A One Room Schoolhouse

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Habits of Learning: Diligence

I can do my work neatly, completely, and correctly.

Habits of Learning: Diligence is near and dear to my heart. Diligence is the habit that can get you through even the hardest of failures. I am excited to share with you fables and parables this week that will solidify Habits of Learning: Diligence in your students’ hearts.

If you are just joining us, you might want to start at the beginning:

In this week’s lesson, I am so excited to share meaningful videos, fun fables, important scriptures, and interesting nature observations to teach Diligence in a memorable way.

Sounds pretty great! If you are enjoying your Habits of Learning journey…

Join our community! After you complete a lesson, snap a picture and post it to Instagram! Use the hashtag #habitsoflearning and tag @aoneroomshoolhouse. Follow the Schoolhouse and our hashtag to join other Habits of Learning users!

Preparation

Once you have completed the last few weeks of lessons, you are ready to dive into Habits of Learning: Diligence. 

Here is all you need to do to get ready for this week:

  • Download the lesson plan (link below), print it if desired.
  • Bookmark this blog post that includes live links to use for each lesson containing a video.
  • Print The Hare and the Tortoise story in the live link on the video page.
  • Print out the coloring sheet, beaver poster, light bulb, and scripture copywork pages from the lesson resources.

Now you are ready to go!

Remember to Practice

The general instructions for the Habits of Learning stay the same from week to week. This week (and from here on out) you will want to encourage your children to do the exploration activities from the previous week’s lesson.

This may be a copy sheet, hymn study, or memorization. Maybe they might like to read a book from the list or watch one of the video links. It does not matter which activity they do, what does matter is that they are still thinking about and learning about the previously studied habit.

Furthermore, make sure you are always looking for ways to praise your children as they progress in the previously studied habits. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO DO!

This focus on continual practice and praise will help further development and generalization. It reinforces the idea that we are always working to improve ourselves.

Special Elements

Below are some of the special elements that you might want to read about before completing the Habits of Learning: Diligence lessons.

The Importance of Sharing Fables

Fables are a type of folktale passed down orally through the generations. They generally have animals as characters that act like humans. They teach a moral lesson and are very brief.

They are entertaining and communicate a shared history. Fables play an important part in reinforcing a culture’s values and traditions.

Fables are foundational in cultural literacy as they are often references in conversation, text, and media. Furthermore, they hold a young child’s attention while teaching valuable lessons.

Fables not only pass on moral lessons, but they have numerous other benefits as well including:

1. Learning about other cultures

2. Modeling character traits

3. Appreciating other traditions

4. Exploring new ways of seeing the world

5. Discovering a love of stories

If fables weren’t so engaging and important, they would not have stood the test of time! So pick up a book and teach your students with fables!

Practical Ways to Teach Diligence in the Home

1. Study the scriptures together daily. The habit of daily scripture study not only models diligence but the text itself teaches diligence.

2. Do chores. One of the best ways to teach diligence is to require good, old fashioned hard work! Requiring regularly completed, well-done chores will instill diligence in the child.

3. Learn about diligence role-models. Whether you choose Thomas Edison, Florence Chadwick, or Joan of Arc, learning about diligent heroes can go a long way in modeling positive character to your student.

4. Model diligent living. Get dressed every day, eat healthy food, complete your work, attend your meetings, go to church as a family, live up to your commitments. Show your children that you are diligent, then they will be too!

The Importance of Role Models

Positive role models influence our actions and motivate us to do better. Having a positive role model encourages us to make the most out of our life.

Role models can give a stronger sense of direction in life. Additionally, it will help grow confidence and self-reliance.

But, who makes a good role model?

  • Hard working
  • Strong moral character
  • Good communicator
  • Excellent listener
  • Solid personal relationships
  • Demonstrates compassion and understanding
  • Shows willingness to take time for others
  • Perceives challenges as opportunities

Helping your student find a positive role model can be a life-changing opportunity. Whether they be current or historical, the positive influence of a role model will serve all students well.

Grow Our Community

We are growing rapidly and we are so pleased with your support. Keep tagging your friends, using our hashtag (#habitsoflearing), and sharing your Habits of Learning journey.

Let’s keep the social media ball rolling and share this program with your friends! Take pictures and videos of your Habits of Learning: Diligence lessons. Post these on Facebook or Instagram. Use the hashtag #habitsoflearning and tag @aoneroomshoolhouse. Follow the Schoolhouse and our hashtag to join other Habits of Learning users!

Downloads

Diligence Lesson Plan

Diligence Resources

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