For the Classroom

Initiative

Recognizing opportunities or problems and responding with timely action

Initiative helps schools grow through proactive problem solving.

When educators take action without waiting to be asked, students benefit from improved systems and support. Initiative drives innovation and progress.

Essay

Initiative and Mental Health

by Sandra Szczygiel, LPCC-S (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor)

Lack of initiative is often significant symptom of some mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety and Schizophrenia. Too much initiative can also be a symptom of a mental health disorder, such as during the manic phase of Bipolar I Disorder. Moderation is the key to a healthy lifestyle – too little or too much initiative can interfere with relationships, which is an essential element of mental health. In our modern world we seem to be caught up in busyness/productivity, which may be contributing to the increase of mental health disorders worldwide. Let’s find the “sweet spot” of the amount of initiative we need to thrive not just survive.

Affirmations for the Classroom

I can make a difference.
I look for ways to learn and grow.
I start my work and get things done.
I help others without being asked.
I make my future better by trying my best every day.

Initiative Resource Library

The Links below will take you to Resources like activities, lessons, reflections, tools, and visuals you can use in the classroom or in homeschool to teach the Character Quality of Initiative.

Featured

Reading List Roundup: Initiative Picture Books

A curated reading list for teaching Initiative—plus a printable download and a link to the full Initiative bookshelf on Goodreads.

Initiative as a Sidekick Quality

Descriptions of how Initiative supports the other qualities.

Initiative as a Core Value

Descriptions of Initiative as a Core Value and how the other qualities support it.

Fun with Character: Jump Ropes

Discover how jumping rope is the perfect metaphor for taking Initiative. This active lesson helps students learn to assess a situation, judge the timing, and "jump in" to new projects with confidence and preparation.

Fun with Character: Puzzles

Discover how the simple act of working a puzzle can teach students valuable lessons in taking Initiative. By setting goals and experimenting with different strategies to find the right fit, students learn that persistence and starting with a clear plan are the keys to solving life's complex "puzzles."

Fun with Character: WAD

Help students hit their targets with the "WAD" method: Well-defined, Attainable, and Deadline-oriented goals. This interactive activity uses a hands-on "target practice" to teach the importance of initiative and how breaking goals into manageable steps leads to success.

Connecting Initiative to the Social Studies Curriculum

Use lawmaking from your Social Studies curriculum to teach Initiative

Picture Book Pick: Radio Rescue

A featured Initiative picture book—Radio Rescue—with a read-along link and ready-to-use classroom discussion questions.

No Matter How You Say It: Initiative

A quick language-and-meaning snapshot of Initiative, showing the word origins, sign language, and common idioms anyone can discuss.

Initiative Quotes

Looking for reminders that Initiative makes a difference? Explore the full collection of Initiative Quotes and find the perfect line to share, post, or spark a conversation.

Quotes

Celebrate Character Qualities All Month

Use the holidays this month to celebrate our other qualities.

Featured

Juneteenth Activity

A simple Juneteenth activity.

June Character All Month

A list of classic and quirky holidays in June and their connection to a variety of character qualities.

Summersgiving

A simple Summersgiving activity.

Build Community in Your Classroom

Try these activities!

Featured

Getting to Know You: Fortunately, Unfortunately

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses stories to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Getting to Know You: Read All About it!

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses paper to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Initiative

Recognizing opportunities or problems and responding with timely action

Initiative helps schools grow through proactive problem solving.

Initiative and Mental Health

Affirmations for the Classroom

Initiative Resource Library

Initiative Quotes

Celebrate Character Qualities All Month

Build Community in Your Classroom

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