This page contains only the lessons, applications, resources, and evidence expectations for your grade. Each Common Sense Media lesson is designed to reinforce the monthly Leader in Me habit rather than function as an additional initiative.
AI Access & Boundary
Guided imagi/vibe coding. Students plan, prompt, test, debug, explain, and answer the five authorship questions.
Teacher Time-Saver
Prepare a guided Imagi workspace and require the five authorship questions. Use the application as the LIM practice.
2026–2027 School Year · 36 Weeks · 3 Trimesters
Leader in Me (Level 3) habits and leadership modules paired week by week with Common Sense Media digital citizenship strands and mentor picture-book read-alouds.
Pacing
3 sessions / week (25 minutes each)
Start date
August 20, 2026
Total duration
36 weeks · Weeks 1–36 (Aug 20, 2026 – Jun 10, 2027)
School
Cold Spring School
Day 1: Direct Instruction (25 Min)
Read the mentor picture book aloud. Introduce the Leader in Me habit/concept using the story as an anchor. Build a class anchor chart.
Day 2: Application (25 Min)
Wks 1–12: Digital Citizenship activities / scenario cards. Wks 13–36: Small group role-play & leadership exercises.
This master catalog pairs foundational Leader in Me habits with high-interest 3rd-grade picture books. Each book provides a concrete visual story to help students anchor leadership traits during read-aloud sessions.
3rd Grade Alignment Matrix for the 7 Habits + Habit 8 & Core Leadership Modules
Habit 1: Be Proactive
(Modules 04, 06, 07, 08)
Amazing Grace
by Mary Hoffman
Grace takes charge of her own success despite classmates telling her she can't play Peter Pan. Illustrates taking initiative, Circle of Control, and choosing proactive responses.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
(Module 05)
The Very Busy Spider
by Eric Carle
The spider stays completely focused on her ultimate goal (building a web) despite constant distractions from farm animals. Connects to vision, planning, and goal setting.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
(Trimester 1 Anchor)
Froggy Gets Dressed
by Jonathan London
Froggy constantly forgets essential steps and gets distracted, illustrating what happens when priority (“Big Rocks”) tasks are done out of order. Connects to media balance and focus.
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
(Trimester 2 Anchor)
The Rainbow Fish
by Marcus Pfister
Rainbow Fish learns that hoarding beauty leads to isolation, while sharing creates mutual joy and friendship. Teaches cooperative problem-solving and mutual benefit.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand...
(Trimester 2 Anchor)
Stellaluna
by Janell Cannon
Stellaluna the bat learns to adapt to bird habits while appreciating her own identity, highlighting perspective-taking, empathetic listening, and celebrating differences.
Habit 6: Synergize
(Trimester 2 Anchor)
Swimmy
by Leo Lionni
Swimmy brings individual small fish together to form the shape of a giant fish, scaring away predators. Demonstrates teamwork, valuing unique strengths, and collective power.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
(Trimester 3 Anchor)
Owl Moon
by Jane Yolen
A peaceful night walk in search of an owl highlights quiet reflection, patience, and connecting with nature. Models balancing Body, Mind, Heart, and Soul (unplugging).
Habit 8: Find Your Voice
(Trimester 3 Anchor)
The Dot
by Peter H. Reynolds
Vashti discovers her creative confidence starting from a single mark on paper, then encourages others to do the same. Focuses on unique talents and inspiring peers.
Growth Mindset & Self-Regulation
(Modules 04 & 07)
The Most Magnificent Thing
by Ashley Spires
A young girl struggles with frustration while inventing, uses self-regulation strategies to cool off, and perseveres to complete her project through a growth mindset.
Emotional Intelligence & Community
(Module 06 & EBA)
Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
by Carol McCloud
Concrete visual concept of Emotional Bank Account (EBA) deposits and withdrawals, demonstrating kindness, empathy, and active appreciation of peers.
Weeks 1–12 | August 20, 2026 – November 20, 2026 (Digital Citizenship completed in Week 12)
Target: Complete all 3rd Grade Common Sense Digital Citizenship core strands while laying the foundation for Leader in Me Habit 3, Self-Regulation (Module 07), and Proactive Practices (Module 08).
