Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Habits 1 - 3 (and a Giveaway!)

Good morning y'all! Today I'm going to give you a bit more information on the first three habits - they are the foundation upon which the habit system rests, so it's very important to work on these first. I know some of you may be interested in lesson plans and/or activities to help teach these habits, and I've already begun drafting those posts, but I want to give an overview of all the habits first before I get into those - I just want to make sure I give y'all enough information on each habit so that you can more easily use and understand the lessons and activities that follow!

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.
This habit is so, so important for kids, and I saw my third graders become more responsible and self-aware after they learned about what it meant to be proactive. This habit will teach children that their circumstances don't make them who they are, but their choices do. While all the habits are obviously important to model for kids, this is one that might take some practice on your end. An easy way to model this habit is by simply changing your language - no longer can you say "I didn't have time to..." or "I had to...". Instead, you must take ownership of yourself and the situation, and say things like, "I didn't make the time to..." or "I chose to...". When you use this kind of language in your classroom and even in the hallways when you're talking to other teachers, your students will observe you talking the talk and walking the walk, and they'll quickly begin to use this habit effectively thanks to your example. At the beginning of the year when I'm tired and stretched thin, I am going to make a very concerted effort to not make excuses or complain; I will actively work to change my thinking and my language, and I'm positive my attitude will change, too. If I find myself struggling to take charge of myself, I can always remind myself to not be like the people in this video:


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.
Basically, this habit can be summed up in this quote: Failing to plan means you are planning to fail. As teachers, planning ahead is definitely one of the biggest job requirements. While my district requires us to turn in lesson plans every week, it doesn't cause me any added stress because I've already made those plans anyway! I think the majority of people who become teachers are inherent planners, so this habit probably won't be so difficult to model or implement in your classroom. Creating a mission statement aligns very closely with this habit (see last week's post here for more on writing a mission statement), and keeping a planner or calendar that outlines specific deadlines and schedules will ultimately help you become more efficient. It is very important to think through things first before creating anything, and this is why the mission statement was such a big part of our training - everything we plan for should parallel the goals and results we desire and/or need to achieve. 

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.
This habit means you must begin to put the things that are actually important first, even before those things that may seem urgent. It is so easy to get distracted by emails, phone calls, TV shows, Pinterest, etc., and while making some time for yourself to relax is definitely okay, you will be more likely to truly enjoy your time to relax if you have already given your attention to the things that really needed it. Of course, there are certain urgent things that will demand immediate attention - getting sick, for example - but for the most part, you should focus your efforts on accomplishing the things that will help you in the long run. Muriel shared this video with us, and it summarizes this habit wonderfully:

 

I hope this little Cliffs Notes version of the first three habits has been helpful! I know y'all are smart and probably already had a good grasp of what each habit meant, but I am just so excited about this initiative that I can't help but share (as my boyfriend says, I drank the Kool-Aid!). Now, I bet you're wondering about why the title of this post also says giveaway. Heck, you're probably thinking, didn't she hint at a giveaway way back when she hit 100 followers? Yes, I did, but I wanted to wait on purpose because my giveaway parallels so perfectly with habit #2! I'm sure I'm not alone in my love for planners, making lists, color coordination, and organized spaces, so that's why I've decided to give one lucky reader their choice of an Erin Condren teacher planner! I ordered myself one at the beginning of the summer and I can't even tell you how IN LOVE with it I am! 
My planner - I chose the zig zag cover (I blurred out my last name and school name). 
Year at a glance - oh how I LOVE!
STICKERS! Are you kidding?! 
To win a planner of your own, there is only one required entry - you must follow my blog - but there a few other ways to get more entries! I'll pick a winner next Monday, so you have plenty of time to enter! My birthday is on Thursday, so I'm planning to put that as my first thing first and celebrate with my friends at my apartment's pool, but I'll be back soon with a post about habits 4 - 7! Have a great day, friends!
a Rafflecopter giveaway



36 comments:

  1. I really like the zigzag too...but I'd do the colors tdeal/green or red/orange/yellow

    ReplyDelete
  2. This looks like a great tool to add to my organization! :) I hope I win!

