Teaching Leadership

In January, we celebrated Leadership!  No one inspired and led like Martin Luther King, Jr.
Guidance Lesson:
We talked about his leadership style and what made him a great leader:

• He fought for justice, something that mattered, and what what right.  This is called integrity.
• He fought with peace.  He could've chosen hatred and violence.  This is called self-control.
• He was a great speaker and spoke in front of large groups of people.  This is called courage.
• He cared deeply about his purpose.  This is called passion.

Then we discussed great teachers and coaches and people who have inspired us.  What qualities did they have?

• A positive attitude
• Inspired us to work through challenges
• Were forgiving
• Had a sense of humor
• Were passionate about what they were doing, but also passionate about us.

Then I talked about how we cannot always be leaders.  Sometimes we have to be good followers.  We played the game of knots (circle up and grab a hand and try to untangle.)  When everyone tries to lead at once, it is a disaster.  How can you be a good follower?

• Make sure your leader is headed in the right direction.  Bullies are leaders...they just aren't headed in the right direction.
• Keep a good attitude and do your task the best you can.

Then I showed this video and we talked about what makes Kid President such an inspirational leader:

Announcements:

January – LEADERSHIP Announcements!

Tuesday 1/12

This month, we will be learning about LEADERSHIP.  Think about the leaders in your classroom.  What qualities make a good leader?  What qualities make a bad leader?  Try to show good leadership qualities and see what happens! 

Wednesday 1/13

As we think about leadership this month, consider the difference between a Boss and a Leader.  Great leaders inspire others to do their best.  Boss’s are bossy and tell everyone what to do.  Try to inspire others to do their best and you will be a great leader.

Thursday 1/14

John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”  Consider following his example and being a positive leader in your classroom! 

Friday 1/15

We will not have school on Monday due to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a minister and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using non-violent peace marches and rallies.

On October 14, 1964, King received the Nobel Peace Prize for fighting racial inequality through nonviolence.  In 1968, King was killed on April 4 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a holiday in 1986. Hundreds of streets in the U.S. have been renamed in his honor, and a county in Washington State was also renamed for him. 

Someone once asked King how he would like to be remembered.  He stated, “I'd like somebody to mention that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others. I'd like for somebody to say that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody.

Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major. Say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. I won't have any money to leave behind. I won't have the fine and luxurious things of life to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. was an amazing leader; Consider ways you can use your life to inspire others, too!

Tuesday 1/19  - Wednesday 1/20 – Thursday 1/21

Mrs. Morris will be visiting Music classes today!  We will be discussing LEADERSHIP!  Think about qualities in yourself and others that make a good leader.

Monday 1/25

William Warren "Bill" Bradley is an American Hall of Fame basketball player and former three-term Democratic U.S. Senator from New Jersey. He once said, “Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better.”  What do you think?  Do coaches and politicians always show good leadership qualities?  How could they do better?

Tuesday 1/26

This month, we have learned more about leadership.  There are times in your life that you will be called on to lead, but there are also times when you must be a good follower.  Make sure you pick the right kind of leader to follow, or you could end up in trouble!  It’s up to you to find positive leaders and role models.

Wednesday 1/27

Being a good leader means helping without being asked.  Look for ways you can help others, and don’t wait until someone asks you to help! 

Thursday 1/28

Great leaders never give up!  This is called Perseverance.  Leaders say, “It’s not a problem, it’s a challenge.”  This is called overcoming adversity.  Leaders say, Yes, I can!”  This is called the power of a positive attitude.  Leaders say, “I may fail or make mistakes, but I always learn and move ahead.”  This is called commitment.  A leader says “I will always do my best!”  This is called Excellence. Challenge yourself to do your very best everyday and you will be a good leader!

Closing Remarks

Gosh this month got me thinking about the presidential candidates and how we need an inspirational leader who is positive, courageous, and passionate.  Let's all step up and be inspirational leaders when life calls on us to lead!