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Classroom Culture & Leadership
Digital Citizenship Strand
Intro: Digital Community
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
The 7 Habits of Happy Kids
by S. Covey
Why it fits: Establishes class leadership roles and responsibilities both in person and online.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Digital Citizenship Strand
Media Balance: Device-Free Moments
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Froggy Gets Dressed
by J. London
Why it fits: Shows what happens when steps are out of order; highlights putting “Big Rocks” before screens.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Habit 3: Prioritization
Digital Citizenship Strand
Media Balance: Finding Balance
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
The Little Red Hen
by P. Galdone
Why it fits: Connects hard work and essential responsibilities before leisure/screen rewards.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Module 07: Self-Regulation
Digital Citizenship Strand
Media Balance: Pause & Think Online
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids
by T. Rath
Why it fits: Teaches the “Pause Plan” before acting or making negative digital choices.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Module 07: Calming Strategies
Digital Citizenship Strand
Media Balance: Digital Feelings
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Jabari Jumps
by G. Cornwall
Why it fits: Illustrates body cues when overwhelmed and choosing proactive strategies to stay calm.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Module 08: Circle of Control
Digital Citizenship Strand
Privacy: Private & Personal Info
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Jamaica’s Find
by J. Havill
Why it fits: Explores choices around personal belongings and keeping private information secure.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Module 08: Proactive Choices
Digital Citizenship Strand
Privacy: Strong Passwords
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
The Empty Pot
by Demi
Why it fits: Focuses on integrity and making honest, proactive security decisions.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Module 03: My Paradigms
Digital Citizenship Strand
Footprint: Our Digital Trail
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Frederick
by L. Lionni
Why it fits: Demonstrates that personal contributions leave lasting impressions on others over time.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Module 03: Core Paradigms
Digital Citizenship Strand
Footprint: Online Representation
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Amazing Grace
by M. Hoffman
Why it fits: Encourages presenting your authentic, best self online and offline.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Module 04: Growth Mindset
Digital Citizenship Strand
Cyberbullying: Being an Upstander
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Chrysanthemum
by K. Henkes
Why it fits: Explores the impact of hurtful words and the courage needed to stand up for peers.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Module 04: Perseverance
Digital Citizenship Strand
Media Literacy: Fact or Fake Media
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
The Most Magnificent Thing
by A. Spires
Why it fits: Highlights working through obstacles and carefully evaluating online details.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Trimester 1 Review & Goal Check
Digital Citizenship Strand
Wrap-Up: Digital Citizen Pledge
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
What Do You Do With an Idea?
by K. Yamada
Why it fits: Synthesizes self-leadership goals and commits to positive digital contributions.
NOVEMBER BREAK: Nov 23–27, 2026 (NO CLASSES)
Weeks 13–24 | November 9, 2026 – February 19, 2027 (Focus: Habits 4, 5, 6 & Leadership Modules)
Target: Transition to interpersonal habits (Win-Win, Listening, Synergy) and emotional regulation (Modules 05 & 06) through active peer collaboration and mentor text discussions.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Core Leadership Focus
Mutual Respect in Group Work
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse
by L. Lionni
Why it fits: Demonstrates unselfish choices where both characters benefit and find joy.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Habit 4: Win-Win Solutions
Core Leadership Focus
Resolving Classroom Conflict
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
The Rainbow Fish
by M. Pfister
Why it fits: Teaches that sharing resources creates a winning outcome for the whole community.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand
Core Leadership Focus
Active & Empathetic Listening
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Stellaluna
by J. Cannon
Why it fits: Highlights listening and understanding someone else's lifestyle and point of view.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Habit 5: Perspective Taking
Core Leadership Focus
Seeing Other Viewpoints
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
by J. Scieszka
Why it fits: Classic exercise in seeing a story from a completely different perspective.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Emotional Bank Account (EBA)
Core Leadership Focus
Relationship Deposits
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
by C. McCloud
Why it fits: Direct visual analogy for making positive deposits in classmates' emotional accounts.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Habit 6: Synergize
Core Leadership Focus
Valuing Diverse Team Strengths
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Swimmy
by L. Lionni
Why it fits: Models combining individual unique traits to achieve what no one can do alone.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Habit 6: Synergy in Action
Core Leadership Focus
Creative Problem Solving
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
A Chair for My Mother
by V. Williams
Why it fits: Family and neighbors work together to achieve a shared goal after a crisis.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Module 05: Leading My Learning
Core Leadership Focus
Student-Led Questions & Targets
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes
by M. Pett
Why it fits: Normalizes learning through mistakes and taking ownership of educational goals.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Module 05: Learning Styles
Core Leadership Focus
Understanding How I Learn Best
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
How We Are Smart
by W. Nikola-Lisa
Why it fits: Explores multiple intelligences and unique personal learning strengths.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Module 06: Recognizing Emotions
Core Leadership Focus
Identifying Physical Body Cues
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
My Mouth Is a Volcano!
