Mandated Curriculum and the 7 Habits

One of our social studies and math objectives for first grade is to expose children to time lines and how they are used. When I heard Stephen Covey speak at Oakland Schools a few weeks ago he said that when he asked a child what he was the leader of, the child responded that he was the leader of his life. To me that was a profound thing for a child to understand and state.

My class knows they are in control of their choices and short term events but, they do not understand that they are also in control of what happens in the near and far future. So I went back to the classroom thinking I wanted this to change.

I posed the question "If you are the leader of your life, what is it you plan to do as a grown-up?" One child shared with the class that though she wanted to be a gymnast she was good at art and might want to be an artist. Another child brought in a first aid kit for show and tell and stated while he would like to be a snowboarder, he also was interested in becoming a doctor. They are starting to think!!!!!!!!!!!!!!