Dear Families,

DOES PRACTICE MAKE PERFECT? /// Actually, perfection is not the goal…practice makes permanent. This unit challenges us to engage in the continual practice of healthy choices which turn into permanent habits. Students will learn about building healthy habits that lead to strong friendships and communities. Healthy habits lead to positive self-management and responsible decision making, helping us grow into the best version of ourselves.

PRACTICE CAN BE CHALLENGING /// Students will learn that our habits become part of who we are. Anything that requires practice can be challenging. It takes effort and determination and constant commitment to adopt a new habit. We want healthy habits to become who we are because it is not only good for us, but also because it is good for the people around us.

CATCHPHRASE:  Practice Makes Permanent

Key Verses:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

GOAL: To learn that the practice of healthy habits becomes a part of who we are.

HELPING HABITS STICK /// Students will explore self-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making. Self-awareness involves looking inward to learn about and understand yourself; self-management is the ability to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors; and responsible decision-making is the ability to make caring and constructive choices about personal behaviors across diverse situations. This unit explores these three key components through the concepts of HABIT—Healthy Mindset, Allow for Mistakes, Believe You Can Do It, Implement Routines, Try, Try Again.

FRIENDZY IN ACTION /// For a habit to last, we need to practice it.

Our thoughts, actions, words, and habits all align and work together for our greatest good.

Here are some THOUGHT CHECKER TOOLS to help your family create habits that build yourself and others up.

  • I can do hard things.
  • I learn from my mistakes.
  • I have people in my life who care about me.
  • I have people I care about.
  • I will keep trying.

When kids learn friendship, they learn it for life!

Peace,

Marlena Lynn Templet, LMHC, NCC
School Counselor
templetm@smmknight.org