If You Want Them To Act Like Leaders, Then Treat Them Like Leaders

Video Sample of Student Led Conference
Link to more student led ideas

One of the things I will be working on next week is my students' data notebooks.  I am completely sold on this approach.  Kids take complete ownership and responsibility for themselves.

Team leader evaluating the use of the artifact.

Seven Habits Tree - Finished

My 7 Habits Bulletin Board

This will be in the hallway as you come into my classroom.
 I did a test run at home to see how it will look. I am writing this down, so I don't forget how to set it up at school.  I will post a picture of the finished product next week.
The title will be:  We S.O.A.R with the 7 Habits or Sixth Grade can SOAR with the 7 Habits
The idea was to create a visual bridge for students who are used to following SOAR, while at the same time, merging those ideas with the principles of the habits.
S - Show a Positive Attitude
O - Own Your Actions
A - Always Do Your Best
R - Respect Others & Yourself

Each large circle will have a habit written on it.  Example: 1. Be Proactive
Next smallest circle will have the habit in "kid speak."  Example: You're in Charge

The smallest circles will each have one of my home room student's name on it. (I have 32 in case some move away or some move in)
Around the tree I am going to display quality student work.

I love it.
Everything is made from scrapbook paper, which happens to be reversible, so I can slowly flip the circles over in the fall to create an Autumn tree!!  Notice there are a few bluebirds also, which is the school mascot.

7 Habits Bulletin Board

Link for On the Road to Middle School Bulletin Board

I might use this idea (and make it my own) for my 7 Habits Board.  The habits become like stepping stones or road signs to help us become the leaders we need to be. I will use the winding path idea, but through the woods instead. I will include this poem:

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. 

Robert Frost

What did you do today that was proactive Mrs. O'Nan?

I attended a 6 hour math magic training. I dropped off a resume to a principal. I e-mailed the principal at Simpson, and I called my contact person at Lincoln. This is such an exciting time, but so nerve wracking. I just keep saying the serenity prayer each day, and then doing the next right thing.

I graduate in less than one month. I cannot believe 2.5 years has passed so quickly. I am immensely proud of myself.