    Erin
    Elementary Adventure

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think I'd pick the apple cover.... but I also love the favorite things cover!! :)

    Marvelous Multiagers!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the multicolored one that you can add a picture to. So fun! =)

    Ms. Smith
    Adventures of Ms. Smith

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am so happy you found me through Ms. Smith! If you hadn't then I would not have just been able to stalk your blog and FALL IN LOVE with it!!! I am so glad you stopped by my blog, too! We can share Leader In Me ideas! I need lots of ideas and I am so glad I just saw those great videos you posted!

    Your newest follower,
    Bridget
    Little Lovely Leaders

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the "viva Espana-Granada Groove" design!!!! AND I would LOVE to have one of these!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I guess I should have read the instructions completely! I like the Apple design best! What a great contest! Thanks for the opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I never heard of these planners but they look awesome!!! I want one!

    ReplyDelete
  10. If I had to choose (they are all so cute), I would choose the "granada groove" planner. I love the contrast of colors and the pop of yellow (my favorite color). :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I like the viva espana chevron cover, looks nice.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I like the inspire confidence cover

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the rad plaid in pink and lime and the picture this planner too! So beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I have looked through them so many times.. My favorite is the one titled Favorite Things :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love them all, but I really love the Favorite Things planner. I just found your blog and I am so glad that I did. I'm your newest follower! :)
    Lisa
    Learning Is Something to Treasure

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have seen bloggers posting about Erin Condren like crazy!! I would love one of these but they're so darn expensive!

    Ashley @ Fierce in Fourth

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love the Inspire planner. That quote is AH-MAZING! I looked through all of these yesterday and oooooohed and ahhhhhhed over them. Then I saw the price, had a heart attack, and closed my computer very quickly! Lol!

    You are AWESOME to do this giveaway!

    --Andi
    Mommy, Teacher, & So Much More

    ReplyDelete
  18. I found your blog because I follow Third Grade Tidbits and she blogged about your giveaway. I am also a 3rd grade teacher (I live in Florida) and I your newest follower!

    :) Nicole
    Tadpole Tidbits
    www.mrscorbitt.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love the rad plaid in teal & navy! It's sooo pretty! Thank you for doing this giveaway :)

    Sara
    Miss V's Busy Bees

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'd pick the black and white-2012-2013 life planner -fleur feliz
    PLN13-01 one.

    kellybrown28021@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. What an awesome giveaway! I would pick the viva espana - watercolor - so pretty! :)
    My Kindergarten Kids

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great giveaway - glad I just found your blog and became a follower. The design I like is apple slice. :)

    Antonia @ forkin4th

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am your newest follower! What a great way to stay organized. I like all the designs.

    Mrs.G's Kindergarten in Heels

    ReplyDelete
  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  25. My favorite it the favorite things planner....I think! It's so hard to decide!!! I hope I win....they are so awesome! Thanks for an awesome giveaway opportunity!

    Vicky
    Keep Calm & Imagine

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love a good planner! I think the zig zag print is my favorite too!! I am your newest follower :) I would love to win!

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a great giveaway! I am new to your blog and love it! I am moving to third grade this year so I have been stalking all the 3rd grade sites! I LOVE the watercolor planner and would pick that if I were to be lucky enough to win!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Super fun giveaway! Thanks for inviting us to play!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love them all, but I think the watercolor planner is my favorite...but I really like the zig zag.

    ✞Heather
    Swinging Through Second Grade
    hdawntn@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. So hard to decide which I would love more; however, I am loving the granada groove this very second! :o)

    Jennifer
    jennkeys @ gmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Ooo! Love the planner! I think I like the flower, plant, fishscale-like, or rainbow word ones best. I'm completely indecisive!
    Thanks for the fun giveaway!
    Katie
    I Want to be a Super Teacher

    ReplyDelete
  32. I like the inspire one the best, but they are all fabulous! Thanks for the giveaway!
    Carolyn
    dopey0222@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. thanks for sharing, just added to our 'Life Planner board of fame' - check it out! pinterest/erincondren #enjoy!

    ReplyDelete

36 comments:

  1. I really like the zigzag too...but I'd do the colors tdeal/green or red/orange/yellow

    ReplyDelete
  2. This looks like a great tool to add to my organization! :) I hope I win!

