The Leader in Me
You Are the First Teacher
Take the lead at home by teaching and modeling principles of effectiveness for all family members.
7 Habits of Happy Children: Leader in Me
Our school is a proud Leader in Me School.
At Gulf Shores Elementary, we focus on developing the whole-child by:
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teaching LEADERSHIP to every student,
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creating a CULTURE of student empowerment,
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and aligning systems to drive results in ACADEMICS.
The Leader in Me prides itself of being a process which equips students with the self-confidence and skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. It creates transformational results such as higher academic achievement, fewer discipline problems, and increased engagement among teachers and parents. This is done as students learn to become empowered through leadership, accountability, initiative, critical thinking, goal setting, listening and speaking, self-direction, responsibility, teamwork and problem solving. The students are taught about 7 Habits of Happy Children.
7 Habits of Happy Children & The 8th Habit
Habit 1: Be Proactive
Take responsibility for our choices and the consequences that follow. We choose our attitudes, moods and actions.
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I have a “Can Do” attitude.
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I choose my actions, attitudes and moods.
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I don’t blame others.
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I do the right thing without being asked, even if nobody is looking.
Online Books:
The Little Engine that Could
Amazing Grace
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood
Listen before you talk. Listen to other people’s ideas and feelings, try to see things from their viewpoints and listen to others without interrupting.
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I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings.
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I try to see things from their viewpoints.
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I listen to others without interrupting.
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I am confident in voicing my ideas.
Online Books:
Let's Be Enemies
Stellaluna
Jamaica's Find
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Have a plan. Plan ahead and set goals. Look for ways to be a good citizen.
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I plan ahead and set goals.
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I do things that have meaning and make a difference.
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I am an important part of my school.
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I look for ways to be a good citizen.
Online Books:
Galimoto
Whistle For Willie
Habit 6: Synergize
Together is better. Value other people’s strengths and learn from them.
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I value other people’s strengths and learn from them.
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I get along well with others, even people who are different from me.
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I work well in groups.
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I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems. I know that “two heads are better than one”. I am a better person when I let other people into my life and work.
Online Books
A Chair for My Mother
The Garden of Happiness
Alphabet Mystery
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Work first, and then play. Set priorities, make a schedule, and follow the plan.
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I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I should not do.
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I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan.
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I am organized.
Online Books:
Jamaica's Find
Froggy Gets Dressed
Alejandro's Gift
Habit 3 Family Focus
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Balance feels best. Take care of your body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. Spend time with family and friends.
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I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep.
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I spend time with family and friends.
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I learn in lots of ways and lots of places.
Online Books:
Owl Moon
Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late
The Snowy Day
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Everyone can win. Balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want.
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I want everyone to be a success.
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I don’t have to put others down to get what I want. It makes me happy to see other people happy.
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I like to do nice things for others. When a conflict arrives, I help brainstorm a solution. We all can win!
Online Books:
The Doorbell Rang
The Rainbow Fish
The Butter Battle Book
Habit 8: Find Your Voice
Empowering students to stand up and showcase their strengths and talents to inspire others. I have found something that I am good at and really like doing. I amp proud, but I do not boast. Instead, I use my expertise to help and inspire others.
At Gulf Shores Elementary, we see the potential in all students, regardless of their academic scores, athletic ability, or behavior. All students have the capacity to lead in their own lives and affect those around them by making positive choices.
Student are leaders in many areas including:
Helping others - math, reading, science, social studies, writing - art - running - music, singing, acting - creativity
The Leader in Me provides students with activities to help them learn practical character and life skills that will lead to those positive choices. Your child is embarking on an exciting journey, and our hope is that you will ask your child how he or she is doing along the way.
Take a look at the Leader in Me Parent Guide. It is full of ideas and activities to help you teach and model the 7 Habits principles to your children at home.
The Leader in Me Parent Guide - English
The Leader in Me Parent Guide - Spanish
"Leadership is communicating people’s worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves.”
- Stephen R. Covey, The Leader in Me: How Schools and Parents Around the World Are Inspiring Greatness, One Child At a Time
You are your child's first and best teacher - You can teach leadership at home too.
Click on the links below to learn more about Leader In Me:
The Leader In Me - How Schools Can Develop Leaders One Child At A Time.
Franklin Covey's Leader In Me Video Preview: Elementary Students Teaching The 7 Habits
