• Introduction

    The Habits of Mind work started many years ago and has developed in several ways. Researchers from top universities have focused on “intelligent behaviors” over the last thirty years. These “intelligent behaviors” have been identified as those thinking “habits” or “behaviors” that that have a strong correlation to success in relationships, school and the workplace. Thousands of successful people have been studied to see which of these intelligent behaviors contributed most to their personal success and happiness. Arthur Costa and Bena Kallick have identified 16 intelligent ways of thinking in their book series, ​Habits of Mind.​ I recommend the first book in the series as a great way to begin to learn about and implement the habits of mind into our own lives. Research from schools implementing Habits of Mind into their work is on­going and is showing great promise on a variety of levels. The 16 Habits of Mind from Costa and Kallick will be posted on the PTO Website for reference and will also be shared in the Principal’s Corner.
     

    In implementing Habits of Mind in the classroom​ we look at the ​activity the student is asked to complete. This ​activity is chosen to help the stud​ent learn the​ ​concept. The ​concept is based on the curriculum and standards in each con​ tent area. The ​process of learning is then considered as to how best to teach the concept to students based on learning styles and other fac​tors. The ​Habits of Mind that most correlate to student​ success on​ that ​concept and ​activity are then inco​rporated into the ​process of the lesson. This four step process does not take anything away from the curriculum but rather enriches the lesson as students learn to use the Habits of Mind to access their own learning and understanding of the ​process and the concept.