Habit 1 Be Proactive

You're in Charge
I am a responsible person. I take initiative.
I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods.
I do not blame others for my wrong actions.
I do the right thing without being asked,
even when no one is looking.

What does Habit 1 look like in the preschool classroom?

1. I can put my things in my cubby by myself or ask for help if I need it.
2. I can keep my bubble and tail when I walk down the hallway.
3. I can keep my hands and feet to myself.
4. I worry about myself, and do not tattle to the teacher about what others around
me are doing.
5. I try my best to be a good listener and to follow directions.






Habit 2 Begin with the End in Mind
Have a Plan
I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that
have meaning and make a difference. I am
an important part of my classroom and
contribute to my schools mission and vision.
I look for ways to be a good citizen.
What does Habit 2 look like in the preschool classroom?

1. I try my hardest and do my best work.
2. I clean up my area before I move to another center.
3. I listen to my teacher so I will know how to do my work.
4. I do not stop trying even when a task is difficult for me. I do not give up!







Habit 3 Put First Things First
Work First, Then Play
I spend my time on things that are most
important. This means I say no to things I
know I should not do. I set priorities, make
a schedule, and follow my plan. I am
disciplined and organized.



What does Habit 3 look like in the preschool classroom?

1. I follow the rules in my classroom.
2. I listen to directions that my teacher gives me so I will know what to do next.
3. I sit on my spot on the carpet and follow the carpet rules.
4. I keep my place in line.
5. No matter what my friends are doing, I make good choices.


Habit 4 Think Win-Win
Everyone Can Win
I balance courage for getting what I want
with consideration for what others want. I
make deposits in others Emotional Bank
Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for
third alternatives.
What does Habit 4 look like in the preschool classroom?

1. I share with my friends.
2. If I have a problem, I go to my teachers.
3. I do not fight or fuss with my friends and classmates; I look for ways to get along.
4. I am nice and kind to my friends and classmates.
5. I work together as a team with my friends to get things done.







Habit 5 Seek First to Understand,
Then to Be Understood
Listen Before You Talk
I listen to other peoples ideas and feelings.
I try to see things from their viewpoints. I
listen to others without interrupting. I am
confident in voicing my ideas. I look people
in the eyes when talking.
What does Habit 5 look like in the preschool classroom?

1. I raise my hand when I have something to say during class time.
2. When my teachers are talking to other adults, I do not interrupt them.
3. When my friends are talking, I wait for my turn to talk and do not interrupt them.
4. When my teachers or friends are talking to me, I use my ears to listen well.
5. When others are talking to me, I look them in the eye to help me pay attention and
listen better.







Habit 6 Synergize
Together Is Better
I value other peoples strengths and learn
from them. I get along well with others,
even people who are different than me. I
work well in groups. I seek out other
peoples ideas to solve problems because I
know that by teaming with others we can
create better solutions than anyone of us
can alone. I am humble.
What does Habit 6 look like in the preschool classroom?

1. I work together with my friends to get things done.
2. I work as a team with my friends during clean up time to make sure everything is back in
its place.
3. I get along well with my friends during recess and center time so we can play together
and have more fun!
4. I play with EVERYONE in my class! I do not leave others out! I am a friend to everyone!




Habit 7 Sharpen The Saw
Balance Feels Best
I take care of my body by eating right,
exercising and getting sleep. I spend time
with family and friends. I learn in lots of
ways and lots of places, not just at school. I
find meaningful ways to help others.
What does Habit 7 look like in the preschool classroom?

1. I eat healthy foods at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack time.
2. I rest at naptime because I know it will make me feel better.
3. I run and play and get plenty of exercise.
4. I go to bed early at night so I wont be sleepy at school!
5. I am happy and healthy and always ready to learn!






Suggested reading that illustrates and encourages
Habit 1: Be proactive.
The Little Engine That Could
By Watty Piper
Although the Little Engine is not the biggest, the fastest or the newest, it just
keeps trying. When all the other trains refuse to help, the Little Engine is
proactive and a leader.
Other suggested titles:
Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
King Bidgoods in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood
The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle
The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss








Suggested reading that illustrates and encourages
Habit 2
The Very Busy Spider
By Eric Carle
Throughout the story, the determined spider spins her web. She has an end in
mind- to finish her web and catch a fly for dinner.
Other suggested titles:
Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats
Click, Clack, Cows that Moo by Doreen Cronin
Pancakes, Pancakes by Eric Carle
Galimoto by Karen Lynn Williams









Suggested reading that illustrates and encourages
Habit 3
The Little Red Hen
By Paul Galdone (or any version)
The Little Red Hen found wheat seeds and wanted help to plant them. No one would
help so the Little Red Hen planted, watered and weeded the plants by herself. The
Little Red Hen put first things first and enjoyed the results.
Other suggested titles:
Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Alejandros Gift by Richard E. Albert

Jamaicas Find by Juanita Havill








Suggested reading that illustrates and encourages
Habit 4
Rainbow Fish
By Marcus Pfister
The Rainbow Fish believes he is the most beautiful fish in the ocean so he wont
play with the other fish. Once he has no friends, he seeks out advice and is told to
give away some of his beautiful scales. While he initially refuses, he decides to be
a leader and think win-win. He gives away just one scale but when he realizes how
good it makes everyone (including himself) feel, he shares even more scales and has
never been happier.
Other suggested titles:
Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse by Leo Lionni
The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins
The Very Clumsy Click Beetle by Eric Carle
Lets Be Enemies by Janice May Udry







Suggested reading that illustrates and encourages
Habit 5
The Runaway Bunny
By Margaret Wise Brown
The Runaway Bunny follows the thoughts of the little bunny who thinks he would
like to run away. By Seeking First to Understand, Mother Rabbit truly listens to
her little bunny. She then Seeks to Be Understood by offering assurance that she
will always come and find him.
Other suggested titles:
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino








Suggested reading that illustrates and encourages
Habit 6
Swimmy
By Leo Lionni
Swimmy is a little fish swimming alone in the ocean. He finds a school of fish like
him and encourages them to come with him to see the other amazing ocean animals-
but they are too scared. Swimmy uses synergy and leadership to come up with a
plan.
Other suggested titles:
Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

Cliffords Spring Clean-Up by Norman Bridwell









Suggested reading that illustrates and encourages
Habit 7
The Snowy Day
By Ezra Jack Keats
Peter finds all kinds of imaginative things to do in the snow and even puts some
snow in his pocket for later. Peter shows us how playing in the snow, being
imaginative and taking a warm bath afterwards are all part of being a leader and
sharpening our saw
Other suggested titles:
t Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Dont Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! by Mo Willems
Henry Hikes to Fitchburg by D. B. Johnson
Me I Am! by Jack Prelutsky