Our Class
Our Classroom Pledge
We are amazing students!
We believe we can do anything!
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We want to learn to read, and to write, and to do lots of math.
We want to be good friends to share the classroom like a family.
We will work hard every day to make our dreams come true!
Shimmy-shimmy-cocoa-pop!
Shimmy-shimmy-pow!
​The 7 Habits of Happy Kids
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Many of you may be familiar with Steven Covey's book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. The overwhelming success of this book partnered with the educational community's response to it has led many schools and districts to teach these habits to school-aged children. Appropriate application of the 7 Habits of Happy Kids has been laid out in the subsequent book, The Leader in Me. (This is an excellent book, if you'd like a light read.) This year your child will become familiar with these habits as we use them each and every day to create a caring classroom family that seeks to find the unique LEADER in each child.
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The 7 Habits of Happy Kids:
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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. 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.
I Find My Voice & Inspire Others to Find Theirs
The Seven Habits in Our Classroom
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There are 7 happy kids hanging on our classroom wall. They each have a name and are linked to one of the 7 habits. Every day we use classroom scenarios and events to decide how our 7 happy kids would act, behave, react and interact in certain situations. As children in the classroom are "caught in a habit," we applaud their efforts and identify which child/children they are modeling their behaviors and interactions after from our wall of kids. This is a great way to introduce and live the 7 habits daily in our classroom.
Smile Tiles
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Each child has a Smile Tile chain that hangs on the classroom wall. Throughout the year children are able to earn Smile Tiles to add to their chain. Children earn tiles when "caught in a habit" or "caught being good." They can earn tiles for exceptional work, homework, effort, kindness, caring, special projects, helping others, etc. These are great motivators. The children can also earn beads to add to their chain later in the year. Be sure to look for our classroom Smile Tile chains when you visit!