Palme School

Online Russian Language School in the USA and Canada
Online Russian language school in the USA and Canada
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Soft Skills and Executive Functions for Children Online

Online program for children in small groups: developing attention, memory, self-control, communication, emotional intelligence, and self-confidence

A cute little girl sculpted with clay

What are soft skills?

Soft skills are skills that determine how a person thinks, communicates, and deals with challenges. Unlike subject-specific knowledge, they work in any situation: at school, at home, in a team, and in adult life.

🧠 Executive Functions (EF)

  • Attention and working memory management
  • Planning, organizing, and time management
  • Self-monitoring and task initiation
  • Cognitive flexibility and metacognition

Social-Emotional Skills (SEL)

  • Emotional and Stress Management
  • Empathy and social awareness
  • Communication, negotiation, teamwork
  • Persistence and growth mindset

62% родителей детей до 6 лет считают развитие soft skills приоритетом. Palme School предлагает доступный групповой онлайн-формат — в 3–5 раз дешевле индивидуального EF-коучинга в США, с учётом особенностей русскоязычных семей за рубежом.

$21.8 billion
Global SEL market size
in 3–5x
cheaper than individual EF coaching in the US
4–8
In a group, it's about live communication, not a lecture.

Executive Functions

EF
🧠

Working memory

Stops forgetting homework assignments. Remembers the teacher's instructions. Doesn't need «external hard drive» in the form of a parent.

How we train: Sequence retention games, checklists, visualization techniques.
EF
📋

Planning and prioritization

Can break down a large project into steps. Knows where to start and how to move toward a goal without constant prompting.

How we train: Weekly planner, «reverse planning» from the goal.
EF
2024-06-21 11:12:38

Time management

Meets deadlines. Stops getting stuck on their phone and procrastinating.

How we train: Pomodoro Technique, visual timers, «eat the frog».
EF
🔄

Cognitive flexibility

Easily switches between tasks. Doesn't panic when plans change. Adapts to new conditions.

How we train: Rule-switching games, «What if...» scenarios.
EF
🚀

Task initiation

Starts doing homework without reminders or persuasion. No need to «start him up» every time.

How we train: The «5-minute» technique, habit anchoring, lowering the entry barrier.
EF
🪞

Metacognition

Understands how he learns. Can assess his own progress and adjust his approach independently.

How we train: Reflective journals, self-assessment using checklists.

Social-Emotional Skills (SEL)

SEL
Thermometer

Emotional regulation

Doesn't explode over small things. Knows how to calm down on their own. Doesn't transfer their mood to others.

How we train: Breathing techniques, «emotion thermometer,» pause before reacting.
SEL
Eye

Social awareness

Reads the mood of others. Understands when it's appropriate to joke and when to stay silent.

How we train: Analysis of video cases, «Guess the Emotion» game, character discussions.
SEL
💬

Communication and Listening

Clearly expresses thoughts and truly listens to the other person. Knows how to have a dialogue, not a monologue.

How we train: «I-statements,» the practice of paraphrasing, debates.
SEL
🤝

Conflict resolution

Finds a compromise, rather than resorting to aggression or avoidance. Knows how to negotiate.

How we train: Role-playing games, «stop-think-act» algorithm.
SEL
🎤

Self-presentation

Speaks confidently in front of the class. Can present their project. They are noticed and heard.

How we train: mini-performances in a group, «introduction-body-conclusion» structure.
SEL
💪

Persistence

Doesn't give up at the first sign of failure. Perceives mistakes as part of learning, not as defeat.

How we train: «Heroes with flaws» stories, «Today I succeeded» diary.
Children playing a board game with wooden blocks — developing soft skills through play

Soft skills are developed through play – this is how classes at Palme School are structured

How are the classes structured

👥

Mini-groups of 4–8 people

Live online classes. Every participant is engaged, speaks, and interacts – not just watches.

🎮

Practice through play and teamwork

Role-playing games, case studies, debates, team assignments. Skills are practiced in a safe environment.

🌍

In Russian, taking into account the bilingual context

A child can express complex feelings in their native language. Specialists understand the specific needs of Russian-speaking families abroad.

Family

Parental involvement

Webinars, consultations with a psychologist, support chats. We are creating an ecosystem for the whole family, not just the child.

What does the program offer?

For a child

  • Brain «Muscle» Training: Attention, Memory, Self-Control, and Organization.
  • The ability to manage emotions, negotiate, and stand your ground.
  • A circle of friends who understand your background and speak your language.

For a parent

  • End of daily struggles over homework and order.
  • Confidence that the child is receiving proven methods in a language they understand.
  • Access to quality EF coaching without financial stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is the program suitable for?

The program is designed for school-aged children. We form groups by age and skill level to ensure children are comfortable learning together.

What are the lessons like?
  • Live online meetings in small groups of 4-8 people.
  • Games, cases, exercises, and discussions.
  • Practice soft skills in real-life situations.
  • Instructor support and feedback.
What does the child develop in the course?

We train attention, memory, self-control, planning, communication, emotional intelligence, self-confidence, and teamwork skills.

Are these individual or group lessons?

The main format is mini-groups. It is in a group that children learn to interact, negotiate, listen to others, and express their opinions.

Does it require parental help?

During classes, the child works independently, but we recommend that parents reinforce these skills at home. Consultations and recommendations for the family are also available.

If a child is shy?

This is a common request. We create a safe atmosphere where the child gradually opens up, starts speaking more confidently, and feels comfortable among peers.

Can I try it first?

Yes. We usually offer a trial lesson or consultation to understand the family's goals and find a suitable group.

A personalized program for you

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A child playing with Lego blocks, shot from a high angle.
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Submit a request for a free first session with a guidance counselor to get to know each other, determine your goals, and match your child with an educator
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Submit a request for a free first session with a guidance counselor to get to know each other, determine your goals, and match your child with an educator
Sign up for a free lesson
Submit a request for a free first session with a guidance counselor to get to know each other, determine your goals, and match your child with an educator
Sign up for a free lesson
Submit a request for a free first session with a guidance counselor to get to know each other, determine your goals, and match your child with an educator
Sign up for a free lesson
Submit a request for a free first session with a guidance counselor to get to know each other, determine your goals, and match your child with an educator
Sign up for a free lesson
Submit a request for a free first session with a guidance counselor to get to know each other, determine your goals, and match your child with an educator
Sign up for a free lesson
Submit a request for a free first session with a guidance counselor to get to know each other, determine your goals, and match your child with an educator
Sign up for a free lesson
Submit a request for a free first session with a guidance counselor to get to know each other, determine your goals, and match your child with an educator