Our new social-emotional program, The Leader in Me, focuses on teaching students how to be leaders through application of the 7 habits of highly effective people. Each month I plan to provide a brief overview of the habit we are focusing on that month. As a preview, I've selected this excerpt from the book The 7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey.
"I have come to believe that this book can help kids in three ways:
First, it will teach them about the power of living according to principles- principles such as responsibility, planning ahead, respect for others, teamwork, and balance. Principles are like gravity. They are timeless, universal, and self-evident. And they are needed today more than ever.
Second, it will equip them with a common language they can use with parents and teachers. It can be helpful to say, 'I need to put first things first,' or 'Let's find a win-win for this situation,' and for everyone to know exactly what is meant.
Third, whether they identify with Goob the Bear or Sophie Squirrel, kids will find part of themselves in one of these memorable characters. As a result, these stories will help kids apply the 7 Habits to their own lives."
In addition to teaching the 7 Habits, Fowler Grade School is also implementing school-wide leadership roles for students and electing a student Lighthouse Leadership Council. If you have visited during morning arrival time, you've likely been greeted with a handshake and our 7 habits theme songs. Soon students will be taking over the role of greeters. Throughout the year additional opportunities will be offered to students.
Finally, the teachers developed our Wildy Important Goal for the first quarter. It states that Goldbugs read for 20 minutes 80% of the time. You'll be able to see our progress toward this school-wide goal on the bulletin board beside the office. Students are also setting their own goals and tracking data in their own personal Leadership Notebooks.
All of this has lead to a very exciting start to our year. We're excited to see our students internalize their daily leadership statement- Goldbugs do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
- Mrs. McDowell
