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Creating Cartoons to Promote Abstract Leaderships Skills and Explore This document describes a strategy for Leadership Qualities increasing student leadership and creativity skills through the creation of cartoons. Creating Latisha L. Smith, Courtney K. Clausen, Jolene K. cartoons engages students in divergent thinking Teske, Maryam Ghayoorrad, Phyllis Gray, and cognitive processes, such as perception, Mason A. Kuhn, Sukainah Al Subia, recall, and mental processing. When students Dana Atwood-Blaine, and Audrey C. Rule create cartoons focused on a particular topic, they are making connections to their already Department of Curriculum and Instruction developed schema by representing the idea or University of Northern Iowa concept in a unique way. The cartoons Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA presented in this report were created by an education professor, graduate students, pre- October 20, 2015 service teachers, and third grade students. Many of the cartoons focus on the seven leadership Additional Contributing Authors Whose skills articulated in Steven Covey’s “Leader in Cartoons are Featured (in alphabetical order by Me” program. These skills include be proactive; last name): Andrea Alert, Abigail Allen, Carol begin with the end in mind; put first things first; Anderson, Megan Anderson, Allison Arevalo, think win-win; seek first to understand, then to be Jennifer Bange, Michelle Barker, Jaine Benson, understood; and synergize. The seventh Natalie Berning, Kailyn Bettle, Suzanne leadership habit, which Covey calls sharpen the Blanchard, Carter Bridges, Samantha Bruess, saw, promotes self-care and health. Susan Bunch, Jesse Cox, Vanessa Engel, Jason Supplementary leadership concepts are Englert, Dixie Forcht, Joanna Freking-Smith, presented in additional cartoons with the Paige Hageman, Laura Hahlen, Naethan following themes: active development of Hoaglund, Kirstin Jacobson, Nicole Jurgersen, leadership skills, leaders are creative problem Jason Knittel, Allissa Knudsen, Katie Krill, solvers, schools need to promote creativity and Jennifer Kuskovski, Amy Langr, Jeff Mangold, problem-solving, leaders should make good Mara Meguire, Katelyn Melcher, Kristin Melcher, decisions, service learning promotes leadership, Kimberly Morische, Adam Naughton, Cheri parents and communities can help, leaders need O’Hagan, Ben Olsen, Kathy Oswald, Shelby to be able to express themselves well, the vision Patterson, Sarah Peters, Ashley Robinson, Trela of a leader, leaders care about others, Rottinghaus, Jessica Scadden, Matt Schmidt, persistence in the face of challenges, and Lynette Schriever, Hannah Schueller, Laura confidence is a leadership trait. The Appendix Scott, Kimberly Sittig, Daniel Spooner, Emma contains 213 full-color leadership-themed Stevenson, Mary Sult, Susie Thurmond, Morgana cartoons, many of which employ humor, Tjaden, Pamela Walsh, Angie Webb, Matt Willett, wordplay, and other creative strategies. Jenifer Yates, and Laura Zelnio. Introduction Acknowledgement Cartoon viewing and creation are The authors thank the Center for Educational motivating ways to explore a topic (Chin & Teou, Transformation at the University of Northern Iowa 2009). This document provides a rationale for in Cedar Falls, Iowa for support. using cartoons in teaching leadership concepts and many examples of leadership-themed 2 cartoons made by graduate students, preservice cognitive load to use the limited resources of teachers, and third grade students. The cartoon working memory most effectively, rehearse new examples are included in the Appendix with information in working memory so that it is explanations of the categories into which they are integrated into existing schemas in long-term grouped. memory, retrieve new knowledge when needed The third grade students who created after the learning, and manage and monitor the many of the cartoons were enrolled in a public metacognitive learning processes. school using the popular leadership program According to the cognitive learning called “The leader in me” (Covey, 2014). The approach, learning occurs when individuals book, Seven habits of highly effective teens experience cognitive processes such as (Covey, 1998) introduced seven habits that assist perception, recall, and mental processing (Egan, people in building leadership skills to take control 2005). The use of cartoons in the classroom can of their lives, improve their relationships with be an effective tool for teachers to reach these friends, work more efficiently, make better cognitive goals with their students. Cartoons decisions, and define their values. These habits contain abstract visual symbols, thereby focus on one’s interpersonal skills and then build attracting and maintaining interest in the topic as intrapersonal habits, culminating with the seventh the student seeks to figure out what they habit of sharpening the saw. In this seventh represent (Kabapinar, 2005). Cartoons also habit, students learn about critical thinking, group allow students to make connections to their work, and how to use all their leadership skills to already developed schema by representing the be an effective group member and leader idea or concept in a unique way. Cartoons raise (Covey, 1998). motivation levels of students and add variety to Student-centered classrooms are the teaching process (Chin & Teou, 2009). necessary for optimal learning of these Cartoons have been used for educational leadership skills. As students take responsibility purposes for many years. For example, for their learning, they are mastering divergent beginning in 1992, concept cartoons have been reasoning, problem solving, and critical thinking used as a tool to determine student (Hannafin & Land, 1997). In a student-centered misconceptions in science education (Chin & class in which the leadership shifts from teacher Teou, 2009). This approach was taken in a to student, it is important for the students to have response to a lack of creative strategies available some leadership skills. This document to determine learners' understanding of scientific showcases cartoon creation activities focused on concepts. If students are to become creative and teaching leadership. innovative, then teaching, learning, and assessment strategies must be equally creative Cartoons as a Viable Alternative to Traditional and thoughtful. Methods of Teaching Cornett (2011) stated that to understand and enhance creativity, one should value the Cognitive models of instruction view creative work of others, encouraging and learning as a process that requires learners to displaying students' creative work and role actively construct new knowledge. The role of modelling. Egan (2005) concurred, stating that instruction is to provide an environment that modelling, stimulating, and rewarding creativity is helps the learner leverage the cognitive essential in teaching. Creating cartoons processes and minimize their disruption. achieves two goals: it stimulates creativity and Beaunieux et al. (2006) claim that instruction allows students to notice the subject they are aimed at guiding the cognitive process should studying in a medium that they value in their help the learner focus attention to elements of everyday lives. the environment relevant to learning, minimize 3

