If you're like me, than you're not crazy about all these "new" plans that come out every year to help with the behavior problems with our students. Each fall, we all gather and listen to the "new, and innovative" ideas, that were suppose to get us excited and motivated. Blah blah blah. Don't get me wrong....I love new ways of thinking, and always trying to solve a problem with new techniques and strategies....however, I'm not at all crazy about old ideas, that are just being passed on as something new.
Which brings me to my topic at hand. Stephen Covey, the best selling author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, has just rocked my world. Literally. This book speaks at the heart of why I wanted to be a teacher, and seeks to minimize the very things that I don't care for. How's that for a win-win!!!
In these documented cases, schools has actually taken the time to implement the 7 habits, into their teaching core curriculum. The big selling point, is that this is NOT one more thing to do....instead it's a methodology that many describe as "a better way of doing what we are already doing. Right now, you're probably thinking...."yeah, yeah, yeah...what's so different about this, from any other "new concept"?.
Well....there's several:
- How about improved test scores
- Reduced discipline problems
- Greater parent satisfaction
- Soaring student self-confidence
- Improved school cultures
- Increased teacher pride
- and a Refined focus on twenty-first century skill
I strongly recommend you checking out this website and finding out more info.
Imagine teaching at a school, where students have acquired the skills to be leaders of tomorrow. Where they understand how to work together, and share ideas as well as thinking and expressing new ways of solving problems. That sounds like a school where I would love to teach at. If are interested, go to amazon or barnes and nobel and buy this book.....You won't regret it.
12 comments:
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to hear Sean Covey talk about this book and the programs being implemented in these schools. I found it interesting because I took training on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People but never thought to use them in my own class. He also referred to his book "The 7 Habits of Happy Kids." I began using this book in my 3rd grade classroom to introduce the habits to my own students. So far we have only discussed being proactive, but we have talked about this habit in many areas of our school day. I would like to believe students are really beginning to think about being proactive. We'll see how it goes, but I am excited to give it a try.
Wow...I wish I could have the opportunity to see him speak. I'm sure it was motivating just like his book. Just curious, what part of the world are you on? How have the habits been going so far at your school? Is the whole staff buying in, or are you testing it out on some grade levels? I'm really curious, because I'm trying to get this off the ground at my school. Thanks for commenting...
I am located in NY. My school and district are currently looking at using this, but it is in the early stages. I decided to begin on my own to see how it goes. There are several teachers interested in discussing how it can look if we choose to implement it in the future. I'll let you know how it goes. Good luck getting things rolling in your school.
I'm a vice principal of an elementary school in canada, and we're gooing to implement this school-wide starting this september. It is very expensive but we're extremely excited about the possibilities!
Ouch! Why do we have to pay thousands of dollars for simple common sense, fancy posters, and stupid buzzwords. This is why American education fails. Can we please teach math and science instead of touchy-feely crap?
Anonymous, I disagree. It's not touchy feely, these habits are based on "pricipals" that successful people already use in their lives, but they just didn't give it a "name". If you read any biography from a truly great leader you will find that they follow/use these habits. It's not a quick fix, it's a way of living and teaching and leading.
Thanks to all for your comments, part of what makes this country great is our freedom. I will use your positive feedback/comments to introduce this to our school system.
We are also exploring the Leader in Me at my school in Illinois. I would be interested in hearing from staff members who have implemented.
We too are considering implementing the principles found in the Leader in Me book! I am very impressed! Could you help me find the right resources to look at to help us get the ball rolling? Thanks!
What is the reseach on the affects of the program?
Does anyone know of a Catholic School that uses the program?
I am wondering ...what effect phychological can it have on children ? (Adults have more developed thinking and can take the good part). I am thinking of one of the habits that basically says "I choose how I feel", children should be able to feel and say how they feel instead of holding there feelings inside....
is there any reseach done on what effect the program have on children ?
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