Week of October 23: Habit 7 (Sharpen the Saw)

We are wrapping up the 7 Habits this week! Habit 7, Sharpen the Saw, is all about finding balance in life. Yes, it is important to use our minds, but just like bodies need rest after exercise, brain breaks are important too. We will read a story that goes along with our habit, then talk about ways we find balance in our own lives.

Week of October 16: Habit 6 (Synergize)

We know the importance of teamwork. I grew up hearing the phrase, "Many hands make light work." Working together not only lessens the work load, but it also gives us the ability to achieve great things together! In our counseling lessons this week, we are reading the story The Big, Bad Badgers. The 7 Oaks friends are up against the badgers in a soccer match. Will the friends understand the importance of teamwork and win the game?

After the story, we will try a team building activity together. Synergize: Together is better!

Week of October 9: Habit 5 (Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood)

Habit 5 is all about LISTENING before SPEAKING. In our story this week, Lily Skunk makes cookies. Instead of listening to her dad read the recipe, she tries making the cookies on her own. Much to her surprise, something goes terribly wrong! Will Lily learn the importance of listening?

Our discussion points:

Why should we listen before speaking?
Why is it important to listen with our heart, eyes, AND ears? What does this look like?
How can listening help us when we are having friendship trouble?

Week of October 2: Habit 4 (Think Win-Win)

We are going to read the story Lily Plants a Garden. In our story, Lily Skunk is really wanting to plant a garden, but her mom fears she will not follow through to take care of the garden. After coming up with her own plan, Lily shows her mom that they can all benefit from Lily's garden.

Think Win-Win: This habit is all about working together, finding a compromise, and winning together! In the story, Lily gets what she wants (her garden) and her mom gets what she wants (yummy veggies, and she doesn't have to work in the garden).

Ideas for your student:

The next time you want to argue with someone about who should get the best toy, ask, "How can I make you happy, too?"
Make a "Wish Poster." Start by drawing a line down the middle of the paper. On one side, make a list of things you want (new toy, a pet, etc.). On the other side, make a list of what your parents want (a clean room, chores finished). Work together with your grownups to make your own win-win plan. This can be a fun way to communicate what you each want, and find a solution to make it happen!

Bolivar Primary School

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