10.27.2020

iLEAD Agua Dulce Culture: Components of Social-Emotional Learning — Purpose

iLEAD Agua Dulce

“The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving.” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“Living with purpose.” The phrase evokes a range of thoughts and emotions, doesn’t it? When we choose to live with purpose, we choose to live proactively and decisively, rather than reactively.

As part of the iLEAD Agua Dulce approach to project-based learning with a social-emotional focus, one vital component is purpose. Within the social-emotional learning (SEL) framework, we recognize purpose as follows: You are oriented toward a future goal, and you can explain the reason for your goal. 

To understand the importance of purpose, it’s helpful to examine another key element of iLEAD Agua Dulce’s approach to education: the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Successfully living with purpose encapsulates several of the 7 Habits: Being Proactive, Beginning With the End in Mind, and Putting First Things First. Understanding and incorporating those steps into your life connects directly to having a clear sense of purpose. 

Let’s dive a little deeper into those Habits.

  • Habit 1: Be Proactive — With this habit, a learner can say, “I am a responsible person. I take initiative, and I choose my actions and attitudes.” Through developing this habit, kids are able to learn responsibility, initiative, self-control and self-management. 
  • Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind — With this, a learner can say, “I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I look for ways to be a good citizen.” In turn, they are learning to have purpose and vision, and developing skills of planning, self-management and reflection.
  • Habit 3: Put First Things First — By practicing this habit, a learner is saying, “I spend my time on things that are most important. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow a plan.” This habit develops skills of prioritization, planning and time management, and follow-through.

These habits influence a child’s sense of purpose and attitude. When learners embrace the value of thinking and doing with purpose, they can develop stronger self-esteem, improve social skills and empathy, and are empowered to enrich the world around them.

When learners understand the importance of approaching things — from school projects to life goals — with proactivity and the end in mind, they begin to grasp the value of living with purpose.

Watch: On Purpose

RECENT POSTS

iLEAD Agua Dulce 5th Grade DreamUp POL (1)

Celebrating iLEAD Agua Dulce 5th Graders’ DreamUp to Space Presentation of Learning

On October 24, iLEAD Agua Dulce 5th graders presented their incredible learning journey in the DreamUp to Space Presentation of Learning. Inspired by the question “If you could send anRead More

iLEAD Agua Dulce Celebration of Gratitude: November 22

Dear Families, While we focus on gratitude each day, as we approach Thanksgiving, we turn that gratitude into action. Each classroom will focus on ways to show that gratitude byRead More

DreamUp to Space Mission Patch Artwork Design Challenge 24-25

Liftoff Approaching! Enter the DreamUp to Space Artwork Design Challenge

Calling all learners in all grades! Get ready to launch your creativity into space with the DreamUp to Space Mission Patch Artwork Design Challenge! Imagine your artwork traveling to theRead More