S Is For Self-Discipline

We have almost reached the finish line!

Have you been reading along?

I'm so grateful to all of my blogging buddies

for their thoughtful reflections and fun activity ideas.

Today we head north to Canada to learn with Jennifer

of Runde's Room.

This is the chapter that had the most revisions.

I guess that makes sense,

because my stamina was waning, but it's also

because I kept losing focus of my audience.

I found myself switching back to being a mom

instead of writing as an educator.

Because, in reality, I'm both.

So caregivers ... this chapter is for us.

Whether you're empowering and arming your superheroes with self-discipline at school or at home,

you're giving them a gift that'll keep on giving.

Think change: From Let It Go to Let It Grow.

Do you know the story of the Butterfly's Struggle?

Such a perfect illustration of why self-discipline is life-changing.

It's oh, so hard, to let them struggle.

Need real-life examples of self-control application?
Watch these kid take the Marshmallow Test {here}.
Then enjoy words of wisdom from Scary Mommy {here}.

But the lessons in self-control, self-discipline, and self-regulation

will ultimately help them soar to new heights. 

Isn't that what we want for our superbutterflies?

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O Is For Obedience

Today we're talking about obedience 

with Katie at Teacher to the Core.

A first-grade teacher out in CA, Katie candidly discusses citizenship in her post about obedience and ... drum roll please ... has a freebie download for us. Thank you, Katie, for your exquisite take on helping nurture an obedient heart in our superheroes.

Before we talk rules here, let's talk bulletin boards. 

Click picture to download lettering from google docs.

If you've been a reader for a while, then you know that I take care of about ten boards at my school, so yesterday I went up there to get my first one put together. I was feeling really good about it, until Mrs. Huckabee came by and asked why I was decorating the new teacher's bulletin board. Sometimes we need to be flexible, don't we. Maybe Fred can just take this one down and swap boards? Yeah, probably not. Fingers crossed the superheroes just happens to be her theme, too. If not, I've already had two Westwood moms offer to help me move this design to another one of my boards. Our Principal said if I do move it, to make sure that it's in a high-visibility area. Isn't that all so super sweet?

Anyway, on to obedience. Superheroes obey the rules. In fact, they fight for justice against those who don't, which is why I felt like it was important to talk about obedience in the book.

At different times and for different reasons, we may want to skirt or stretch the rules. Ever find yourself in the fast check-out at the grocery store with more than twelve items? Ever know anyone who drives with a radar detector in his/her car? Have you ever been tempted to order off the kids' menu for a child who was older than the specified age limit?

Rules are in place to keep us safe, so it's important that we follow them. Ask your superheroes if it's ever okay to question those rules; it'll make for a riveting discussion. There are, in fact, rules that it's appropriate to challenge. 

This would be a good time to pose the question: What rule might you consider a peaceful protest against? It might even be engaging to let students stage a protest. {Just a thought ...}

Use a bubble map to compare and contrast these two books:

What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick

and If Everybody Did by JoAnn Stoval.

How do you teach obedience in your classroom?

And is there room for flexibility, discussion, negotiation? 

And if you'd like to be transparent with your students, answer this with them: What rules do you personally find most difficult to abide by and/or obey? I was the one tempted to order those kids' meals a little longer than we qualified for them ... well, sure, it's says up to age ten, but she only turned eleven eleven days months ago ... O is for obedience.

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R Is For Responsibility

Happy Tuesday evening. I hope that things are going well in your corner of the world. My week started Sunday at Camp Lone Star with my family for their annual BBQ fundraiser. It's always so good to all be together, especially in a place whose theme this year is True Peace.

I spent the night in San Antonio and had the pleasure of speaking to a group of music teachers Monday morning. Here's the winner of our character cape.

I spent some relaxing time at my friend Mary's place Monday night, then today on my way home, I met two beautiful teacher bloggers {Cheryl from Crayons and Curls and Lynda from Curls and a Smile} and enjoyed a fantastic luncheon. Life is good.

I came home to a wonderful Chapter 8 post over at 

Hippo Hooray For Second Grade {here}.

Thank you, Angela, for your thoughtful review.

Ah, responsibility, the ability to respond.

This is a great graphic to illustrate that all-important virtue.

