Parent Connection Letter Parent Connection
Empowering Student Leadership
WIN Group Resource
Grade 6 Edition
Dear 6th Grade Families,
We are excited to share some wonderful news about a special learning opportunity for your child at school! Your student has been invited to participate in a WIN Group (What I Need Group) focused on developing essential life skills through The Leader in Me program.
What is a WIN Group?
Our WIN Groups are designed to provide targeted support and enrichment in a small group setting. This allows us to focus on specific skills and topics that will greatly benefit our students as they navigate their middle school years.
What is The Leader in Me?
The Leader in Me is an evidence-based, comprehensive whole-school improvement model that helps students develop the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. It teaches students the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey in an age-appropriate way.
1 Be Proactive
2 Begin with the End in Mind
3 Put First Things First
4 Think Win-Win
5 Seek First to Understand...
6 Synergize
7 Sharpen the Saw (Renewal)
Why is my child participating?
Your child has been selected to join this WIN Group to provide them with additional tools and strategies for personal leadership, self-management, and effective collaboration. In our 30-minute sessions, we will explore these habits through engaging activities and discussions, helping your child apply these principles to their daily lives both inside and outside of school.
How can you support at home?
Ask your child about what they are learning in their WIN Group and how they are practicing the 7 Habits.Look for opportunities to discuss how these habits can be applied to family situations and daily routines.Celebrate their efforts in demonstrating leadership at home and at school.
We believe this program will empower your child to become a more responsible, proactive, and effective individual. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these leadership habits!
Sincerely,
[Your Name/School Name]
Leader in Me Connection
Leader Launch Teacher Guide Leader Launch
Teacher Facilitation Guide
WIN GROUP • 30 MIN
Session Objective
Students will be introduced to the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and identify one specific habit they can apply at home to demonstrate leadership this week.
Materials Needed
Habit Heroes Slides
Habit Power Map Worksheet (1 per student)
Parent Connection Letter (to be sent home)
Pencils and colored markers
Teacher Tip
6th graders are navigating increased independence. Emphasize that leadership isn't just about "leading others"—it's about leading themselves and making choices that help them succeed.
Pacing & Activities
0-5 MIN
The "What's a Leader?" Spark
Open the slide deck. Ask students to shout out words they associate with leaders. Challenge the idea that leadership is only for "famous people" or "bosses."
5-15 MIN
7 Habits Whirlwind
Quickly walk through the 7 Habits on the slides. Use the "Private Victory" (Habits 1-3) vs. "Public Victory" (Habits 4-6) distinction. Focus on Habit 1: Be Proactive as the foundation.
Key Question:
"Which of these habits would make your morning routine at home easier?"
15-25 MIN
Habit Power Map Activity
Distribute the worksheet. Students identify their current "Leadership Strengths" and choose one "Habit Goal" specifically for their life at home (e.g., "Putting First Things First" by doing homework before gaming).
25-30 MIN
The Home Bridge
Explain the Parent Connection Letter. Tell students their "homework" is to explain their chosen habit to a family member tonight. This builds accountability and school-home partnership.
Success Criteria
Can define "Proactive" in their own words.
Identified 1 specific habit to use at home.
Has a signed or ready-to-deliver parent letter.
Can list at least 3 of the 7 habits.
Habit Heroes Slides Habit Heroes
Your Leadership Journey Begins
WIN Group • Grade 6
What is a Leader?
"A leader is someone who chooses to make things better."
Common Myths:
You have to be the loudest.
You have to be "in charge."
Leadership starts with leading yourself.
The 7 Habits
1. Be Proactive
2. Begin with the End in Mind
3. Put First Things First
4. Think Win-Win
5. Seek First to Understand...
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the Saw (Renewal)
Be Proactive
Habit 1: You're in Charge
You have a CHOICE.
What happens is just half the story. HOW YOU REACT is where your power lives.
Choose your mood.
Focus on your control.
Leadership at Home
The Morning
Getting yourself ready without being asked.
The Prep
Finishing work before you start gaming.
The Vibe
Helping others before they have to ask.
Your Next Move?
Open your Habit Power Map. Today, you choose one habit to master at home.
Start Your Map
Set Your Goal
Habit Power Map Worksheet Habit Power Map
Student Name
Date
WIN Group • Session 1
1
The Leadership Self-Scan
Everyone is a leader of themselves. Which of these habits do you already use well? Circle your top 3 "Power Habits."
Be Proactive
End in Mind
First Things First
Think Win-Win
Understand First
Synergize
Sharpen Saw
Others?
2
The Home Zone
Where could you lead at home?
Think about your chores, your morning routine, your homework, or how you treat your siblings/parents. Describe one situation where things could go better.
3
My Habit Goal
Commitment Statement:
This week, I will practice [Habit Name] at home by:
The Bridge to Home
I shared my Habit Goal with a parent or guardian.
When you go home today, give them the Parent Connection Letter and explain what habit you are working on!
Parent/Guardian Signature (Optional)
Leader in Me Student Reflection
