LIFELONG GUIDELINES AND SKILLS

Beginning in September each year, the students are introduced to a weekly Lifelong Guideline or Life Skill indicated by date on the following list. These skills are taught in the classroom, church, modeled by the adults on campus and reinforced at home. The memorization of the Bible verse provides the structure for the Life Skills. We have also added 25 manners that we believe are common to everyone. In a world where negative influences are the norm, it is very important that we reinforce positive Christian values which will have a lifelong impact on our children. As partners in education, we can make a tremendous difference in the lives of all children.

• 9/19: TRUSTWORTHINESS 
• To act in a manner that makes one worthy of confidence.
• Proverbs 11:13 “A gossip betrays confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.”
• Manner: If you bump into somebody, immediately say “Excuse me.”
• 9/26: RESPONSIBILITY
• To respond when appropriate, and to be accountable for your actions.
• Romans 14:12 “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
• Manner: When asking for something, say “Please.”
• Manner: When receiving something, say “Thank you.”
• 10/3: PATIENCE
• To wait calmly for someone or something.
• Galatians 5:22 “The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
• Manner: Do not interrupt people who are speaking to each other
• 10/10: FRIENDSHIP
• To make and keep a friend through mutual trust and caring.
• John 15:13-14 “Greater love has no one than this that one lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
• Manner: Use positive thoughts and ideas when communicating with others
• 10/17: Active Listening
• Listening with attention to the speaker.
• James 1:19 “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
• Manner: When someone helps you, say “thank you.” That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!
• 10/24: EFFORT
• To do your best.
• Romans 14:19 “Let us make every effort to do what leads to peace.”
• Manner: Speak with kind and positive words
• 10/31: PROBLEM SOLVING 
• To create solutions in difficult situations and everyday problems.
• Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight.”
• Manner: When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first.
• 11/7: CURIOSITY
• A desire to investigate and seek understanding of one’s world.
• Proverbs 2:9 “Then you will understand what is right and just and fair on every good path.”
• 11/14: PERSONAL BEST
• Guidelines for students to always reach their potential.
• Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
• Manner: Be appreciative and say “thank you” for any gift you receive. A handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.
• 11/28: INITIATIVE
• To do something because it needs to be done.
• James 1:22 “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only.”
• Manner: When you have spent time at your friend’s house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.
• 12/5: PERSEVERANCE
• To keep at it.
• 1 Chronicles 16:11 “Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His presence continually.”
• Manner: When friends or others ask you for a favor, do it willingly and with a smile
• 12/12: ORGANIZATION
• To plan, arrange, and implement in an orderly way; to keep things orderly and ready to use.
• Proverbs 14:22 “But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.”
• Manner: Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.
• 1/2: TRUTHFULNESS
• Telling the truth is about personal responsibility and mental accountability.
• Ephesians 4:25 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
• 1/9: INTEGRITY
• To act according to a sense of what is right and wrong.
• Proverbs 10:9 “The person of integrity walks securely.”
• Manner: Speak with kind and encouraging words
• 1/16: CARING
• To feel and show concern for others.
• John 13:34 Jesus said, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
• Manner: When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.
• 1/23: RESPECT
• To honor or esteem one another. Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another in brotherly love.”
• Manner: Knock on closed doors, and wait to see if there’s a response — before entering.
• Manner: When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
• 1/30: No Put-Downs
• To speak inappropriately to someone.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
• Manner: Be kind with words; find a way to compliment everyone you meet; refrain from using words that are cruel or hurtful
• 2/6: FLEXIBILITY
• To be willing to alter plans when necessary.
• Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
• 2/13: SENSE OF HUMOR
• To laugh and be playful without hurting others.
• Job 8:21 “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”
• 2/20: COMMON SENSE
• To use good judgment.
• 1 Samuel 25:33 “May you be blessed for your good judgment.”
• Manner: Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don’t pick your nose in public.
• Manner: Don’t reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.
• 2/27: COOPERATION
• To work together toward a common goal or purpose.
• Hebrews: 13:16 “Do not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
• Manner: It is polite to give the floor to the speaker or presenter. They have the floor