These critters live at Mary's little house on the prairie. And her response? She's found a way for them to co-exist. In fact, she doesn't just leave them alone, she feeds them. She's been doing it for five years. It was funny last night, actually, because when Mary didn't get dinner to the mama raccoon in what it thought was a timely manner, that cute coon actually came knocking at the front door. I couldn't believe it. She also feeds the bees, the birds, and the deer. Mary takes responsibility for nature, naturally. It was so much fun to experience.

Anyway, responsibility is about choices and chores. 

Check out this comprehensive chore Pinterest page {here}.

We've designed this CHORE Bingo Board for your chore champs.

Brainstorm a list of at least 30 age-appropriate chores that students could handle. Write them on the white board and ask students to copy their favorite 24 randomly on the Bingo card. While they're writing out their cards, you'll have to write them on a piece of paper and cut it into strips, one chore per slip. Then you'll be ready to play. The first player to get five in a row {or four corners and the middle} is the winner, but in all reality, it's the kids who have chores who are the winners, because they learn early on to take responsibility. 

Oh, and don't forget to talk about stakeholders with your students. A stakeholder is anyone who has a stake in your decisions, anyone who cares about your choices. It's an important concept, and it's never too early to get them thinking about whom their choices are going to affect, either positively or negatively.

After a riveting game of BINGO and a discussion about stakeholders, seal the deal with the song RES-PON-SIBLE.

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E Is For Enthusiasm

Today finds us on Chapter 7, excited about enthusiasm with Lorraine from Fabulous 4th Grade Froggies. She's already written about the book once 
(a sort of teaser when we first started) here. Lorraine is one of the most enthusiastic teachers I've never met ... but all that's going to change on Monday, because she's offered to come with me to my workshop to help manage book sales. 
That, and it's an excuse for us to finally meet.

Click the banner or {here} to be ignited by her reflections. 
Super Froggy Lorraine writes with such great passion and voice that you're sure to feel a spark that could easily set the world on fire.

I'm going to be honest, this was a difficult chapter to write, because I wasn't even sure I could convince anyone that you really could teach enthusiasm. But I'm pretty sure we're not born with enthusiasm, necessarily, so I gave it a shot. Look what I spotted recently at Really Good Stuff. Thanks, Brandi. 

So where do your passions lie? 

What are you enthusiastic about? 

And how do those connect to make things happen?

In research for this post, I came across some interesting info from Consultant Barbara Glanz about Contagious Enthusiasm. Words that she equates with enthusiasm are spirit, pride, passion, morale, and attitude. 
{I'd have loved to be in the workshop where she gave out that handout!}

LOVE this from a Tweet Chat this morning: 

This Simple Truths clip that showcases Vince Lombardi uses the word spirit as well, but also throws in two other E words: excellence and effort.

Funny thing is, when we're passionate and enthusiastic,

everybody wins.

Days go by faster and jobs don't feel like work.

Now think about one of the most passionate people you know.

I'm going with Ron Clark.

He exudes enthusiasm from every pore. To the core.

I got to meet him once, back in 2008, and I can still feel it.

He lives his life large, with passion. I admire that.

And, in turn, I want strive to be like that.

Just for fun, I sent him a copy of the book ... and a challenge.

I know he's busy, but anything's possible ...

Dave Burgess' book Teach Like A Pirate is another treasure that challenges teachers to be passionate about what they do. Every day. In it, he wonders aloud whether teachers have lessons that they could sell tickets for. Hmmmmmm. So I sent him a copy of the book, too. Our JH teaching staff read the book over the summer and will set sail with a book study this upcoming year. I can wait to see what its ideals will ignite in them and how it will ultimately transform them. 

E is for enthusiasm. What are you enthusiastic about today?

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H Is For Honesty

And H is for HEROES!

Superheroes. Everyday heroes.

Kid President's message to be extraordinary resonates with me
and answers my question: What's Under Your Cape? 
Thank you, Jo, for posting it to our FB page.

Visit Soul Pancake for this and more Kid President clips.

Today I'm delighted because one of those extraordinary people, 

Kim from Joy in Sixth, 

is reviewing Chapter 6 in our book study. 

Kim is a 30-year veteran teacher who has become one of my closest colleagues despite the fact that distance separates us geographically. Go to her JOYful blog to see how she'll use the information in Chapter 6 to help her sixth-grade superheroes soar. Honestly! Tell her I said hello when you leave your kind comments. 

