November Lesson #1 - "Put First Things First"

Post date: Nov 17, 2015 5:48:20 PM

The first lesson for November we learned about Habit #3 - "Put First Things First"

In both Kindergarten and 1st Grade we talked about putting first things first. Habit #3 stresses the importance of spending your time on the things that are most important. It means that you have to say "NO" to the things you know that you should not do. You have to set priorities, make a schedule and follow a plan (remember Habit #2?). It means you are disciplined and organized.

In Kindergarten we shared the story of Pokey Porcupine and how he was given his spelling words at the beginning of the week for his spelling test on Friday. Instead of studying his words throughout the week, Pokey chose to play with his friends and do other things. Before he knew it, it was the night before the test and he had not studied. He tried to learn his words all at once, but it was too late. The next day he flunked his spelling test. Fortunately, his teacher gave him a second chance and this time Pokey chose to study a little bit each day and passed his spelling test the second time!

After the story we discussed the importance of having a plan and sticking to it. We also discussed how important it is to do our work first and then play. We all have responsibilities and if we don't do our work, we can let people down who are counting on us or find ourselves in trouble because we are behind.

Take a few minutes to talk with your students about what they think their most important priorities or responsibilities are at home...school...etc. What did they say?

In 1st grade we had a story about Jumper Rabbit and how he couldn't find anything because his room was such a mess! He had not made cleaning it a priority and that caused him to lose the things he was looking for. His friend, Goob Bear taught him a simple rule - "A place for everything and everything in its place." Jumper learned that if he did the work first, everything was much simpler...including finding the things he was looking for!

In 1st grade we also watched a video about Brother Bear from the Berenstain Bears. Brother Bear wanted to be a big bear and do big bear things, but what he forgot was to put his friends first and enjoy being a little bear while he had the chance. You can watch Brother Bear's lesson below.

"Big Bear, Little Bear"

We had some great discussion about having more adult type responsibilities as we get older, but not forgetting that we have jobs and responsibilities that are important for us as 1st graders right now! It's all about putting first things first!

See ya next time!