Importance of Creativity students to choose and arrange to make cartoons. Students can trim the images and glue To reach full potential, youth need to them to the colored paper. These can then be develop many different academic, cognitive, duplicated electronically using clipart or scanned social, emotional, and physical skills and to produce an electronic image. For optimal use knowledge bases. Creativity is among these of puns and word play in the cartoons, provide critical skills because of the economic, images that represent homophones (words that environmental, and social challenges that sound the same, but are spelled differently) and communities face globally. Business and political images representing multiple meanings of the leaders are currently calling for schools to words. integrate creative thinking, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and self- Leader in Me management into their curricula (Pellegrino, & Hilton, 2013). Creativity expands our perceptions Because leadership is an important topic and leads us to generate new possibilities, for schools nationally and internationally, many alternatives, and better ways of problem solving schools have adopted the strategies found in (Proctor, 1991). Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits Program. This program encompasses seven different habits to Cartoon Creation develop leadership skills (Covey, 2005). The habits are consecutive and build as they Cartoons can be made digitally or progress. They start with a simple habit of manually; suggestions for both are provided choice, 1. Be proactive. They continue with 2. here. Begin by creating background scenes for Begin with the end in mind; 3. Put first things first; the cartoons by drawing a colored rectangle for 4. Think win-win; 5. Seek first to understand, then the cartoon backdrop and placing themed clipart to be understood; and 6. Synergize. The images in this space with empty speech or culminating habit is 7. Sharpen the saw, thought bubbles. To generate ideas for different promoting self-care and health (Covey, 2005). cartoon backgrounds, think of various common Results of implementation of this settings and situations such as inside a doctor’s program vary from school to school, but most office, in the classroom, at a swimming pool, reports are positive. Currently, no published during grocery shopping, inside a car, at a pond studies of the efficacy of this program exist. An or beach, inside a forest, and so forth. We used unofficial qualitative case study at two diverse PowerPoint software in the portrait orientation, elementary schools was conducted by a drawing four cartoon rectangles per slide (page). graduate student in the Center for Research and Students can electronically manipulate the given Reform in Education at John Hopkins University. cartoon backgrounds in PowerPoint and fill in According to the results of this study, the speech or thought bubbles or add/delete images educators and students felt that the program was to complete the cartoons. Student idea very effective in their schools (Ross & production is assisted by generating in advance a Laurenzano, 2012), citing the benefits of list of concepts related to leadership that the increasing students’ self-motivation, organization, cartoons should be designed to portray. and personal accountability in finishing If the setting or resources for using assignments. Cartoons related to ideas that technology to create the cartoons is lacking, support the Leader in Me concepts are shown cartoons can be created manually. Provide first in the Appendix and followed by cartoons colored paper for backgrounds and print out color presenting other leadership ideas. clipart images and blank speech bubbles for 4

References assistance. Journal of Educational Psychology, [For main text and text within the Appendix] 96(4), 723. Fish, T. S. (2011). Teaching leadership to all. Independent School, 71(1), 80-85. Bagshaw, M. (1998). Conflict management and mediation: Fletcher, T. S. (2011). Creative thinking in schools: Finding Key leadership skills for the millennium. Industrial the “just right” challenge for students. Gifted and Commercial Training, 30(6), 206-208. Child Today, 34(2), 37-42. Retrieved from Gergen, C., Rego, L. & Wright, J. (2014). Developing a http://search.proquest.com.proxy.lib.uni.edu/docv billion leaders. Phi Delta Kappan, 96(1), 53-58. iew/214112793?accountid=14691 Gregoire, C. (2015). 7 Habits of natural leaders. Become a Beaunieux, H., Hubert, V., Witkowski, T., Pitel, A., Rossi, fan. Retrieved from S., Danion, J., ... Eustache, F. (2006). 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By a Third Grader The first skill involves being proactive, which is called “the habit of choice” (Covey, 2005, p. 20). This is the habit that helps people focus on how they choose to respond to situations. Will they take responsibility and carefully choose their response, or will they allow outside influences to control their response? Being proactive is choosing to Put me on take control. your chest?

I usually do what I’m supposed to do.

I put things away when Whoops. I hit the bat with a bat. I am done with them.

Hey, Mr. Smiley, By a Third Grader what do you do for a living? I am a fixer and Oh, no! Are you okay? So sometimes I use a What can I do? am I! washer. By a Third Grader Except , I wash dishes.

Then I Aahhhh! have to put them When I see something that is wrong, away. I try to change it. 6 I apologize when I hurt someone’s It’s important for people feelings. to follow the rules.

I’m sorry for what I said about you Let’s win eating eight sandwiches. this game Let’s with this It’s okay. win this I ate eight game pitcher sandwiches! with… !

What a

Picture!

Hey! Put him down or you’ll break

the pitcher! ThirdGrader a By By a Third Grader

It is important for people Oh, this wants a pitcher pitcher to follow the rules. of lemonade, but I had better pitch first. Pop, Ha, ha, ha!! can I have a soda Yes, but pop? this is the last one!

Okay, By a Third Grader Pop! I follow the rules Even if no one is watching. By a Third Grader 7 I have to stand up Pop! for what’s right! What HELP! happened By to you? Audrey Rule

Stop, tank! Hey Bridget! Get back in Let’s get you into an the tank! ice cube That’s By tray and Audrey fix it! dangerous! Rule I stand up for what I think is right, When I see something that is even if my friends disagree. wrong, I try to change it.

Whoops! I used my bow and hit the bow! Thanks for putting away I’d better fix it! your pins! Yes, I am By Audrey on Rule pins and needles when it’s

Bow - WoW! By Audrey Rule a mess! I put things away when I am If I break something, I try to fix it. done with them. By Audrey Rule 8 You look bare! Are The face on the you cold? I can loan clock says 1:25 you my cape. The clock has a face?!

Thanks, I don’t like being a bare bear!! By a Third Grader I try to help when I see others I stand up for what I think is right, even if in need. my friends disagree.

When I see something that is wrong, I try to change it. I am a pale pail !

Oh, No! It’s leaking water! The Don’t get upset… green isn’t green anymore! How can I help to

solve the problem?

By a ThirdGrader a By

Do not worry, we will bucket it up and paint the By a Third Grader green I know how to avoid a fight green! when I need to. 9 I don’t know if Be careful my hair will Well, I think I when you pin am a good look nice. looking hare. that pin on me.

Don’t worry, I’m

an expert pin! By Mason Kuhn By a Third Grader

Think before you start talking. Leaders need a variety of skills to be successful!

Our Costume Party was a success! I am late for We raised money for the poor! Now work. Should I go celebrate with the pitcher! in? I guess I should.

By Audrey Rule

Look at the face! You are late!

By a Third Grader I follow the rules When I see something that needs to be done, I try to get my friends to work on it with me. Even if no one is watching. 10 I am in a contest, but I am Let’s float! We should swim having fun! and exercise to be healthy! Ha, ha! I’m going to win instead of her! I just want to drink a float. I’ll do it anyway. Life is a bowl of cherries if you are always positive when By a Third Grader you bowl. By a Third Grader

I always stand up for what I think is right. I always stand up for what I think is right.

I must go get I try to help when I see others in need.

the chest. By By a Grader Third I found I’m thirsty! something No! Don’t That’s to drink. go! Please.

not PLEASE ! yours.

Can’t we play chess?

Two cans for I stand up for what I think is right, even if my friends disagree. By a Third Grader Toucans! By Audrey Rule 11 First, stop turning I’m batty Okay, Tim, you ‘bout you green and start go first cause all! thinking positive! you hit hard. You’re on the green ! Eric, you are next – you Just tap seldom miss. it into the Jane, you are hole! our secret weapon!

