In Kindergarten students read The Crayon Box that Talked by Shane DeRolf and discussed how the crayons in the book at first didn't respect one another and didn't work together, but when the realized that each crayon had a something special to offer, they were able to synergize and make a beautiful picture. Students related this to syngergizing and respecting each other in the classroom and at school.
In First grade students read the book What if Everybody Did That by Ellen Javernick. Students discussed the Circle of Control and how being proactive was focusing on ourselves and our actions, not the actions of others. We are only in charge of ourselves, not anyone else. Even if others are doing things that are not ok, we can be ok and control what we do. Students also completed a Circle of Control activity.
In Second grade students listened to Lily's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes on CD and recognized how Lily was reactive when things didn't go her way rather than proactive. Students discussed ways to help themselves stop and think and make a proactive choice to something that causes them a difficult emotion rather than being reactive.
In Third grade I showed students a visual of a soda can being "reactive" (exploding when facing pressure or a difficult emotion, something that is hard for them, or a situation that they don't like) vs being a water bottle and being proactive (staying calm, choosing to respond in a clam manner and remaining in control). Students discussed ways to help them be proactive by completing a Stop and Think Chart (A Covey leadership quality tool). Students also read Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell and discussed how Molly Lou Melon was proactive in how she responded to a bully who was making fun of her.
For an example of a Stop and Think chart, please click here.
In Fifth Grade students were also taught the soda can vs water bottle visual and completed a self-evaluation to measure how reactive or proactive they currently are. They also completed a stop and think chart about a current situation that they face that causes them to be reactive and brainstormed ways to help them "stop and think" to help them become more proactive.
In Sixth Grade students were taught the soda can vs water bottle visual and discussed how they are able to choose how they respond to adversity and set backs in life. Being reactive to these set backs will hinder their ability to reach their goals. Instead, being proactive and choosing to overcome will go a long way toward them reaching their goals. Students watched an inspiring video about a para-Olympic record setting athlete who overcame great adversity and exhibited many proactive and leadership qualities. To end, students completed a stop and think chart to help them evaluate how they can become more proactive to various situations they may face. To see the video, please click here.
Next month students will discuss Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind and how it relates to them having a plan when an adult wants to hurt their bodies. Check back to see all they are learning to help them become Lifelong Leaders!!!
