Setting Sail with the Seven Habits W.R. McNeill Elementary Student Leadership Team

About The Leader In Me The Leader In Me process helps develop the essential life skills and characteristics students need in order to thrive in the 21 st Century.

About The Leader In Me The Leader in Me is integrated into a school’s core curriculum and everyday language so that it isn’t “one more thing” teachers and students have to do. It becomes part of the culture, gaining momentum and producing improved results year after year, benefitting schools and students in numerous ways.

Develops students who have the skills and self-confidence to succeed as leaders in the 21st century. Decreases discipline referrals. Teaches and develops character and leadership through existing core curriculum. Improves academic achievement. Raises levels of accountability and engagement among both parents and staff.

What Are the 7 Habits? Based on the work of Stephen and Sean Covey We only get one chance to prepare our students for a future that none of us can possibly predict. What are we going to do with that one chance? ~Stephen Covey

Why a Leadership Focus? Finding the Treasure The Leader In Me believes that every child possesses leadership skills. It believes that every child will serve as a leader in some way, either in their careers or with family and friends. It believes that character education is essential. It believes that students must be taught how to collaborate with others. It believes that leadership training will have a positive impact on student achievement.

The Habits: Habit 1: Be Proactive I have a “Can Do” attitude. I choose my actions, attitudes and moods. I don’t blame others. I do the right thing without being asked, even if nobody is looking.

PROACTIVE P – Play Hard R – Respect O – Offer to help A – Accept responsibility C – Clean up T – Take action I – Inviting V – Visit a sick friend E – Envision a goal and meet it REACTIVE R – Resting instead of working E – Expect someone to bail you out A – Avoid challenges C – Cut others down T – Talk … Talk … Talk I – Insist you are right V – Vent about problems you don’t intend to solve E – Excuses … Excuses …

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. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

Classroom Vision/Mission Statement Classroom Vision Statement My classroom will foster an environment where student learning is at an optimal level. Classroom Mission Statement Equip students with academic knowledge, skills and behaviors; and teach them how to use that knowledge to increase and maximize their own learning.

Habit 3: Put First Things First I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am organized.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win 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!

Emotional Bank Account All relationships have a kind of imaginary “emotional bank account.” When you do something to make another person feel good, you make a deposit. When there is conflict, the relationship feels less positive. At least one person feels less connected. This would be a withdrawal from the emotional bank account. As long as the overall total, or “balance”, of your account is positive over time, you will feel close, or connected, to the other person.

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 viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas.

"When we listen with the intent to understand others, rather than with the intent to reply, we begin true communication and relationship building. Opportunities to then speak openly and to be understood come much more naturally and easily. Seeking to understand takes consideration; seeking to be understood takes courage. Effectiveness lies in balancing the two." Stephen R. Covey

Habit 6: Synergize I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different from me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems. I know that “two heads are better than one”. I am a better person when I let other people into my life and work.

The Goose Story Next fall, when you see Geese heading South for the Winter, flying along in V formation, you might consider what science has dis- covered as to why they fly that way: as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in V formation the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are.

When the Head Goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs with people or with geese flying South.

Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. What do we say when we honk from behind?

Finally, and this is important, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshots and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection.

They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly, or until it dies. Only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group. IF WE HAVE THE SENSE OF A GOOSE, WE WILL STAND BY EACH OTHER LIKE THAT. by Dr. Harry Clarke Noyes ARCS NEWS, Vol. 7, No. 1, January 1992

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.

Student Recognition Program A Leadership Luncheon is held monthly. Each classroom and special area teacher nominates a student who has exhibited outstanding Leadership skills to attend. Guest Leaders share lunch with students and discuss leadership traits.

Cafeteria / Gym Mural

Hallway Displays

Classroom Displays

Specialists & Support Programs

Bringing It Home Read & discuss The 7 Habits for 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 & 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.) “Leadership is communicating people’s worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it themselves.” ~Unknown

Credits The Seven Habits for Highly Effective People The Seven Habits for Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey The Seven Habits for Happy Kids The Seven Habits for Happy Kids by Sean Covey The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey The Leader in Me The Leader in Me by Stephen Covey The Leader in Me The Leader in Me website Trainings led by Mary Kay Widener Inspiration from A.B. Combs ElementaryA.B. Combs Elementary