By Audrey Rule

Then we’ll celebrate!

I am good at planning what I like to make everyone in my needs to be done for a project. group feel important.

I wish I I think this Hey! chest had a big chest You I found is can’t yours. like yours! bowl By Audrey Rule here! HELP!

Thanks for being This will honest! be By Audrey Rule exciting! I always stand up for It is important for people to what I think is right. follow the rules. 12 By Audrey Rule Don’t kid These floats are yourself, you heavenly! can’t climb this big hill!, little kid!

I’ll try harder and Yeah, I By Audrey Rule do it next time! used the best root beer!!

If I do not do a good job, I try to do better the next time. I always try to do my best work.

By Audrey Rule By Audrey Rule Look at the ! I could face pretend You’re late! my head hurts and not head to school.

I’m sorry. I have to No, I will follow the face that rules. I feel I’m late. okay. I usually do what I’m I follow the rules even if supposed to do. no one is watching. 13 I know I’m a It’s against the rules to I do not want to knight but I don’t bowl here! fight tonight. want to fight I want to be kind. tonight! I DON’T CARE!

Ha, Ha! Try I dream that and stop knights are me, going to fight to night! Bowl!

By a Third Grader By a Third Grader It is important for people I try to be kind to other people to follow the rules.

By Audrey Rule Ah, a bee. I’ll squirt him Uh-oh, the washer with the vial so he Buzz… Buzz… is broken! doesn’t get vile. Buzz… Marquis, get me a wrench!

I’ll just stop while I have the time. Jean, get a round By a Third Grader washer! I know how to avoid a fight I am pretty good at organizing a team of when I need to. kids to do a project. 14 Attention! We By Megan Anderson rhinos are rare! I’ll just wait We have to do here until something someone tells about it! me what I should do…

Toot your horn By Audrey to tell others Rule that poaching rhinos is wrong! Let’s organize If I keep to spread working hard, I bet this the word! money tree will be even bigger!

Once I know what needs to be done, I Leadership skills such as goal-setting, problem am good at planning how to do it. solving, and decision making are not just necessary for leaders-they are skills needed for success.

By Megan Anderson When Life’s Journey Gets Choppy

By Dana Atwood-Blaine I haven’t had this much fun since I I’d rather was a small fry! be spawning.

We were able to get the foundation up in time, now I think we can get the next step done in 2 weeks! Have students periodically prepare and update a personal plan for leadership Take some time to play along the waves to development. enjoy life and avoid burnout. 15 Begin with the End in Mind By a Third Grader

Habit 2, Begin With the End in Mind, means I see you are that one creates an organized plan and then mad – you are follows the plan to completion. Covey (1998) not talking to me. describes this habit as creating a blue print, following a recipe, or creating an outline I am not mad, before writing a paper. Brumm and Drury the sea is too (2013) found a positive relationship between cold! Oh! “. . .followers’ perception of leaders’ long-term planning and whether or not they felt empowered toward positive follower behavior” (p. 17). Brumm and Drury (2013) state that: “Leaders should be good strategic planners Who are I who set the course for attaining the goals see you toward which they are leading followers” (p. it too! talking 17). By Beginning with the end in mind and to? creating a strong plan, leaders are able to influence their team in a positive manner. Think before you start talking.

By a Third Grader Ahhh! I have to hide. This The slimy head of male is lettuce is coming! not Is your funny! My head is mail pounding! funny?

By a Third Grader Once I know what needs to be done, Think before you start talking. I am good at planning how to do it. 16 Sis! Go tell Mom two cans Hey, kid, go to your area! made fun of me!

Brother Toucan should have stood up for himself! Okay! Best Friends Forever, go get ready for the ! By a Third Grader kids By a Third Grader I am pretty good at organizing a team of Think before you start talking. kids to do a project.

If I do not do a good job, I try to do better Setting goals allows students to the next time. practice creating objectives, plans By a Third Grader priorities and hopes.

No, I hate Would you like some green cabbage or ? greens things!

But you are

green! By Laura Zelnio

I want to say, Goal for my Monday: Don’t “Sorry,” but I am too mad. get caught. Don’t get caught. 17 If I do not do a good job, I try to do better I always try to do my best work. the next time.

The next time I try threading, I’ll Yes! A Strike! I bowled all the pins! work harder and longer. Yay! I got I will also an A+ ! attach a hose Strike one onto my for me! threading I am going bowling better. now! Pin a ribbon

on me !

By a ThirdGrader a By By a Third Grader

It is important for people to If I do not do a good job, I try to do follow the rules. better next time. Get your tank! You did not hit me.

I will try to do better next time with the bow.

I wish I were back in my tank. My bow is so beautiful!

By a Third Grader By a Third Grader 18 Have students establish goals to improve some By Andrea Alert area of the community.

I thought it Remember what your was a great objective is! idea to dress like a mummy today until I drank too much water. I will remember this for next time and construct a better mummy suit!

My objective is to Decision-making, problem-solving, and understand why humans planning are all good ways to encourage leave such a mess behind. leadership development.

Students should create and share Responding to the Future plans for leadership development. When I was your age, I always dreamed of Creating a becoming a leadership plan will detective. lead you to the treasure of success.

I want to grow up to be just By Samantha like you Bruess Help students get a future- By Abigail Allen focused perspective. 19 By Mara Meguire By Suzanne Blanchard We have to keep working until we get it to taste just right!

EFFECTIVE LEADER

We could be here late, but we will eventually make something extraordinary A leader is confident in her ability to finish the job correctly. Set Goals for being an effective leader.

I feel like I can take on a new role. I Future Leaders of America want to lead the way for others down the road! By Jessica To make a change, we Scadden must all work together. We can make a difference! He’s right! I agree!

It’s important to support those who need it! By Emma Stevenson Enroll students in a leadership Nurturing student’s individual talents academy where they learn and apply encourages participation and a willingness for leadership skills. students to set goals, take leadership, and be a positive role model for others. 20 Think about how someone else Can I be the will feel before you speak. leader? Please, Please, I’m beat! By I worked so hard Please, Please! Seriously? Audrey to make enough And people Rule money for us to call me a get by and I am so hotdog. tired! Mom! I want to go shopping tonight and buy a drum to By Daniel Spooner beat. Are you listening? All children need to develop leadership skills.

By Audrey Two can Rule have a lot We value of fun diversity together. here in the thread group.

By Audrey It’s good to Rule see a variety of I’m just thread one types! toucan Sorry, we should have noticed!

Think before you start talking. When I’m the leader, I make sure that everyone in the group feels important. 21 Put First Things First Valuing the “Gold” Covey (1998) describes Habit 3: Put first things first, as: “…learning to prioritize and manage your times so that your first things Gold is my come first, not last” (p. 106). Bevins and De life… Smet (2013) discuss several ways that one can manage time successfully to maximize productivity; these ideas included: 1) create a time budget with one’s activities and tasks, 2) By: Vanessa Engel think about how much time things take before adding new activities or tasks, 3) track and measure time to ensure that it is being used equitable among what needs to be done, 4) My life is refine one’s master calendar or schedule if golden. time and commitments become an issue, and 5) seek support from colleagues, friends, teachers, or family members if assistance is Leaders tend to prioritize things like family, needed in time management or scheduling happiness, and career first. Other students may activities. think of money as their priority.

