Since 2013, Ardrossan Elementary School staff and students have embraced The Leader In Me program.
The 7 Habits is a set of leadership and life skills from Stephen Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. A quick overview of the habits follows:
Habit 1 — Be Proactive
You're in Charge
I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, 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.
Habit 2 — Begin with the End in Mind
Have a Plan
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. I look for ways to be a good citizen.
Habit 3 — Put First Things First
Work First, Then Play
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
Everyone Can Win
I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts (Bucket Filling). When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives.
Habit 5 — Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Listen Before You Talk
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
Together Is Better
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 teaming with others we can create better solutions than anyone of us can alone. I am humble.
Habit 7 — Sharpen The Saw
Balance Feels Best
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 find meaningful ways to help others.
(for more information please visit http://www.theleaderinme.org/the-7-habits-for-kids)
Our staff has made the commitment to model and implement the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People at our school, in order to provide a caring and nurturing learning environment for our students. Teaching students and developing leaders is what we do! Through the teaching of the 7 habits, our staff is working together with students to create a school that maintains the dignity of children through productive interactions while fostering positive relationships with parents and other community members.
The Leader in Me (basically the Seven Habits for Kids) provides students with activities that will help them learn practical character and life skills that will lead to those positive choices. The Seven Habits for children helps improve student performance and support school success by helping to foster the qualities of independence (goal-setting, organization, time management, and planning); interdependence (teamwork, conflict management, creativity, and analytical skills); and renewal (fun, desire to learn, and good health & hygiene).