by J. Cook
Why it fits: Illustrates physical signals of emotional urges and strategies to self-regulate.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Module 06: Emotional Vocabulary
Core Leadership Focus
Naming Complex Feelings
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings
by J. Witek
Why it fits: Expands emotional vocabulary to help express complex feelings constructively.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Trimester 2 Reflection
Core Leadership Focus
Evaluating Interpersonal Habits
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
The Doorbell Rang
by P. Hutchins
Why it fits: Fun look at sharing, adapting to new peer situations, and keeping a win-win attitude.
WINTER BREAK: Dec 21, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027 (NO CLASSES)
Weeks 25–36 | February 22, 2027 – June 10, 2027 (Focus: Habits 7, 8 & Leadership Portfolios)
Target: Close the year with renewal, voice, and legacy: Habits 7 and 8, wildly important goals, leadership portfolios, student-led conferences, and community service.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Core Leadership Focus
4 Dimensions of Renewal
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Owl Moon
by J. Yolen
Why it fits: Connects to soul and mind renewal through peaceful, offline reflection.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Habit 7: Brain & Body Wellness
Core Leadership Focus
Physical & Mental Self-Care
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Henry Hikes to Fitchburg
by D.B. Johnson
Why it fits: Compares fast-paced consumption with slow, mindful enjoyment of life.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Habit 8: Find Your Voice
Core Leadership Focus
Discovering Personal Gifts
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
The Dot
by P.H. Reynolds
Why it fits: Inspires students to unlock creative talents and express their unique voice.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Habit 8: Inspiring Others
Core Leadership Focus
Encouraging Peer Voice
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Ish
by P.H. Reynolds
Why it fits: Teaches freeing oneself from perfectionism to help others express their gifts.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Module 01 & 02 Review
Core Leadership Focus
Synthesizing All 8 Habits
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
The 7 Habits of Happy Kids
by S. Covey
Why it fits: Comprehensive review of all 7 Habits in relatable school scenarios.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Goal Tracking (WIGs)
Core Leadership Focus
Wildly Important Goals
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Salt in His Shoes
by D. Jordan
Why it fits: Highlights determination, practice, and persistent goal tracking over time.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Student Leadership Roles
Core Leadership Focus
Classroom Responsibility
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Miss Rumphius
by B. Cooney
Why it fits: Focuses on leaving the world and classroom a better place through active service.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Perseverance & Growth
Core Leadership Focus
Learning from Failures
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Rosie Revere, Engineer
by A. Beaty
Why it fits: Celebrates “flops” as vital steps toward innovation and growth.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Leadership Portfolios
Core Leadership Focus
Curating Student Artifacts
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
I Like Myself!
by K. Beaumont
Why it fits: Builds self-appreciation and pride in individual growth and portfolio work.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Student-Led Conferences
Core Leadership Focus
Presenting Learning to Family
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald...
by M. Fox
Why it fits: Explores sharing memories and stories with others through visual artifacts.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
Community Service Project
Core Leadership Focus
Leadership in Action
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Uncle Willie & Soup Kitchen
by D. DiSalvo
Why it fits: Models community outreach and using personal time to serve others.
Leader in Me (Level 3)
End-of-Year Celebration
Core Leadership Focus
Legacy & Future Commitment
Mentor Book & Read-Aloud
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
by Dr. Seuss
Why it fits: Celebrates the entire year's leadership journey and looking ahead to 4th grade.
SPRING BREAK: March 29 – April 2, 2027 (NO CLASSES)
Direct links to every Grade 3 lesson resource. All links open in a new tab.
Common Sense Media — Grade 3 Digital Citizenship
Leader in Me — Habit Resources (member login required)
AI Application
