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Habit 1: Be Proactive:
-Take Responsibility for your choices and behaviors.
-I take initiative, I choose my actions, attitudes and moods. I don't blame others. I do the right thing without being asked.
-Book Suggestion: The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper- The Little Engine wasn't the biggest or fastest or newest engine but it kept on trying. When all the other trains wouldn't help, the Little Engine was proactive and a leader.
-At home help your child to “hit their pause button” or stop and think before they react.
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Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind:
-Think about how you would like something to turn out before you get started.
-Plan ahead and set goals that make a difference and have meaning. Look for ways to be a good citizen and realize you can contribute to your school.
- Book suggestion: The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle- The spider is determined to spin her web throughout the story and has an end in mind to catch a fly for dinner.
-At home you can create a family mission statement.
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Habit 3: Put First Things First:
-Decide what is most important and take care of that first.
-I set priorities, make a schedule, follow a plan and be disciplined and organized. I say no to things I know I should not do.
-Book suggestion: The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone (or any version)- The Little Red Hen did one thing at a time and put first things first to enjoy her end result, the bread.
-At home help your child write down their responsibilities so they have a clear plan to follow.
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Habit 4: Think Win-Win:
-Everyone can win, it isn't just me or you—it is both of us.
-When conflicts arise, I look for a win-win solution, I consider other people and their wants.
-Book suggestion: Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister The little fish thinks he is the best and won't play with other fish, soon he has no friends. He gives away just one scale and realizes how good it makes everyone feel including himself so he shares more scales and is even happier.
-At home talk about ways common conflicts can be resolved where everyone wins.
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Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood:
-It is better to listen first and talk second.
-I try to see things from others viewpoints. I listen with my ears, my eyes and my heart. I am confident in voicing my ideas.
-Book Suggestion: The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown- The little bunny wants to run away, but the Mother Rabbit listens to the little bunny and then seeks to be understood by offering assurance that she will always come and find him.
-At home help your child learn to listen without interrupting with their ears, their eyes and their heart.
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Habit 6: Synergize:
-Two or more people work together to create a better solution that neither would have thought of alone.
-I get along with others and value other people's strengths.
-Book Suggestion: Swimmy by Leo Lionni- Swimmy uses synergy and leadership to come up with a plan to help a school of fish explore the ocean.
-At home practice working together to solve problems or complete tasks, help point out each family members strengths.
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Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw:
-Have a balance in your life by eating right, exercising, learning and getting enough sleep.
-I spend time with family and friends, I learn in lots of ways and in lots of places and I find ways to help people.
-Book Suggestion: The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats- Peter finds a lot of things to do on a snowy day from being imaginative, taking a warm bath, and playing in the snow, they are all part of sharpening the saw.
-At home make sure lots of activities are available from arts to exercise, also make time for family meals.