Maize South Elementary is utilizing Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Happy Kids to help us build LEADERS!

• Habit 1: Be Proactive - Take Charge of Your Own Life! Don’t blame others for your problems. YOU can make things happen. Student example: you should take time each night to be sure your backpack has everything you need. Be sure your homework and anything needing to be signed by a parent has been completed. It is not your parent’s fault if you forget something. YOU should be proactive and be responsible.
• Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind - Have a Plan! It is important to write down your goals. “A goal not written is only a wish.” Student example: if your goal is to get better at multiplication facts, you should make a plan to study a certain number of facts each night. Then mark each time you practice until you have mastered all the facts. Planning ahead always leads to good things.
• Habit 3: Put First Things First - Work First, Then Play!   Thinking ahead at what needs to be done for the week can be overwhelming for children and adults. If children learn to write down their schedule and mark things off as they are completed, it is an excellent strategy to reduce stress about a busy schedule. Student example: doing homework before playing a video game is a smart way to prioritize.
• Habit 4: Think Win-Win - Everybody Can Win! We all need to remember that thinking of others beside ourselves is very important. Finding ways to positively think through a situation is a great way for us to keep the feelings of others a part of problem solving. When we exhibit the Win-Win habit, we are exhibiting the Golden Rule: "Treat others the way you want to be treated" Student example: the next time you want to argue or fight with someone about who should get the best toy, think about Win-Win. You should ask yourself, "How can I make you happy too?"
• Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood --Listen Before You Talk! Everyone wants to be heard and understood. Listening is the most important communication skill. It is important for us to listen with our heart and our ears. Less than 10 percent of communication is contained in words. We need to pay attention to the body language, tone, and feelings reflected in the voice of others. Student example: the next time a friend seems sad, notice your friend’s eyes or the way she holds her body. Tell them you know they are sad and you want to help.
• Habit 6: Synergize - Together is Better! Synergy is valuing differences and then working together to create a better solution than what anyone could do alone. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much" ~ Helen Keller. Student example: when the class is asked to help clean up the classroom, it goes quicker when everyone pitches in.
• Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw – Balance Feels Best! To be healthy and happy, we need to exercise our mind, body, heart, and soul. Student example: When we spend too much time staying up late instead of getting enough sleep, we can become grouchy and our grades may drop. It is important to get enough rest, work hard, and play as well!