The SPIRIT Framework was created to provide teachers with a practical and structured model for teaching transversal skills in elementary schools, mainly K1-K4. In a historical context characterized by rapid technological, social, and economic changes, such as robotization and artificial intelligence, soft skills have proven essential for fostering children’s well-being and preparing them for an uncertain and complex future. Our approach is based on a three-dimensional cube structure that integrates three fundamental dimensions:

1. The 10 transversal  skills selected for children’s future well-being.
2. Children’s age, with three developmental levels for each skill.
3. Learning activities, including integrated and specific methodologies, traditional games, and STEAM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

The 10 Tranversal skills

The 10 skills were chosen after a survey involving 500 teachers, focus groups with teachers and a series of interviews with developmental psychologists. The research team of the SPIRIT project then (laboriously!) selected the most important 10 skills, that are essential for the psychological well-being of young adults and can already be understood and developed in 6-10 year old children:

• Connectedness: Encourages bonding with the community and nature, promoting ecological empathy and sustainable behaviours.
• Critical Thinking: Develops the ability to analyze information, identify problems, and evaluate solutions. It is indispensable in an era of information overload and technological transformation.
• Creativity: Encourages divergent thinking and the ability to generate new ideas, a crucial resource for solving complex problems.
• Curiosity, sense of Wonder and Openness: Cultivates the desire to learn and openness to new experiences, essential for fostering creativity and innovation.
• Emotional Awareness, regulation and communication: Strengthens self-control and the ability to express emotions constructively, improving personal well-being and relationships with others.
• Empathy: Promotes the ability to understand and share others’ emotions, improving interpersonal relationships and collaboration. In an increasingly interconnected world, it is essential to prevent conflicts and build meaningful bonds.
• Flexibility: Develops adaptability to new and unforeseen situations, indispensable in a constantly evolving world.
• Problem Solving: Enhances the ability to tackle and resolve complex situations effectively and creatively, a requirement for adapting to new work and social scenarios.
• Resilience: Helps children face challenges and difficulties with a positive mindset. Resilience is key for emotional well-being in the context of rapid and unpredictable changes.
• Valuing People and Nature: Reinforces respect and gratitude, contributing to a more inclusive and responsible society.

Children’s Age and Developmental Levels

For each skill, we have defined three developmental levels based on major theories of cognitive and socio-emotional development (e.g., Piaget, Vygotsky, and Erikson). These levels enable teachers to tailor activities to children’s abilities and needs:

• Level 1: Emerging competency. Children begin to explore the soft skill through simple, guided activities.
• Level 2: Consolidating competency. Children demonstrate a more advanced understanding and start applying the skill in various situations.
• Level 3: Advanced competency. Children use the skill independently and creatively in complex contexts.

Each level is accompanied by observable indicators to help teachers identify students’ developmental stages and select appropriate activities. For example:

• Empathy:
  • Level 1: Recognize others’ emotions with adult guidance.
  • Level 2: Show spontaneous interest in others’ feelings.
  • Level 3: Adapt behavior to emotionally support others.
• Curiosity and Sense of Wonder:
  • Level 1: Ask simple questions about what they see or hear.
  • Level 2: Actively explore new topics or activities.
  • Level 3: Connect curiosity and learning to solve problems.

Learning Activities

To facilitate the teaching of soft skills, we designed an integrated approach that includes:

1. Learning activities 

Teachers can develop transversal skills in 2 different ways: they can develop specific activities or use appropriate learning methodologies while teaching core subjects such as math, science, or history (for instance, problem-solving can be incorporated into solving math problems or designing scientific experiment). 

2. Traditional games:

Traditional games were chosen for their educational and social value. They naturally and enjoyably promote collaboration, creativity, and respect for rules. 

3. STEAM (Science – Technology – Engineering – Art – Mathematics) activities:

This interdisciplinary approach combines creativity and technology, preparing children to solve complex problems and collaborate in teams. It stimulates critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration through multidisciplinary projects. For example, an activity combining art and science could involve building an ecological model, fostering a sense of connection and valuing nature..

The SPIRIT Framework, illustrated in this handbook, is the compass for orientation in the choice of teaching activities. Together with the activity book, it makes it possible to plan the most suitable training for the children that teachers actually have in front of them to promote their well-being through the development of soft skills.
 