It’s important for people to follow the rules. Don’t forget to put sun By a Third Grader screen on Look at that kid! your pale skin before playing We can’t with your pail on the touch it. beach!

No kidding,

kids! By Mason Kuhn 22 Think Win-Win How can I find The fourth habit is about working with others peace when I only to generate a compromise that benefits have this one blue everyone involved. Covey (1998) explains: “It piece? begins with the belief that we are all equal, that no one is inferior or superior to anyone else, and no one really needs to be” (p. 147). Bagshaw (1998) explains that although many believe conflict to be a negative thing, new ideas can grow from the differing opinions when people are willing to listen to one another. Through conflict mediation all voices Maybe if we can be heard and a solution can be found if work together, both parties are able to find common ground. we can use When a conflict arises and people have the our pieces mindset to Think win-win, problems are solved to make through compromise and empathy for one another’s points of view. peace. By Jolene Teske

When I have extra pops. I Here is a new like to share with Sammy and I can hardly bear toy bear for his pop; that way everyone to watch. But she deserves being so well- wins! it and I can do behaved. better.

By Courtney Clausen

By Mason Kuhn 23 When I’m the leader, I make sure By Carol Anderson everyone in the group feels important. I am captain By a Third Grader Hey! We’re going to on the debate win because we’re team, but a bats and Joe has a follower on the basketball bat. court.

I can lead the basketball team, but not the Yes! Everyone on debate this team is team! important to our battle! Different leaders are needed in different areas.

I’m going to the air tank station. It’s important for you to be quiet while ..B..b.b..but just show You are not I’m gone. me the importance of my working. I am role so I can find my own THE answers. leader. Do

exactly as I say.

She’s asleep in Z z z z z z z z z z z z her tank. I’ll do what I’m supposed to do. ThirdGrader a By

By Morgana Tjaden

When I’m the leader, I make sure that Sometimes both parties will have more to everyone in the group feels important. discover by recognizing the importance of each other's role. 24 I know how to avoid a fight when I need to. I’m sorry I By Audrey Rule called you I see you “tee tea.” are mad! Let’s figure out a solution.

By Audrey Rule Okay. I’m Please drowning call me in a sea tee-cup! of anger! I apologize when I hurt someone’s feelings.

If friends are fighting, I try to get them Tell me why you are so upset to talk to each other and stop fighting. with me. I turn pale when you are mad at me. By Audrey Rule It’s hard for me to talk when I am an upset pail.

By Audrey Rule If a friend is mad at me, I try to Piece Peace understand why. 25 Seek First to Understand, then If a friend is mad at me, I try to to be Understood understand why. By a Third Grader Hey, why are The fifth habit is often called the habit of mutual you on my understanding. This habit requires people to friend called listen and expend the effort to understand how ? the speaker is feeling before responding. Fir According to Covey (2005), “listening is reflecting what a person feels and says in your own words” (p. 110). It is very easy to simply revert to our own ways of thinking, but to truly understand someone, we must try to understand what he or she is thinking.

I’m sorry – my fur got cold. I will get up.

I summarize what another person said to Knight, why are make sure that I understood. you just standing there? All wolves must Okay, howl at the I’ll moon from under the fir. Howl! This makes my fur stand up!

I’m a knight who’s afraid of night.

By a Third Grader Think about how someone else will feel before you speak. By a Third Grader 26 By a Third Grader I’ll send Fantastic this for Penny! scent to Cent!

Perfume? What if I ate Brianna- it an eight stinks! I like pound coins! meatball?

My 8 Pound ball is really heavy. By a Third Grader I summarize what another person said to Think about how someone else will feel make sure that I understood. before you speak.

I summarize what another person said to make sure that I understood. Yay, Beets! Yay for trophy! Oops! I slipped! Oh, no! Thanks for I’ll never saying I beat I’m sorry, the hard guy! pale pail. be a pail pale again!

By a Third Grader

Make sure you know what a person is By a Third Grader saying before you answer. 27 Think before you start talking. I summarize what another person said to make sure that I understood.

Hey, Aunt Ant – I see the sea Thanks for taking me waves. here! Hey, Aunt Ant – Thanks for taking me here! You see the sea

waves?

I must be looking the wrong way! You’re welcome!

By a ThirdGrader a By By a Third Grader

After this, would you By a Third Grader I summarize what another person said to make sure that I understood. like tea? I’m sorry,

last time we had tea I put tees in yours. ThirdGrader a By

Hey, do you want my peace Yes, that peace I apologize when I hurt someone’s piece? piece will fit. feelings. 28 I summarize what another person Make sure you understand what a said to make sure that I understood. person is saying before you answer.

Put your mail in the box! I pre-fir that you don’t block the sun!

Put my male in a box? Is my fur a problem?

By Audrey By Audrey Rule Rule

By Audrey Rule This vial is Whoo dares to disturb my night vile!!! hunting by crashing around?

By Audrey Rule I’m sorry, I was just out for a dark knight walk!

I watch a person's body language to Try to understand what a help me understand. person is feeling as you listen. 29 Synergize My aunt can When people work together, blend ideas, and whistle better everyone’s voice is heard, one is experiencing than that ant! Habit 6: Synergize (Covey, 1998). “And the foundation of getting there is this: learn to celebrate differences (Covey, 1998, p. 183). Hello! Bagshaw (1998) describes how conflicting perspectives can merge as people blend their ideas when conflict is properly managed. In turn, this leads to Synergy. “Properly Would you like managed, it [conflict] can be a creative force to work on your for business and the individual. If we regard whistling with differences of opinion as valuable sources of my family? [cross-fertilization] they begin to enrich our experience” (p. 206). By a Third Grader

We can solve more problems when we work together.

By a Third Grader I like to make everyone in my group feel important You smell good!

I have nothing How to offer. much for the Can you pass me scent? some thread? I paid one cent for Do you this scent mean me?

Yes, I have One learns more by working threads! By a Third Grader with others than alone. 30 Leaders enjoy working with others We can solve more problems when in a group. we work together. By a Third Grader Boohoo! By Audrey Rule Hey! What is that thing? I made a whale fountain!

It's not fair! I don’t It looks like get to pet a whale some kind of deer cookie. – that’s why I wail!

It’s okay- You can’t pet a whale but our group will get You mean it’s a ice cream! dough doe?

Leaders enjoy working with others Everything goes smoother when in a group. people work together.

Hey, can you two By Mason hares help me Kuhn with my hair? This tank of gas Sure, Hare, isn’t enough to how do you fill the . want your tank hair? I need help from my team!

By a Third Grader 31 Beth, are you doing your best Come on work? It’s your responsibility team, I know to be accountable for your that we can do learning. this if we just pour our energy into it!

I can do better, too.

By Dixie By Laura Hahlen Forcht Gifted children can boost motivation and Gifted students can demonstrate empathy and confidence in others by their power of responsibility with adult support and encouragement. persuasion and encouraging attitude.

By Jenifer When I see something that needs to be done, I Yates try to get my friends to work on it with me. I love being part of a team. It has given me self- Okay. I will call my confidence and friends. Hey, do you encouraged me to want to come help me communicate with others. fix my washer? Great job teammate!

Yeah, we will come help you with tools and a washer.

Help! I need help washing Extracurricular activities encourage dishes. communication, teamwork and leadership By a Third Grader skills. 32 If you make a float with me, I’ll Follow The Leader offer you a float! By Hannah Come on Jim! Schueller I know you are feeling sad so let’s go eat some carrots!

By a ThirdGrader a By Yes, let’s do it!

Thanks Roxanne! It is nice when you lead and think about me!

Group activities can help students build When I see something that needs to be done, I leadership as they have the opportunity to try to get my friends to work on it with me. help others feels important and valued.

Working as a team or a group and having a system will allow you to go far. Provide coaching opportunities for students who will motivate and encourage the team. 1, 2, 3, pull… 1, 2, 3, pull… We got this! 1, 2, 3, pull… We can do it Come on team, we can do this! 1, 2, 3, pull… almost have I KNOW YOU CAN! them beat!

By Allissa Knudsen 11

He believes in me!. By Katie Krill 33 Leadership involves making a commitment to take One learns more by working on new roles and responsibilities and learning to with others than alone. cooperate with different kinds of people. Ooh! Your By Jaine Benson Okay, you talked hair smells me into it. I am good! How did knee deep. What you get that is it? scent? Wow! I’ll have I’m a hare to have the who spent a sense to go cent to get a there too! scent at the perfume store

It’s called water, Eau Claire was named after it. Isn’t it smooth and lovely? It even has fish if you look carefully enough. By Audrey Rule

By Audrey Rule Leaders enjoy working with others in a group.

This is fun to work with my family! Hey, Aunt Ant, How are you? I toad you to stop! Overeating is bad, man! I feel so sick! I ate eight flies in a Watch out row! Yes, Now I know: Great, I’d like to No more flies today! little ant, here comes meet him! Leaders learn from others when they work together on projects. the GI-ANT! By Audrey Rule 34 Sharpen the Saw Take a Break from the Rat Rabbit Race

The final habit focuses on the skill of taking By Dana care of oneself. It is founded on the belief Atwood-Blaine that to be effective in all that we do, we must take care of ourselves and nurture our bodies, minds, hearts, and souls. This means taking time to exercise, to relax, to sleep, to focus on whatever it is that makes us feel refreshed. This is an often neglected area that is actually very important (Covey, I wonder if any 2005). Leaders give themselves a break by bunny nose how taking regular vacations, meditating, badly I needed to avoiding digital media for a while, or take time to smell engaging in nature walks or other the flowers. experiences to rest and refresh themselves (Gregoire, 2015). Relax, rejuvenate, and take care of yourself.

Be sweet to yourself. Leaders need to take breaks away from By Dana their work to refresh themselves. Atwood-Blaine

You are looking pretty worn-out and tired!

By Audrey Rule

Oh really? Well, I’ll just nip that SNIP! condition in This week really takes the cake, I donut know the bud! what I would do without this I’ll relax by making a bonbon…probably be gone-gone. flower arrangement. 35 Active Development of You have done well with this Leadership Skills little project.. According to Fish (2011) one of the key By Ben Olsen elements of learning to be a leader is practice. There are students who think, know, discuss, and write about the concept of leadership. However, they must also have opportunities to “do” leadership. There is value in practicing, making mistakes, and growing from those experiences (Fish, 2011). I wanted it to last a long time, so I used stone instead of wood.

Develop forward thinking skills to allow students to learn to begin with the end in mind.

Leading No Matter Where Leadership begins at home. Whether in By Katie Krill my lamp…

Honey, we'd like your help in planning our family mag …or on my vacation. magic carpet, I practice my leadership skills!

By Pamela Walsh Students need to hone their leadership skills in a variety of settings. 36 Put Title HereHere…look! if Desired By Ben Olsen I’ll show you the answer. Okay, so next time I think I’ll approach that problem differently. At least I get a next Practicing time! is so much more helpful…

By Morgana Tjaden

PutLeadership caption here. is acquired most effectively Allow for bad decisions to be made so as to It can be one or twothrough lines – write practice. over this. enhance future decision making skills.

By By Natalie Berning Naethan Hey, I’m the new president Hoaglund of this organization! Do what I say! I’m not listening to that bossy guy! Yikes! They are all counting on me… But, I’m not sure what I am supposed I’m in the same to do. boat, man, and they made me Captain!

Student leaders are often put into roles, with Leadership is much more than being elected or very little in-depth knowledge of the significance appointed to a position; it is acquired most of their role or the personal development that effectively through practice. can come with their experience. 37

Vicarious Experiences I haven’t seen a performance By Vanessa Suzy, how do you Engel think wes should like this in Look her approach this directly in the for-huevo! issue? eyes, speak clearly, . . . By Jenifer Yates

Humanities classes and extracurricular activities Students can work on leadership skills where students speak to large and small audiences can aid leadership skills. through role play opportunities.

Leadership skills need to be Playing “Real World” developed actively. By Jessica Scadden I’m just going I’ll be the Can I be a to float… banker! I’d make a Oh, great! I’m lawyer? good police starting to officer. deflate.

Don’t deflate – be a leader who’s great! Float in the 56 pool, but not through life. Utilize simulations that require students to make rules and establish a system to By Latisha Smith maintain rules. 38 By Audrey Rule Leaders seek continual This is my intellectual growth. I’m sure you will do well and first chance to learn from any mistakes. I try out all of have learned so much in my the kitchen leadership 50 years as head chef! I never learned that in ideas I’ve school! learned.

I have been reading a book about how things work. Last Practice with learning from mistakes is a key night I read about items that By Michelle Barker start with Z. element of being an effective leader.

By Sukainah By Laura Hahlen Alsubia Mmm…I’m a powerful ant! I can do this. I just have to be strong…

Help me build a strong foundation so that I will always be independent and strong! Oh my! Aunt, How can you carry all that Encourage and teach students to work on food? positive self esteem and personal development. 39 Leaders are Creative Problem By Jeff Mangold Dude, that lady’s Solvers method is so archaic. Today’s world has a critical need for leaders. These individuals must exhibit an awareness of self, be willing to collaborate with others, and most of all, be eager problem solvers (Gergen, Rego, & Wright, 2014). Students No kidding!. She’s never going attending the Riverside School in Ahmedabad, to get those poop stains out India, are taught leadership skills for the 21st - using that technique. century, including problem solving (Gergen et al., 2014). “Teachers encourage them to identify and investigate problems, to probe assumptions, to seek reason, and to be I know. If she’d reverse order and apply the reflective” (Gergen et al., 2014, p.56). Houndspoop method, Furthermore, “solving challenges takes skill as she’d be done already! well as will - skill in innovation as well as leadership (Gergen et al., 2014, p. 58). Creating leaders involves planning, thinking critically, solving problems, and making decisions.

By Angie Webb By Phyllis Gray I am going to invent a machine to change my diaper so I won’t have to call my 5K mom and listen Fish Race to baby talk. Fry Bake Pool Party Sale

Mom! Come help me with my diaper!

I’ve got a surprise for you!

Leaders are creative problem solvers. They find a way around obstacles. Brainstorming leads to great ideas. 40 Leaders must be problem-solvers. We see there are many kids without coats at our school and we want to do something about it, but it’s such a big problem!

Sometimes my horn gets Even if you help only one person, you make a difference! in the way when I play my Why don’t we think of some ways you could solve this horn… problem?

… But I have learned how By Katelyn Melcher Leadership skills are necessary for success in to hold it so it today’s world, and they should be taught from a works. By Mason Kuhn young age. No one is “too young” to start.

PROBLEM-SOLVING Looks like your lid is I can both stuck. I have an idea! What if we combined wear and play forces? horn!

You could vacuum the ingredients into my pitcher! By Kimberly Morische Problem-solving is an important part of leadership. By M. Rod 41 Schools Need to Promote By Jeff Mangold Creativity and Problem Solving Leaders in business and government, as well as My parents said policymakers, have advocated that student creativity there is always be a part of school curriculum (Beghetto & Kaufman, more than one way 2013). Fortunately, classroom teachers and schools to solve a problem. are in position to promote creativity within the I guess that only classroom and the school environment as a whole. works at home. “Teachers who understand that creativity combines both originality and task appropriateness are in a better position to integrate student creativity into everyday curriculum in ways that complement, rather than compete with, academic learning” (Beghetto & Kaufman, 2013). Furthermore, problem solving skills Detention can be developed through classroom experiences involving challenging tasks. Several strategies to enhance creativity have been proposed by Fletcher (2011). Two of these strategies include helping students experience flow in their work, and instead of assigning one extensive project, allow students the opportunity to explore multiple ideas and avenues School should be a place where new methods (Fletcher, 2011). and ideas are promoted, not restricted.

Leaders are developed, not born with the skills. Leadership skills must be developed. Take me to your leader. Let’s see Do gifted teachers think leaders are just how you run carved that way? things up here.

Oh yes, we provide explicit instructional units on leadership It’s scary development how gifted programs often ignore leadership By Susan training. Bunch By Lynette Schriever 42 Leadership development should be included By Jason Knittel in all academic areas, including fine arts. What about creating Instead of a banner, a Human Rights can we give a banner about presentation on how Science poverty and we can help, Mr. Math displaying in the Knittel Fine lunch room? Arts

Preforming Arts

Literacy

Social Studies Teachers can be magicians if they teach leadership skills in all academic areas. Giving students the freedom to take a leadership By Abigail Allen role in developing their own curriculum.

Science Class Let’s think I bet I can get this through the toast out if to see if it is I am the I use this fork. worth the largest risk! planet.

By Cheri O’Hagan

By Amy Langr I am made of gases.

Allow students to fail in “safe” situations. This will Science projects provide enhancement in planning, give them the opportunity to problem solve and critical thinking, and problem solving processes to understand that not all things come easy. However, further develop leadership skills.. possible electric shock is NOT a safe situation. 43 Leaders Should Make Good Leaders are flexible and not Decisions entrenched in their decisions. “At no other point in our history have the Why did we fill up on choices we’ve made had the potential to candy earlier? create such a deep and lasting imprint upon so many others, or cause so much harm. In such a world, developing good leaders has never mattered more” (Fish, 2011, p. 82). Three guidelines have been suggested to teach leadership to students which will in turn, assist them in making good decisions. These include allowing students to take risks and make mistakes, providing opportunities to develop empathy for others, and increasing emotional intelligence as it relates to group management (Fish, 2011). I thought it was pretty awesome at the time, but now I’m not so sure.3 By Matt Willett 9

By Kimberly Nobody asks me what I Sittig By Kimberly SIttig want to wear. I guess I’ll just sit here naked…and look at them all with my judgment eyes.

Mama said I could Shouldn’t we tell our darling choose whether we boy to tuck his tail in when have mashed peas he’s riding on something with or carrots tonight! wheels?

Amateurs…Been dictating what we It’ll only take running it wear and eat for over once for him to months now. By Put Your Name figure it out… Opportunities for decision-making at an early Inappropriate decisions by youth, though age will help to foster the critical reasoning skills difficult for parents to accept, may enhance necessary to be an effective leader. future decision-making when self-evaluated. 44 Service Learning Promotes Community projects help build planning, critical thinking, creative problem solving, and decision Leadership making skills, all characteristics of a good leader.

Service learning is an excellent way to build leaders in There, that looks better and educational settings. Boyle-Baise and Zevin (2014) helps the neighborhood! explain that service learning aligned with classroom curriculum, “...motivates academic engagement...builds civic knowledge, fosters self-esteem, improves social responsibility, practices collaboration, and activates advocacy” (p. 191). Each of these skills embodies the leadership characteristics highlighted through Covey’s (1998) steps of the Leader and Me. Service learning is about connecting classroom curriculum, student involvement, community collaboration, and reflection to bring education alive in an authentic manner (Boyle- Baise & Zevin, 2014). Whether students practice Beginning with the end in mind by creating an action plan for the service learning project or Synergize with community members to fulfill a need in the community, students are learning the skills to be leaders while curriculum is approached in a hands-on, authentic 4 manner (Boylel-Baise & Zevin, 2014; Covey, 1998). By Carter Bridges 40 0

Community service is a great way to Throw it away. Throw it away. build leadership skills. Throw it away!

I am so glad my owner organized this event. Being homeless is so ruff..

Or…. Recycle it. Recycle it. And live a better way!

By Jefff Mangold

Community service promotes leadership by actively showing concern for others. By Lynette Schriever 45

Anyone can stumble into Don’t be all wrapped up in yourself when you can material wealth… help someone else out of a bind.

When you feel isolated and alone…

By Dana By Dana …just Atwood-Blaine Atwood-Blaine remember The greatest treasure is sharing the gift of there’s an “us” your talents with others. in sarcophagus!

By: Matt Service Learning Schmidt When I was By Ashley Robinson This is an excellent clue, I couldn’t do it your age… without you! Geez…not again…

But she I will keep does know looking for clues! how to fish! Students can learn leadership skills from Help a professional and learn how to be one leaders of the present through service while working the case! learning. 46 Mentorships and internships Hey, can I hit the siren?!! No, please don’t Mentorship: A leader works with others to touch that! nurture their abilities, build confidence, foster How about the and the creation of vision in others. lights? Can I turn on No, please don’t Internship: Leaders find opportunities to the lights? touch anything!! work alongside the less skilled, encouraging and supporting the growth of leadership skills Let me tell you in others. about some of the Mentorships and internships provide future people I have By Carter rescued. professionals with the chance to develop Bridges important skills and apply new knowledge to their professional area (Brush, Hall, Pinelli, T., & Perry, 2014).

Yes, I’d like that!

Mentorships and internships provide exciting leadership opportunities.

By Susan Bunch By Suzanne Blanchard You don’t have to be big to be a leader....just fast. Watch me I’m being a and learn how good role to avoid “the model. shoe” I’m glad we have We’re someone ready. to guide Show us us. the way.

Look she’s showing us the way.

Mentorships and internships allow youth to work with and learn from community leaders. Be a role model for leadership 47

Leadership Curriculum should include biographies of Students can learn leadership skills and gain past leaders and examples of their leadership styles. inspiration from talented people of the past..

It’s good to see people still using my ideas.

Thank you! The way you solved that global crisis 50 years ago--very “I have a creative You know, I problem solving dream!” thought you had a very flexible leadership style! By Adam Naughton By Naethan Hoaglund

Internships and mentorships are a great way for By Kathy Oswald youth to work with community leaders who are willing to identify, develop, and nurture future leaders. When I grow up… By How did you like Laura shadowing me today Scott and learning about what it takes to be a state patrol officer?

I want to be like Maria Tallchief – I want to be just why just marry a like Michele leader, when you Obama! could be one yourself? I loved every minute of it! I want to be just like you, but I have a way to go! Teaching kids about minority and female leaders, as well as leaders of the arts will inspire! 48 When Leaders Mentor Others Lending a Helping Hand

Start on the top and That work your way down. I makes have found it is the sense! I am not sure most efficient method. what to do next

I’ll explain it to you, one step at a time.

By Jennifer Kuskovski and Allison Arevalo By Jessica Scadden

Mentoring programs allow students to explore Utilize mentorships where gifted and talented careers and work with positive role models. students tutor peers or younger students.

By I tried and tried and tried to finish the Joanna This is how I maze, but I couldn’t find my way back! Freking- determined my Smith Here, let’s do it plan of action. together, and I can show you how I did it.

I can clearly see what influenced your choices. What will we do next? By Jenifer Yates

Mentoring Programs are a great way for Giving students the opportunity to tutor their peers students to gain leadership skills by encourages leadership in gifted students. working alongside a role model. 49 I don’t know if I can do this alone. Adults need to delegate leadership to youth, be a mentor, not a dictator. You can do it, Lets suck up all just try your the leadership Shouldn’t we best. By Shelby save some for Patterson roles!! the kids?

Allow students to mentor and guide younger students in different activities and projects with specific goals to be met. By Jesse Cox

By Sarah Peters My name is Monica and Wow, ever since I’m a junior. I’m here to Bill became captain help you guys with your of the cross science. What chapter are country team, he OMG! I’m so really has shown you on? excited to get us he is dedicated. help from such a cool high He motivates me schooler! run even when we don’t have practice!

Yeah! Me too. Let’s go for a run! Mentorships help teach talented and gifted By Joanna Freking-Smith students how to communicate in an acceptable and challenging manner. Getting students involved in extracurricular activities can nurture a student’s (or dinosaur’s) leadership skills. 50 Parents and By Carol Anderson Communities Can Help Parents have an extremely important role in the lives of young learners. Children will tend to grow up or down to the expectations of their Yes, my little Duckies, parents (Weiner, 2010). Children who have you are different from parents that have high expectations of them the others, but you and provide them with adequate support will make fine typically have successful outcomes in school leaders. and in social situations (Nokali, Bachman, & Votruba-Drzal, 2010). Parents must be good role models because their actions can have a major influence in developing leadership skills in their children. Children will live by their parents' principles. They will likely inherit the voice of their parents' perception of right and wrong and they will likely pass these lessons on to their own children (Englund, Luckner, Parents need to encourage their children to be in leadership roles and give them chances to lead. Whaley, & Egeland, 2004).

By Kathy Oswald By Jason Knittel

Okay, son, today I teach you the importance of never finishing last! Run fast! I know you can !

You always say you’re a salty old sailor!

Allowing kids to plan family activities foster good leadership skills. 51 Parents and teachers need to The Bear Necessities promote a healthy self esteem. Where do you By Kristin Melcher think we should spend the I think the fishing night, kids? will be better upstream.

You have such great eye sight I know you have a bright future ahead of you!

Encourage parents to help provide leadership opportunities such as assisting in planning family travel. By Nicole Jurgersen

Self-Directed The most important wish Learning I wish my parents would give me By Abigail more responsibility so I can Allen become a great leader!

B

By: Vanessa Engel Giving students the option to plan, Leadership skills development organize, and evaluate family activities begins at home with small fosters leadership. responsibilities given to children. 52 I want to be just The church like my dad! youth meeting is at 5:00pm today. Are you going?

By Audrey Rule I always try to be a good role model for my But volleyball kids and explain has practice until the principles 6:30! I’m behind my alarmed that actions. By Jesse Cox can’t make it. Parents can help their children become If community organizations want to promote youth leadership and participation they need to coordinate the leaders through their example. availability of both adults and youth.

By Susie Thurmond I am so glad you Young ladies, you can invited me to your be anything you want I want to be Chinese Club!! to be in this world! You an art could be president! teacher when By Jaine Benson I grow up!

Next week we go to You will go far Sons of in life. Norway. They have lefse!!!

By supporting young leaders, the community experiences direct benefits through stronger Leaders flourish when given support from connections to other young people. family, friends, teachers, and community. 53 Leaders Need to be able to Encourage discussion and debate about current events. Express Themselves Well By Ben Olsen Many schools use Covey’s Seven Habits to So, what do you think about immigration reform? help students become leaders. The first three habits that are required to be mastered are considered self mastery and the second three habits are considered important for “public victory”. Seeking to understand, then to be understood is the fifth habit that emphasize on the importance of communication skills. For optimal communication, leaders need to be able to express themselves well (Covey, 1996). Students should practice listening to each other during a discussion by pausing I’d say that and summarizing what was heard before “aliens” add great diversity responding. to any country.

Gifted students need opportunities to prepare By Carol Anderson and present speeches about relevant topics and feel that their voices are being heard. Great! He’ll Oh great pumpkin, why are you always glowing fly through on and on about Halloween? those debates!

I’ll bug her ‘till she does it.

Hhmmm… I wish I could find the right words to say to I’m just trying Emmitt. I just know he would to carve out a make a wonderful leader for place for the debate team. This would myself in this open more doors for him. field.

Students need opportunities to be leaders in many situations. By Susan Bunch 54 Debate and Discussion Come on over to my way of thinking. I’m surprised you would flip II used to Students should We should be able flop on the get to choose like the to earn additional subject. where they sit in recess time with beach…not Why do you the cafeteria. good behavior. anymore. feel that way? By Jennifer Bange

By Allison Arevalo Written and oral communication projects Students need to learn how to give opinions allow gifted students to learn how to while respecting the ideas of others. present ideas clearly and persuasively.

By I’m going to Joanna research Martin Freking- Friendship Luther King Jr. for Smith my project. He was a Anne, Thanks great leader in the You are Civil Rights for a fun welcome! Movement. I want to time! be as caring, brave, and articulate as he was.

By: Jason Englert Having students learn about leaders in A leader enjoys and expresses all subjects nurtures leadership skills. positive feelings of being with others. 55 The Vision of a Leader Vision is a key quality strong leaders possess. Leaders are able to create a path for others to follow. They need to be able to By Natalie Berning share their vision of the road ahead with others in clear words which create sharply What’s with focused images. Being able to articulate an the effective vision is crucial for GLASSES? transformational change (Saunders, 2012).

I want my leadership vision to be clear! 51

Charismatic leaders have an incredible ability to A leader possesses vision to see things inspire others and move them into action. as they might be.

By Kimberly Morische Literature leads You can become to enlightenment Prince Charming in by introducing three steps: find a new ideas. crown, find a girl, and look toadally confident. Really? I’ve been waiting all of my adult life for this!

Wow!! That’s Inspirational! I’ll do it! By Dixie Forcht 56 Stand tall! Here comes the ball. Remember – no rolling

pins

By Phyllis

Gray Scadden I really enjoy making By By Jessica cookies for my class. My rolling pin is Students can create a collage of leaders to my best analyze and understand qualities of great leaders. friend.

If the Dinosaurs Had Been Warned By Morgana Tjaden

If he’d been in Hey you! Major charge, I wouldn’t global climate I won’t tell you, be extinct! change is coming I’ll show you! soon! You must adapt! Buy a You’ve made sweater! your point!

By Kristin Melcher Teaching students to communicate Demonstrating motivational techniques effectively orally and in writing are leadership skills. can help inspire the same in others. 57 Leaders Care about Others By PutMara Your Meguire Name

Leaders help and share knowledge with others. They listen and naturally draw people to their side by their truthful and Aloe me to introduce concerned manner. They are kind, myself. empathetic, and truly care about other people. Leaders take time from their busy activities to listen attentively and fully to others (Gregoire, 2015).

I would like your opinion of our “Going Green” project.

Effective leaders are easy to get along with and friendly.

By Kirstin Jacobson Teachers can encourage gifted students to set “Leaders know how to trends against bullying. cooperate, avoid fighting, and get along with Look at him I think he just others, Little glow. He thinks needs a friend. Grasshopper.” he is so much Must be Let’s talk to him. better than we those owl are. pellets that make him so wise

I am so much better than them. They don’t know Jack. “One cannot be first in everything”- By Laura Hahlen Aesop 58 I try to be kind to other Character is very important. True leaders are people. rich in their heart, not just in their wallet.

By Audrey Rule

Ask not what you can do for yourself.. Your wailing is melodic but keeping me awake!

Sorry! I’ll be But what you can do for those in quiet! need! Thank you so much By Jeff Mangold

Thanks for having me over! When I grow up I want to be a We had tea, so hare who does let’s play golf with hair! a tee!

I love helping people by making their hair look great.

By Third Grader

I try to be kind to other people. By Phyllis Gray 59 I’m just a Persistence in the Face of kid, I can’t Challenges be a leader. One of the concerns that has surfaced for children in today’s society is the fact that they will need to solve problems and respond to situations that can’t be found in textbooks I’m too (Gergen et al., 2014). “Their future is marked I can only be a reserved to be by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and leader if I’m a leader. popular. ambiguity….children will thrive if they develop the competence and the confidence to navigate complex environments as resourceful problem solvers who are results- oriented and resilient” (Gergen et al., 2014, p.53). Therefore, it is important to persist in finding a viable solution to the problems By Suzanne Blanchard encountered along the way. Eliminate misconceptions about leadership through effective gifted education programs.

By Lynette By Suzanne Blanchard Help! It’s so wet! Schriever

Don’t be a pest. I’m glad we’re Use your pushing creativity, ourselves. intelligence, and wisdom to solve the problem. Attitude This makes all challenge the makes difference. learning more fun.

Taking on this difficult task is making us stronger leaders.

Leaders are persistent problem-solvers. Teach and encourage the desire to embrace challenges. 60 By Kimberly Morische Well, perhaps there Persistence wasn’t a need for my spaghetti spoon inventions in A chest x-ray on Mexico. But, all my chest of signs lead to Rome! drawers Rome

A drinks chest on my chest…

If I’m persistent, I’ll generate a treasure chest of meanings for that word! FLEXIBILITY

Great leaders are flexible and By Audrey Rule persistent through change.

By M. Rod It doesn’t matter how its mailed!

You take it, they said it should be male.

By Dixie Forcht Responsibility is like laundry: never-ending. 61

Confidence is a Gifted students tend to be more Leadership Trait optimistic about their futures.

“It has been suggested that a major underpinning of leader legitimacy is the It’s a big world out there, kiddo… confidence and trust” (Jones, James & Don’t Bruni,1975, p.146). Once a leader has worry, Dad, confidence it’s easier for others to trust him I have a or her. It’s important to have confidence on great start, I’m going to what we are thinking, and act upon it. be great! Having self confidence will benefit oneself and the group work (Summerfield, 2014). According to Gregoire (2015), effective leaders dare to fail, in other words, they have the confidence to try in the face of uncertainty and to learn from their By Trela mistakes. Rottinghaus

57

Excuses and rationalizations in the face of failure I feel vile! protect a student’s self-concept.

How about a vial of vitamins to help you feel less vile?

By Jolene Teske I was SOOOO close! If only I had the She doesn’t need a vial! right tool, I would have nailed that She just needs the project. Oh, well... confidence to be herself! By Adam Naughton 62 I’m just a Before I can be a good sitting duck. rabbit on the outside, I must be good to myself on the inside. How can you fly?

You have to decide that you can and work hard!

I’d better hop to it!

By Kailyn Bettle By Paige Hageman Leadership is not an innate ability, but a Before leaders can lead other people, they conscious decision that takes work to have to practice self-discipline and be good achieve. leaders for themselves.

We work Chart your own course. We can be We are to be well counted cooperative! liked by By Dana on! Atwood-Blaine My destiny lies our peers! just beyond the

horizon. ourselves clearly!

By Mary Sult

We We express

others! We enjoy enjoy We

We are We are We love to confident adaptable participate! in our to change! abilities!

Our high school leadership team is “Octo” – Confidence is a Leadership Trait this world in defining and living leadership