions through repetition and routine exercises. They cannot stand creative compositions and are reluctant to attempt imaginative, unconventional solutions or open-ended tests.

How can you recognize a hardworking penguin? They are not popular with their peers because they are too serious and never depart from the rules, so they will probably be lonely. They are somewhat reserved because they are not strongly emotionally connected to their surroundings. They prefer mental games to physical ones. They need few toys, but the ones they have should be complex and intelligent. Everything they do must serve a purpose.

The penguin must receive as much recognition as possible, in the form of certificates and trophies. Their surroundings must be orderly. They cannot work under pressure and must not be interrupted while working. With proper guidance, they will most likely become an accountant or lawyer in the future.

Sensitive puppy

At school, they prefer answering questions to writing; tasks requiring painstaking analysis are difficult for them. They prefer learning through imitation and action. When doing homework, they feel more confident when a parent is present. They are reluctant to express their own opinions because, above all, they fear rejection. Their goal is not to acquire knowledge but to feel that others like and appreciate them. They will learn nothing under stress.

How can you recognize a sensitive puppy? They are distinguished by empathy and concern for others, so they have many friends. They are happy to help with household chores if someone keeps them company. They collect sentimental mementos, so the space around them is cluttered. They sense moods, so they are more willing to follow an instruction when it is given in a kinder voice. They love being active, movement and play. If nobody keeps them company, they can spend hours playing at conversations between teddy bears and dolls.

The puppy needs help making decisions, meeting deadlines and setting goals. They must not be criticized in front of other people. Their feelings should be respected, and they should be told about other people’s feelings. With proper guidance, they may become a lawyer, therapist or doctor in the future.

Visionary horse

They may struggle at school because they do not fit into the rigid framework of school education. They get bored quickly and do not like routine. They are not afraid to cross established boundaries and often provoke others. They do not like taking tests and prefer giving longer answers. The best place for them is the front desk, because it helps them concentrate.

How can you recognize a visionary horse? They have no sense of time and need freedom and the right to realize their visions. They are an individualist who finds it difficult to look after their appearance and hygiene. During play, they break the rules or make up their own. They are spontaneous, witty and charismatic. They do not like spending time with anyone they consider boring, and may sometimes boss such a person around.

The little horse needs space where they can feel they have wings, as well as an explanation of why certain rules are necessary and important. It is best to give them guidance rather than orders. With proper guidance, they may become an entrepreneur, artist or explorer in the future.

Strategic lion

The lion likes competition and will be good at mathematics because they like precise subjects and those requiring analysis and logical argumentation. They are stubborn and assertive, so they will not back down from a confrontation, even with a teacher. They are not afraid to express their own opinion and have one on almost every subject. They love public performances because they want to be admired.

How can you recognize a strategic lion? At home, they must have their own place to work because they do not like sharing with siblings. Their room is a fortress. They like spending time alone. They avoid assigned work and prefer choosing the tasks they will complete themselves. They love verbal sparring. For them, play means competition. When they lose, they become insensitive and somewhat cruel. They are not very sociable. They need companions who will submit to their will.

Time should be devoted to little lions, and calm should be maintained around them. It is important to remember that a parent is a role model for them. Clear rules should therefore be introduced and consistently enforced, with mutual respect in mind. With proper guidance, a lion may become a scientist or university professor in the future.

(information: Grażyna Hanaf)

See also

Psychological and Pedagogical Counselling Centre in Bolesławiec