CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

LEADER IN ME

RESOURCES

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Parents Raising Children with Special Needs by Sharon Gabison

Web Resources

Interactive, coloring pages, and a preview of the book too!
http://www.seancovey.com/kids.html

Video of Stephen Covey discussing the book
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4457341n

Great Leader in Me website
http://www.theleaderinme.org

7 Habits of Happy Kids
Our faculty and students at the elementary buildings are learning about bestselling Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Happy Kids. The faculty is also reading The Leader in Me, which is another book by Covey about forming leadership qualities in our students. The students share in weekly lessons, daily discussions and leadership assemblies that help to develop their leadership qualities.

Ask your child about the 7 Habits and how he or she can show great leadership!

Habit 1: Be Proactive
I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions 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. I have a “Can Do” attitude.

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, and 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. I want everyone to be a success. I don’t have to put others down to get what I want. It makes me happy to see other people happy. I like to do nice things for others. When a conflict arrives, I help brainstorm a solution. We all can win!

Habit 5: Seek First To Understand, Then Be Understood
I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.

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 to solve problems because I know that by “two heads are better than one”. I am a better person when I let other people into my life.

Habit 7: Sharpen The Saw
I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I take time to find meaningful ways to help others.

Bringing It Home

  • Read and discuss The 7 Habits of Happy Kids.

  • Use the language , i.e. “How could you be proactive in this situation?”

  • Consider which habit your child is strong in. Which are weaknesses? Discuss and set goals.

  • Talk about your strengths and weaknesses. Verbalize when a habit is used.

  • Make a family mission statement. (Begin with the end in mind.)

  • Model, i.e. Write out agendas and to-do lists. (Put first things first.)