Conceptualisations of Children’s Life Skills Development within Holistic Approach in Southern Russia

Abstract

A large study within the educational project «Children`s University» and Partners` educational projects in southern Russia was aimed at investigating understandings of life skills of juniors. The analysis of the notion under research is based on the major issues of the holistic approach which is actively developed by researchers nowadays. Outcomes in the article indicate that the holistic theory becomes essential in understanding life skills and provides the basis for making conceptualisations related to the effective and positive childish development in contemporary educational settings. A new conceptual approach of children’s upbringing in the framework of extra-curricular educational projects like “Children`s University” is designed and implemented in our research. The obtained results prove the idea of possible integration of holistic theories with modern educational practices, oriented to life skills development. The children involved in the project acquired new physical, mental, emotional and social life skills appreciated and used throughout their lives.