One of my favorite posters about honesty tells it like it is:

Want to be trusted? Tell the truth. 

Like these, it's a virtue that must be a non-negotiable.

Click {here} for source.

My two favorite object lessons for this concept have to be 

The Wall of Trust and 'Water' You Covering Up?

My two favorite picture books that reinforce 

the importance of being honest are 

Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny, Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin

and The Empty Pot by Demi. Kim discusses them both in her post. 

This chapter is so important because it's the basis for friendships. If we are going to form trusting relationships, then honesty truly has to be more than just a policy. It has to be a way of life. Honest people don't cheat, lie, gossip or steal. They are loyal and keep their promises. They tell the truth, even when it might cost more than they'd like to pay. They own up to what they've done, and they work to make it right. Simply put, honest people make trustworthy friends. We can count on them because dependable and reliable. And that's what makes them super.

Here's an activity I posted a few years back at my school site:

I've listed quite of few friends-that-fit titles in Chapter 6;

what are some of your friendship faves? 

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R Is For Respect

Today I'm excited because I got to don my character cape yesterday. 

It happened when I asked the winner of the book at 

Transitional Kindergarten With Mrs. O's blog 

if I should personalize her copy or sign it generically to make it a 

pay-it-forward copy. She chose the latter and asked that it be signed To Teachers Everywhere so that when she's done reading, she can pass it along to move the message forward. And, since she happens to live in WI, the ripple will be starting in my home state ... can you see why I'm soaring?

Today the focus of our book study is something that made Aretha Franklin famous: R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

And our super leaders are Tiffani at Time 4 Kindergarten 

Amy from Learning Lessons With Mrs. Labrasciano. 

Just look at Amy's little caped crusader ... my heart swells!

Thank you, Tiffani and Amy.

Need a few ideas to help enrich the concept of respect?

Ask students to write a jingle based on Aretha's song. Challenge students to think about something they've noticed that could use more respect. Brainstorm these concerns and make a list. Then have students write a little ditty. 

Here's an example. You notice that your neighbors are leaving their empty garbage cans on the curb instead of bringing them in after the trash has been picked up. Illustrate a poster for your campaign and pair it with a jingle that goes something like this:

R-E-S-P-E-C-T; keep your street curb garbage-can free.

Stray cats or dogs in your neighborhood? Sound off for respect by posting a billboard-style sign that says:

R-E-S-P-E-C-T; please put animals on a leash.

Use this activity to reinforce poems and rhyming. Hang the campaign posters around the school ... or better yet, in the businesses of your community partners ... to remind your stakeholders to always show respect, not only to self and others, but also to property. .

My favorite book to teach respect?  Hey, Little Ant

My favorite respect for difference movie clip? 

This AdOrAbLe song from Stellaluna:

Sesame Street has a respect clip {here}.

Finally, we always chant or sing to seal the deal:

We are almost halfway through our SUPERHEROES acrostic.

Come back Thursday to read what Kim from Joy in 6th 

has to say about honesty.

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E Is For Empathy

Today we get to elicit empathy over at EduKate And Inspire. 

Kate brings to the the book study experience and training as a teacher and a counselor and she's sharing not only her reflections, but also some book suggestions, a few film clips and several other activities to enrich the empathy experience. {She's also got a signed copy up for grabs!}

Thank you, Kate, for helping bring Chapter 4 to life.

I started really focusing on elevating empathy four years ago after I heard CEP Board Member, Author and Parenting Expert Dr. Michele Borba address it in her keynote at the Character Conference in Wisconsin. It really clicked with me, that we needed to nurture, stretch, and grow this glorious virtue. Now it's a word that every child in our school knows and a skill that they, as peacemakers, are working on every day. We even have a silent signal to make concrete the intangible concept of switching places with someone. Click {here} for a video clip of first-grade Charlotte modeling the empathy switch. Just like with expressing empathy, it can be extremely challenging for that pinky and that thumb to fluidly switch places, to walk in someone else's shoes, but with practice, they can do it.

Enjoy Sue Lively's beautiful piece with ten ideas for teaching empathy {here}. 
Watch Dr. Brene Brown's The Power Of Empathy {here}. 
Read an interview with David Levine {here}.
Then find more empathy activity ideas on my 
Elevating Empathy Pinterest page {here}. 

