The 7 habits of highly effective Kindergartners?

[LadyShea]

So yeah, Stephen Covey wrote a book, The Leader in Me, after an educator adapted his 7 habits for elementary age children and implemented it successfully in a Raleigh NC magnet school that was about to lose its magnet status (A.B. Combs Elementary). Now it's a thing. Now it's a thing Kiddo's school is doing.

The principal gave me a copy of the book and I have started reading it, and it sounds so far like decent, common sense principals to me (I am a fan of Dale Carnegie due to pragmatism). So my reaction is mostly "why not teach kids to look for "win-win" solutions to conflict and take responsibility and shit like that? "

Because I am pretty sure the book itself will bore me, I was searching for a quick overview, and looks like some people think the program is evil....repackaged Mormonism, cult-like group think, corporate brainwashing.

I've never read 7 Habits. My only experience with FranklinCovey was in the early 90's and I, and all of my coworkers, were given Franklin Planners by the boss. A simple address book and notepad would have sufficed because I could never use the planners as intended by FranklinCovey.

Anyway, if anyone has any experiences or insight to share, thanks. I am probably going to be on the parent team for this program next year.

[wildernesse]

What did you end up thinking about this?

[JoeP]

Wildy!

[LadyShea]

I love it. The principles are very pragmatic...first things first, begin with the end in mind, keep your tools (brain) sharpened. The kids I have been around seem to use these phrases spontaneously in their daily life to redirect if needed. It's been helpful with Kiddo who tends to "What if the Earth explodes!" himself to death if left to his own devices...so asking "What's the goal here, what is the end you have in mind?" or reminding him "First things first" brings him back to reality and on task.

[wildernesse]

Hi, JoeP!

Thanks for the review, LadyShea. I'll have to see if I can find it at our library.

[wildernesse]

I happened to browse the website for our local school today and noticed that they also use this program. Now I am more interested in it!

[LadyShea]

Tell me what you think. They have a website and Facebook page and all that.