book recommendation: Building Everyday Leadership in All Kids

Can I start by saying that I really, really love this book? It is called Building Everyday Leadership in All Kids: An Elementary Curriculum to Promote Attitudes and Actions for Respect and Success by Mariam G. MacGregor M.S. (click the link to see it on Amazon.com). I originally bought it for a small group about- surprise!- leadership, but soon found myself adapting for all kinds of lessons and small group topics!

The book is divided into many subtopics that could be small groups in themselves: communication, team building, problem solving, making a difference, and my personal favorite: "understanding power, value, and relationships." Ms. MacGregor provides hands-on activities that may involve some preparation on the part of the group leader, but the pay off was worth it every time! Students loved every lesson or activity we tried- really!

Here are a few favorites:

• Choosing Sides: Students had the chance to decide what was most important to them by physically walking from one end of the room or the other during a long list of polarized (or slightly gray) opposites. Afterward, we talked about whether the similarities or differences surprised us, and if it is okay if we have different tastes, styles, and values.
• Leadership Talk Show: Students sat in partners. One was given the role of asking a question picked from a list, then listening to the partner silently for a set period of time (for fifth graders, two minutes was more than enough). Then we did some other steps (but you'll have to buy the book!) Such great discussions came out of this activity. Students seemed to truly understand how important it can be to be an active, but not overwhelming listener!
• Values for Sale: This activity turned out to be several students' absolute favorite. It is a "values auction" that includes EDL (EveryDay Leadership) funny money and a long list of values. I gave group members the chance to look over the values list for about five minutes and gave each member EDL cash. We set ground rules. After the auction, each member had a definitive list of personal values. There were personal revelations and some great discussion! And it was a great lead in to our values world activity, which I will blog about soon.

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I can't say enough about the activities I have tried thus far, and I cannot wait to try even more in the coming year! Added bonuses: 

•  state standards for lessons! 
• a link to print activities online!
• suggestions on setting the tone (great for new counselors)!

Clearly, I highly recommend this book to school counselors at the elementary level, and also suggest that counselors working with older grades check out the other books by the same author:
Building Everyday Leadership in All Teens
Teambuilding with Teens

(And, no, I am not getting paid to say this. I'm just that enthusiastic! :)