The Leader in Me

This week I have been pondering how to implement and further explore our classroom meetings about leadership. Our building/staff have been very focused on how leaders can be anyone and as part of professional development teachers are reading a book called The Leader in Me by Steven Covey.

I am a firm believer that students are leaders. I also know that there are natural leaders, leaders by default, leaders by expectation, and leaders that are taught. I also believe that every student in my classroom is a leader; maybe just not looked at in that light until now.

Back to the pondering. I enjoy getting to know my students. The interactive jouranls have been a HUGE insight to how students feel, what they do, and where they are in their lives right now. I also want students to know that I believe in them and I also want them to believe in themselves and see the good that they do--can do--and also, expected to do.

The Leader in Me. How do I make it work for my students? I made a bulletin board when I moved classrooms and it has been empty all year. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to implement it. So, for 40 days it has been blank. I look at the descriptors our class has designated for leaders and I see those qualities and attributes in them. SO--I want to celebrate that. I want to celebrate each boy and girl in our quest to be a leader and also to be recognized for the leaders that they are!

The blank bulletin board became an opportunity for that. How? Well, it's simple. Think Star Student of the Week. Instead--I want a Leader of the Week. Each Friday I will draw a name from a hat. This will be my NEXT week's leader. This student will not have any new jobs, prizes, or special requirements. What will happen is over the weekend, the student will create a poster board with LEADER focus. These are the areas:

How am I leader at home?
HOw am I a leader at school?
How am I a leader in my community?
What do I do that makes me a leader? How is this important for now and for my future?

With this focus, a masterpiece of leadership will emerge. BE CREATIVE. Picture, letter, drawings, however and whatever is needed to show or explain how the student is a leader or how the student WILL BE a leader. A form will come home with more details and examples as well as a list that has the key words that our class came up with that represent leadership qualities.

We want to celebrate that not only is leadership something we strive for, it is something we can and will do and be.

The Leader in Me isn't just about 2nd grade, it's the continued life long lesson that will help us to make those right decisions; even when no one is looking. I hope that you enjoy our journey....