Happy Kids Program
HABIT #1 - You're in Charge
Our story begins with Sammy Squirrel who is always bored and relies on his friends to make life fun for
him. The story teaches children to take responsibility for their own lives. When children are bored it is
up to them to take hold of their boredom and create their own fun. In other words, be proactive, take
charge of your own life and stop playing the victim.
Here are a few “Baby Steps” that may help your child become Proactive . These “Baby Steps” are taken
directly form Sean Covey’s book:
a) When you are bored do something nice for someone.
b) Play with someone you never have before.
c) If you do something wrong say sorry before someone asks you to apologize.
HABIT #2 - Have a Plan
The second habit that your child will be learning about is Begin with the End in Mind-Have a Plan. Goob
Bear and Jumper rabbit are trying to save money so they can purchase something they really want.
Jumper spends foolishly and Goob saves his money wisely. In the end Goob has saved enough money to
get his Bug collecting kit and a few other items he put down on his list and go to a movie. Jumper has no
money left to go to a movie because he foolishly spent it. This story teaches children to have a plan and
set goals. Your child should be able to talk to you about one goal they have set for themselves.
HABIT #3 - Work Comes Before Play
This week your child will be learning about “Putting First Things First”. In short, work first then play
second. The story that is read to them and discussed is titled “Pokey and the Spelling Test”. Pokey does
everything else but study for his spelling test as a consequence he fails his spelling test. Your child will
learn the word “procrastinate” and should be able to explain what it means because it is exactly what
Pokey does. Pokey gets another test the following week. Ask your child how Pokey did the second time
around on his spelling test and why. Some other engaging questions could be: 1. Why should we put first
things first? 2. What does “proactive” mean? 3. Ask your child if she has fulfilled their classroom goal or
their goal for home? Have a great week.
HABIT #4 - Everyone Can Win
Thinking Win-Win is the mental habit that parallels the Golden rule. In essence, when practiced it helps
children think about others as well as themselves. In this story Lily Skunk wants to plant a garden but her
mother tells her that it is too much work to maintain. That is an example of Lose-Win, with the winner
being mom. The students and I will be explaining to the children that Lily did not quit her fight and she
did not pout and complain about her mother’s initial decision. Had Lilly chosen to go ahead with the
garden without her mother’s permission, then we have a Win-Lose for Lilly. Lily did not give up her fight
for her garden and drafted a letter to mom that explained all the benefits a garden would bring. Her
mother could not refuse this time, this was truly a Win-Win for both Mom and Lily.
If you would be open to a discussion with your child about this topic these questions should be asked: 1.
How did Lily convince her Mom to plant a garden? 2. Explain how Lily and Mom both won? 3. Why is
important to make others happy as well as yourself? 4. Do you know of someone else who put others
before 1st? (Jesus, Mother Teresa, Mom or Dad)
HABIT #5 - Listen Before You Speak
You have to listen with your eyes and heart, not just your ears, is exactly what Lily told Jumper to solve
their little problem. This is the most important learning in this habit. As Sean Covey says “we were
taught to read, write, and speak but we are not taught how to listen, which is the most important
communication skill of all”. Listening is only 10% of what we hear it is body language and tone of voice
that tells the rest of the story. This habit teaches your child how to listen and how to listen well in a kind
mindful matter.
If you would be open to a discussion with your child about this topic these questions are suggested: 1.
Who helped Allie solve her problem? 2. Why is listening so important? 3. How does our school motto tie
in with this habit? 4. Who listens to you and what makes them a good listener?
HABIT #6 - Together Is Better
Together is better is what Habit 6 is all about however, a more impressive word that explains teamwork
is Synergize. This habit teaches the children that everyone working together can be much more
productive that one person working on their own. In this story the kids of 7 Oaks work together in a
game versus the Big Bad Badgers. One quote that I have used for several years in my teaching career
and is mentioned in this story is “Together Everyone Achieves More” which is an acronym for TEAM.
This story illustrates the individual talents and gifts that God has created in each of us. This story will
help your child understand the importance of working on a team and the gifts that have been given to
us by the Creator that make us all unique.
If you would be open to a discussion with your child about this topic these questions should be asked: 1.
Why did the 7 Oaks team win? 2. Does everyone on the team have the same talents and abilities? 3.
What do you have to do to be a good team member?
HABIT #7 - Balance Is Best
Balance feels best is the final habit in Sean Covey’s Book The 7 Habits of Happy Kids. This habit teaches
the children that we all need balance in our lives. In this story the kids of 7 Oaks want to play with
Sophie but she is overtired and talks to mom about why she is fatigued. Sophie learns that you need to
work your heart, body, mind and soul. The buddy readers will be stressing to your children that the 7th
habit is about rest just like the Sabbath.
If you would be open to a discussion with your child about this topic these questions should be asked: 1.
Why is important to have balance in your life? 2. What is a good way to give your soul a workout? (they
should mention prayer or go to mass) 3. How can you have balance in your life? (They should explain
using their heart, body, mind, soul)