Introducing and Applying the 7 Habits in Preschool The Leader in Me: Introducing and Applying the 7 Habits in Preschool Based on the work Stephen Covey

Starting with the Roots… Building a Strong Foundation We start at the roots and will spend most of preschool learning about these habits!

Habit #1 Be Proactive

What does it mean to be PROACTIVE? PROACTIVE students make a choice about how they react to the things that happen. They stay calm and don’t react impulsively Preschoolers can’t do that!! What are you thinking!!! YES they can!! If we work together to teach them proactive skills! It takes a group effort to make it work!!!

What does being PROACTIVE look like at school? Choosing activities to work on independently or with a friend Working appropriately with classroom materials Cleaning up when asked the first time Trying their best on every activity Listening and following directions during group and independent work Taking turns with favorite activities Using words to express feelings when upset or frustrated

What does being PROACTIVE look like at home? Putting toys away without mom and dad asking Sitting appropriately at the table with family for meals Brushing teeth independently Helping pick out clothes for school and getting dressed independently Helping make a grocery list Asking for help with difficult tasks Using words to express feelings and frustrations

Why is this important in preschool? We are working on appropriate interactions to develop friendships and cooperative learning through: Independence Shows social cooperation Applies social problem solving skills

Connecting Habit #1 to EC Standards Health/Mental Wellness Standard 1: Demonstrates health/mental wellness in individual and cooperative social environments. Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates independent behavior. Benchmark 1.2: Shows social cooperation. Social Studies Standard 1: Demonstrates basic understanding of the world in which he/she lives. Benchmark 1.4: Recognizes and/or follows rules within the home, school and community.

Habit #2 Begin with the End in Mind

Begin with the End in Mind? What does it mean to Begin with the End in Mind? When students Begin with the End in Mind they make a plan and set goals. “I am an important part of my classroom. I look for ways to be a good citizen.”

What does Beginning with the End in Mind look like at school? What do I want to learn about? Project work Making a plan at center time What do I want to accomplish? Where do I want to work?

What does Beginning with the End in Mind look like at home? Setting a personal goal: Learning to put my shoes on the correct feet Learning to getting dressed by myself Learning to tie my shoes without help

Why is this important in preschool? We want students to start thinking about where they want to go in their future and how they will get there. This starts with small simple steps but can lead to major decisions in life. Problem solving skills Showing a sense of purpose

Connecting Habit #2 to EC Standards Health/Mental Wellness Standard 1: Demonstrates health/mental wellness in individual and cooperative social environments. Benchmark 1.3: Applies social problem solving skills. Benchmark 1.4: Shows a sense of purpose (future-hopefulness)

Habit #3 Put First Things First

“Put First Things First, work first then play.” What does it mean to Put First Things First? Students spend time on things that are most important. Learning about priorities and making a plan. “Put First Things First, work first then play.”

What does Putting First Things First look like at school? Putting personal items away in locker before starting the day. Washing hands before eating lunch. Finishing one project before starting a new project. Cleaning up materials before moving on to another activity.

What does Putting First Things First look like at home? Doing what mom or dad asked me to do before doing what I want to do. Cleaning up my room before playing outside. Finishing my dinner before eating dessert.

A Quick Overview: Habits 4-7

Habit #4 Think Win-Win Every preschool child can find success in the classroom individually and as a group. When there are problems or disagreements we can work together to find a solution that makes everyone happy. We all can win!

Habit #5 Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood Listening with your eyes and ears! People say a lot with their body language and facial expressions. Students learn lots about body language and facial expressions through our Second Step Curriculum!

We are all better when we work together! Habit #6 Synergize We are all better when we work together!

Take time to have fun and play! Habit #7 Sharpen the Saw Take time to have fun and play! Students take care of their body by eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Students take care of their spirit by spending time with family and friends.

Resources: This slide show was created using the following resources and is based on slide shows by Rebecca Radicchi. The Seven Habits for Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey The Seven Habits for Highly Effective Kids by Sean Covey The Seven Habits for Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey