Looking for Heroes: Dare to be a leader!

Something needs to change.  It's time to redefine heroes in our schools. Heroism does not need to refer to superpowers and incredible strength. Heroism is about courage, and the courage to lead.  Heroes try to do the right thing, and will stand up for what is right. Heroes attract the attention of the silent majority until evil stands alone either to conform or repulse; hopefully to conform.

I'm looking for somebody kids can look up to, and somebody to inspire them.  I want somebody who will amaze people with their effort, without expecting a reward. I want somebody who is brave, and will stand up for what they believe in, and avenge a wrong. I remember students like that. I have met students like that. Where are they now?  Where are our student heroes?

Every High School Student Should Read This Book

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey - Every once in a while I read a professional book that was recommend to me by my colleagues, or other adults, that think I might benefit from or enjoy the insight the book has to offer.  Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephan Covey was one of those books.  My wife and principal are just two of the people I know that continue to quote and comment on the message that Stephan Covey conveys in his book.  When Sean Covey's book came to our attention recently, my wife bought three copies for each of my children, ages 12 through 16. The hope is that the thinking and motivation derived from Stephan Covey's book for adults will have the same effect on our teenage children after reading Sean Covey's book for teens. Needless to say, since it has been recommended by my wife and I, my kids are not very motivated to read it. Yet. I hope I get the chance to promote this book to others as well.

Do We All Need A Pep Talk?

I have a poster in my room that has been there for the past five years, and it has been one of the most important messages I can give to the sixth graders that might find themselves in a rut in my class.  Believe me, the advice is appropriate for adults as well.  It is the picture of a crawling baby making a serious, wrinkled brow face.  We all know the face.  The caption on the poster reads, "Baby Philosophy: If Something Stinks, Change It!"  Perhaps that is the message by Kid President in a recent video that was sent to me by at least five different people today. Perhaps we all need this little pep talk.

A Pep Talk From Kid President to You is a video promoted by the website, SoulPancake.  The video showcases nine year old Robby Novak acting as Kid President encouraging people to get moving, change something, and make a difference. It has over 6 million views and is still growing.  6 million people?! That's a lot of pep talk.

Read the article By Laura T. Coffey, of TODAY if you want to get more details about Robby Novak and how he got involved in inspirational web videos.

Visit the websites SoulPancake and Kid Presidentt. Pay attention to the details of these two sites.  What makes them unique? What is their motivation?

Watch the Pep Talk video.  What do you think?   What is the message?  How did it make you feel?  Begin your discussion today.