And look at what our PE Coach posted after she read the Empathy Chapter and engaged her first-grade son:

For more empathy goodness, click {here}. 

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P Is For Perseverance

Do you know the word stick-to-it-tiveness?

As I was growing up, I was sure that my Aunt Norma made it up.

But look what I found at the Miriam-Webster site:

The citation goes on to refer to it as "dogged perseverance."

I like that. To keep on keeping on, even when it's

hard.

Unpleasant.

Rocky.

Difficult.

Challenging.

Grueling even.

 Chapter 3 is about sticking with something.

Finishing the race.

Giving it all you've got.

Leaving it all on the field.

Achieving personal best.

In it, I share an essay Kaitlyn wrote as a young teenager.

Here's a news clip of the interview she gave when an excerpt from those reflections won a lawn mower and $5K for her school in the Briggs & Straton Diamonds In The Rough contest.

Attitude is everything.

So my brother Mark put it on a billboard.

Just yesterday, I got this perfect piggyback to that sentiment.

{Thank you, Lynne!}

In this tail-wagging series, author Lynne Watts draws on her experience as an elementary school counselor to empower students as they read about what Wyatt learns while he explores and grows. This particular title finds Wyatt filled with thoughts of doubt and uncertainty. He wants to try new stuff like skim boarding, but he's not sure he can do it. Isn't it safer to just not try? The example that Wyatt's Grandparents set helps him become a can-doer and ultimately develop a new skill. 

Talk about your dogged perseverance! 

Discussion questions at the end will help tease out comprehension; the audio version is available {here}. Check out this book to wander - and wonder - with Wyatt!

Then click {here} to see this inspirational story. A disabled vet, Arthur was told he wouldn't ever walk unassisted again, but he found someone who didn't believe that, who wanted more for Arthur. It connects toWyatt's Grandma in the book through yoga, a medium they both used to find the balance they need to persevere, get things done, and finish the race.

What a fun task to be called to, 

empowering our superheroes with 

'can-do' thoughts 

that will result in 

'did do' accomplishments.

Oh, and treat yourself to visits with Lisa at Growing Firsties for her thoughts about Chapter 3 and a few freebies.

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U Is For Unconditional Love

Today we get to unleash the ultimate lesson: 

U is for unconditional love!

Chapter two is all about Unconditional Love, and Amy over at

The Resourceful Room 

is spot-on in her reflections and review. You will not want to miss her poignant post and freebie download. I am feeling so grateful to know teachers like Amy who are always searching for ways to empower their superheroes by nurturing their hearts while they stretch and grow their academic potential. 

Share this book with your little lovebugs as you help them

unleash their inner superhero.

Need more resources?

Click the graphic for a quick Q&A and to learn more

about this SUPER documentary.

Check out this article about Unconditional Love. 

Enjoy these quotes about the Power of Love. 

Sing along with the song Loves Makes The World Go Round.

Read Teaching Kids To Choose Love at All Done Monkey.

Here's to giving the hero in you a love-filled day.

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S Is For Service

It's heeeeeeeeere. The big day. Time to dig into the book with my beautiful blogging buddies. I woke up early to find this online; click it to read Lorraine's teaser. You're sure to be tickled and touched by her words about what she wants for the 
superheroes in her life.

Then Sheila shared this, the perfect complement.

Acts of kindness don't have to be huge to provide a service

to someone in need.

Jennifer from the Good Long Road posted this opp yesterday so we can help our immigrant children during these difficult days:

How will you color the world today by serving?

That's a guiding question in Chapter One.

Lynda at Curls and a Smile and 

Melissa at Transitional Kinder with Mrs. O 

are sharing their ideas and guess what?

Our friend Jana has helped them set it up as a Linky Party, which means if you've blogged about the book, you can join in our cyberspace collaboration. 

Just this morning, Dr. Susan Fuller posted a rave review at Entirely Elementary School Counseling {here}. Turns out, she was also a 4-H member, but her furry friends weren't Holsteins like mine ... they were Seeing Eye Puppies. Isn't that a cool connection!

What? What?? You're not a blogger? No worries.

Once you've hopped from pillar to post, come back here or visit the book's Facebook page to reflect and share.

That being said, as we blossom into more ... 

we must keep in mind that we become kind by being kind.

Then we can live what Gandhi suggested long ago, and 

Find ourselves in the service of others.

Happy serving!

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