    Erin
    Elementary Adventure

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think I'd pick the apple cover.... but I also love the favorite things cover!! :)

    Marvelous Multiagers!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the multicolored one that you can add a picture to. So fun! =)

    Ms. Smith
    Adventures of Ms. Smith

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am so happy you found me through Ms. Smith! If you hadn't then I would not have just been able to stalk your blog and FALL IN LOVE with it!!! I am so glad you stopped by my blog, too! We can share Leader In Me ideas! I need lots of ideas and I am so glad I just saw those great videos you posted!

    Your newest follower,
    Bridget
    Little Lovely Leaders

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the "viva Espana-Granada Groove" design!!!! AND I would LOVE to have one of these!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I guess I should have read the instructions completely! I like the Apple design best! What a great contest! Thanks for the opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I never heard of these planners but they look awesome!!! I want one!

    ReplyDelete
  10. If I had to choose (they are all so cute), I would choose the "granada groove" planner. I love the contrast of colors and the pop of yellow (my favorite color). :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I like the viva espana chevron cover, looks nice.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I like the inspire confidence cover

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the rad plaid in pink and lime and the picture this planner too! So beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I have looked through them so many times.. My favorite is the one titled Favorite Things :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love them all, but I really love the Favorite Things planner. I just found your blog and I am so glad that I did. I'm your newest follower! :)
    Lisa
    Learning Is Something to Treasure

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have seen bloggers posting about Erin Condren like crazy!! I would love one of these but they're so darn expensive!

    Ashley @ Fierce in Fourth

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love the Inspire planner. That quote is AH-MAZING! I looked through all of these yesterday and oooooohed and ahhhhhhed over them. Then I saw the price, had a heart attack, and closed my computer very quickly! Lol!

    You are AWESOME to do this giveaway!

    --Andi
    Mommy, Teacher, & So Much More

    ReplyDelete
  18. I found your blog because I follow Third Grade Tidbits and she blogged about your giveaway. I am also a 3rd grade teacher (I live in Florida) and I your newest follower!

    :) Nicole
    Tadpole Tidbits
    www.mrscorbitt.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love the rad plaid in teal & navy! It's sooo pretty! Thank you for doing this giveaway :)

    Sara
    Miss V's Busy Bees

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'd pick the black and white-2012-2013 life planner -fleur feliz
    PLN13-01 one.

    kellybrown28021@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. What an awesome giveaway! I would pick the viva espana - watercolor - so pretty! :)
    My Kindergarten Kids

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great giveaway - glad I just found your blog and became a follower. The design I like is apple slice. :)

    Antonia @ forkin4th

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am your newest follower! What a great way to stay organized. I like all the designs.

    Mrs.G's Kindergarten in Heels

    ReplyDelete
  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  25. My favorite it the favorite things planner....I think! It's so hard to decide!!! I hope I win....they are so awesome! Thanks for an awesome giveaway opportunity!

    Vicky
    Keep Calm & Imagine

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love a good planner! I think the zig zag print is my favorite too!! I am your newest follower :) I would love to win!

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a great giveaway! I am new to your blog and love it! I am moving to third grade this year so I have been stalking all the 3rd grade sites! I LOVE the watercolor planner and would pick that if I were to be lucky enough to win!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Super fun giveaway! Thanks for inviting us to play!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love them all, but I think the watercolor planner is my favorite...but I really like the zig zag.

    ✞Heather
    Swinging Through Second Grade
    hdawntn@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. So hard to decide which I would love more; however, I am loving the granada groove this very second! :o)

    Jennifer
    jennkeys @ gmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Ooo! Love the planner! I think I like the flower, plant, fishscale-like, or rainbow word ones best. I'm completely indecisive!
    Thanks for the fun giveaway!
    Katie
    I Want to be a Super Teacher

    ReplyDelete
  32. I like the inspire one the best, but they are all fabulous! Thanks for the giveaway!
    Carolyn
    dopey0222@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. thanks for sharing, just added to our 'Life Planner board of fame' - check it out! pinterest/erincondren #enjoy!

    ReplyDelete