Habit 3 Put First Things First

Habit 3 is part of the "roots" Students need to understand that being proactive (positive attitude), having goals, and prioritizing things in our life are essential to growth.

The BIG Rocks activity is a great visual for students to see that when we put our Big Rocks first there is more room for little rocks (wants).  This helps them to prioritize and plan so that they are more responsible leaders.

You can use the Big Rocks video on Leader in Me, model in your classroom or have kids try it out as a cooperative learning activity. Where students are given 5 large rocks to label (come to a consensus) and a cup full of small pebbles. The students must figure out the best way to fit all the rocks in the container. After finding the solution have the students relate it to our lives. The BIG Rocks are are most important tasks to put first, the small rocks are all of the other things. 

Rock Climbing- Have students research what rock climbers must know, have and do to be successful. What if they put other things first before safety, equipment, practice, etc. Have students make a large rock climbing rock with A BIG ROCK STATEMENT and create a rock wall in your classroom. Go out to the playground and have a personal victory celebration.
As kids climb and slide down the rock wall they shout out a BIG rock in their life they will put first.