Lewis Noticing Blog week 13

A few weeks ago the staff at my school was required to go to The Leader in Me Training, a program that focuses on the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, a book by Stephen Covey.  The Leader in Me program helps foster these seven habits in children striving to make each student a leader in their academics, actions, and home life. 

The first three habits focus on one’s self, because Stephen Covey believes in order to work well with others and be a leader, one must be a leader within.  The first habit is to be proactive, and this means that you are the only person who can control how you feel.  Don’t let others  make you feel a certain way because only you can decide how you feel.  The second habit is to put first things first.  This simply means to get your work done before you play.  The third habit is to begin with the end in mind.  This means that you should set goals and have an idea in your head what you want to get accomplished within the hour, day, week, or any certain amount of time.

The next four habits focus around working with others.  The fourth habit is think win-win. This means to work with others to have a desired outcome for both.  If there is something needed to be cleaned up in the classroom, a student will pick it up, even if it is not his or hers,  just because it will benefit the wellbeing of the whole class.  The fifth habit is seek first to understand, and then be understood.  Take time to listen to others and hear what they have to say before you explain yourself.  It is better to listen than to blame, or make your voice heard before others.  The sixth habit is to synergize, which means working together to problem solve.  The seventh habit is sharpen your saw.  Take care of yourself in order to be successful.  Get some rest, eat healthy, and stay active.

            We have been teaching our students about these habits the past few weeks, keeping them in mind throughout our teaching and daily work.  Each habit comes with a hand gesture, which is nice because we are able to give silent reminders during our lessons.  I have seen a change in my students’ behaviors because they are making the effort to be proactive, be a leader, and help the students around them.  I am seeing leaders in the making!