The school the boys go to was awarded a Leader In Me grant last year from the Stephen Covey foundation. Being a Leader In Me school, means they focus on the teaching the children leadership skills and the 7 habits highlighted in Stephen Covey's books.
As a parent who sees the messages they come home with, I'm impressed. I love it. And while the teachers do a great job reinforcing it at school, we try our best to model and implement the same habits at home.
As part of their leadership curriculum, Michael had to memorize the 7 habits and do a presentation in front of his peers using the actions for each habit. Michael worked very hard on memorizing his habits and we tried together to come up with hints to know what order the habits go in. As a result, Mom is pretty well versed in the presentation and actions as well.
Habit #1: Be Proactive: I'm in charge of me!
This habit focuses on being responsible for our actions. Make good choices!
Habit #2: Begin with the end in mind. Always have a plan.
Set goals for what you want to accomplishment and then create a plan for how to get there.
Habit #3: Put first things first. Work, then play.
This habit encourages the kids to be responsible and make sure they take care of their
responsibilities before they play.
Habit #4: Think win-win. I win, you win, everybody wins!
This habit encourages the kids to play nicely. To think about how they can get along with others
and find solutions to disagreements they may have. Compromise is key!
Habit #5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Listen before you speak.
This habit is, my own admission, the one I'm the worst at. It talks about the importance of listening to other view points, instead of just thinking the way you know it is best.
Habit #6: Synergize! Together is better.
This habit focuses on the good old skill of teamwork. Working together, you can achieve more.
They focus on skills to help the kids work well together and to encourage an environment of
thinking as a team.
Habit #7: Sharpen the Saw. Balance feels best.
This habit reminds kids about the importance of balance. Living a healthy lifestyle. The importance of eating healthy, getting enough sleep, exercising and spending time with loved ones.
The qualities we have seen the boys develop as a result of this program is so encouraging. While I believe the academic curriculum they are learning in school is very important, learning life lessons of leadership, team work, and treating others with respect, is just as important.
Michael, we are very proud of you for embodying and living these habits. I hope you remember and use these habits for the rest of your life. They will help you as you face many challenges or situations in the future.
Until next time,
Angie
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