THE CENTER OF THE MODEL: TEACHER’S SELF AWARENESS

In the SPIRIT project, the teacher plays a central and irreplaceable role. While the framework provides a structure and resources for teaching soft skills, its success depends largely on the person delivering it. Teachers are not merely transmitters of knowledge but living examples of the values and competencies they aim to nurture in their students. Teaching soft skills is not just about “knowing”; it is about “being.” This dual role of knowledge and embodiment is what makes teachers the beating heart of the SPIRIT model.

Soft skills such as empathy, resilience, and emotional awareness, regulation and communication, are deeply relational. They are best learned through experience and interaction rather than rote instruction. A teacher who embodies these skills creates a classroom environment where they are naturally modelled and practiced. For example, a teacher who demonstrates active listening and empathy sets a powerful example for students, showing how these skills work in real-life interactions.

Key Reasons for the Central Role of the Teacher:

1. Modeling Behavior:

Children are keen observers. They often learn more from what adults do than from what they say. A teacher who approaches challenges with resilience or communicates emotions effectively not only teaches these skills but inspires students to emulate them.

2. Creating a Safe Environment:

Soft skills flourish in classrooms where students feel safe and valued. A teacher who practices emotional awareness,regulation and communication, flexibility, and connection fosters trust, making it easier for students to explore and develop these competencies.

3. Bridging Knowledge and Practice:

Teaching soft skills involves integrating them into everyday activities, lessons, and interactions. A teacher’s ability to embody these skills ensures that they are not treated as abstract concepts but as practical tools for daily life.

One cannot effectively teach what one has not experienced. To guide students in developing soft skills, teachers must first cultivate and refine these competencies within themselves. This process involves self-awareness, practice, and a commitment to continuous personal growth. These are the reasons why experiencing soft skills matters: 

• Authenticity: Students are quick to notice when lessons feel disconnected from reality. Teachers who have personally practised soft skills can speak and act from a place of authenticity, making their teaching more impactful.
• Understanding Challenges: Developing soft skills is not always straightforward. Teachers who have worked on their own empathy or resilience can better understand the challenges their students might face and provide meaningful guidance.
• Fostering Empathy: Experiencing soft skills firsthand deepens a teacher’s empathy, enabling them to connect with students on a human level and address individual needs.

The SPIRIT project invites teachers to embark on their own journey of learning and self-improvement. Just as students are encouraged to grow, teachers, too, must view themselves as lifelong learners. Developing soft skills is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing process that enriches both personal and professional life. Teachers will be supported in teaching soft skills by a training course, but in the meantime these are some tips for teachers to cultivate soft skills.

1. Self-Reflection:
   Teachers can begin by assessing their own strengths and areas for growth in the 10 soft skills outlined in the SPIRIT framework. Questions such as “How do I handle challenges?” or “Do I communicate my emotions effectively?” can guide this reflection.
2. Practice in Everyday Life:

Incorporating soft skills into daily routines can make them second nature. For example, teachers can practice resilience by approaching setbacks as opportunities for growth or foster curiosity by exploring new teaching methods.

3. Peer Collaboration:

Engaging with colleagues to share experiences and strategies can provide valuable insights and support. Collaborative exercises, such as role-playing scenarios or discussing case studies, can deepen understanding and application of soft skills.

4. Professional Development:

Participating in workshops, training sessions, and ongoing education tailored to the SPIRIT framework can help teachers refine their skills and stay updated on best practices.

Soft skills are not just tools for the classroom; they are transformative competencies that enhance every aspect of a teacher’s life. By cultivating these skills, teachers can improve their ability to manage stress, build stronger relationships, and find greater satisfaction in their work.

Examples of How Trasversal Skills Benefit Teachers

• Empathy: Enables teachers to better understand their students’ perspectives, fostering trust and connection.
• Resilience: Helps teachers navigate the challenges of the profession, from managing a diverse classroom to addressing unexpected obstacles.
• Flexibility: Allows teachers to adapt to changing circumstances, such as new curricula or the diverse needs of students.
• Creativity: Inspires innovative lesson plans and solutions to classroom challenges.