In this special episode, 6th graders at Pueblo Middle School team up to share the power habits they’ve been practicing to become confident, successful students and strong role models. From being proactive and solving problems to finding their voice and taking care of themselves, each group dives into one habit and explains how it helps them handle everyday challenges. This episode is designed to inspire younger kids with simple, real-life examples of how these habits can make middle school less stressful—and more awesome. Whether you're just starting out or already navigating the halls, these Pueblo Power Habits will help you thrive!

Tune in for skills kids can work on over the summer to build confidence and connection before heading into middle school. This was such a special collaboration with a classroom full of Lil’ Leaders—a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Eastin, who inspired her students to lead with purpose and positivity.

Picture Book Recommendations:

a. The Creature of Habit

Author: Jennifer E. Smith Illustrator: Leo Espinosa

A very big creature with big teeth, big eyes, and very big feet lives on the island of Habit. Every day the creature happily does the exact same things in the exact same order.

That is, until a small boat carrying a very small creature with small teeth, small eyes, and very, very small feet arrives on the island. The big creature is excited to share his routine, but the small creature has ideas of his own. The little creature does something different every day--it's madness to the big creature!

Can these two creatures learn to understand each other? Is the island big enough for both of them? Colorful and captivating, this is a story about learning with and from your friends.

b. The Day My Clock Broke

Author: Vix Browne Illustrator: Moch Fajar Shobaru

Safe inside his cozy nest, a young bird considers whether or not to give his new wings a try. What if he tries and the wings don’t work, and he flails, plummets, and looks foolish? Then again, what if his wings take him swooping and gliding, sailing and flying through a great big wonderful world? He’ll never know if he never endeavors. With the help of her bold, beautiful collage artwork, Caldecott Honor-winning artist Holly Meade offers a gentle nudge for hesitant fledglings of all ages and species to step out, to dare, to try . . . and to fly.

Cool Q's For Discussion:

1. Which habit do you think would help you the most right now, and why?

(Example: Do you need help with staying organized, solving problems with friends, or feeling more confident?)

2. What does "being proactive" mean to you, and can you think of a time you made a good choice without being told?

3. When you have a lot to do, how do you decide what to do first? How could the "prioritize" habit help you?

4. What does it mean to "seek first to understand, then to be understood"? How could that help you in a disagreement with a friend or sibling?

5. "Sharpening the tool" means taking care of yourself. What’s one thing you do to recharge your body or brain when you feel tired, frustrated, or overwhelmed?

6. What is your main takeaway from today’s episode?

Have a great week everyone!

Keep Leading and Keep Reading,

Tina

Veera is back! Our first returning guest shares how her school year is wrapping up and what she’s learned along the way. She talks about her role in the Envoy Program, where just two students per class help new kids feel welcome. From tips on making friends to handling hard days, Veera shows us how leadership starts with kindness and a listening ear.

Picture Book Recommendations:

a. The Girl with Big, Big Questions

Author: Britney Winn Lee Illustrator: Jacob Souva

From the bestselling Big, Big series comes a book that celebrates the spirit of curiosity and encourages kids to courageously ask their hard questions

"Why can't people live on the moon?"

"Can I be president when I grow up?"

"What makes a person good?"

These are just some of the questions that bubble forth from one little girl with twinkling eyes and a curious mind. When the girl finds that her big questions make some people uncomfortable, she stops. But then she learns that her questions can solve problems and that asking questions is how we learn and grow.

Celebrate the spirit of curiosity and the joy of learning with this lively picture book about a persistent girl and her quest for knowledge.

b. What's the Worst that Could Happen?

Author: Yewande Daniel-Ayoade Illustrator: Renāte Logina

What’s the worst that could happen? Easy for grandma to say. But Kayla could only imagine the worst-case scenarios as she tried to make friends at her new school. Will Kayla overcome her fear of rejection? Or will an overactive imagination get in the way?'What's the Worst that Could Happen?' is a heartwarming book that explores living with social anxiety from a child's perspective.

Cool Q's For Discussion:

1. What’s one way you can help a new student feel welcome at your school?

2. Veera talks about how we all have tough days- socially and academically—how do you usually get through those kinds of days?

3. If your school had a program like the Envoy Program, would you want to be part of it? Why or why not?

4. Veera mentions that being kind can help others feel like they belong. What are some simple acts of kindness you could do this week?

5. What’s one piece of advice you would give to a new student coming to your school in the fall?

6. What is your main takeaway from today’s episode?

Have a great week everyone!

Keep Leading and Keep Reading,

Tina