The Leader in Me

"Every child has potential. Every child can be a leader!"

Our class will be implementing the character education program "The Leader in Me" by Stephen Covey. The program emphasizes the development of 7 Habits of Happy Kids: Be Proactive, Begin with the End in Mind, Put First Things First, Think Win-Win, Seek First to Understand then to be Understood, Synergize, and Sharpen the Saw. Please see the Leader in Me parent handbook for more information. I very much look forward to the exciting things we will do in our classroom following the Leader in Me program.

Students are supported in learning how to make good choices inside the classroom and hopefully contributing to their overall social development. Specifically, students will be working on the following 7 Habits to be productive members of our classroom.

Habit 1: Be Proactive

I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.

Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind

I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

Habit 3: Put First Things First

I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win

I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. When conflicts arise, I look for a win-win solution.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoint (paradigm). I listen to others without interrupting. I listen with my ears, my eyes, and my heart. I am confident in voicing my ideas.

Habit 6: Synergize

I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas because I know that by teaming with others, we can create better solutions than what any one of us could alone. I look for Third alternatives.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

I eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep (body). I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school (brain). I spend time with family and friends (heart). I take time to find meaningful ways to help people (soul). I balance all four parts of myself.