- Develop a system of welcoming and orienting new students that
emphasizes the Habits of Mind as the goals and values of your school.
When a new student enrolls in the school, welcome the family as well. - Illustrate integrity. Let everyone in the school community see
that you live your life with the same expectations of yourself that you place
upon others for using the Habits of Mind. - Place a premium on good sporting behavior in physical educa-
tion and sports programs. How are competing honorably and Habits of
Mind related? How does participation in sports contribute to good Habits
of Mind in life beyond sports? - Examine and reexamine the responsibilities of a citizen. What
can students and staff do now to build the Habits of Mind of responsible
citizenship? - Give students sufficient and timely feedback about their work
using the Habits of Mind terminology. - During election years, encourage students to research candidates’
positions, listen to debates, and participate in voter registration drives. Ask
students to analyze the candidates’ backgrounds and platforms in terms of
the Habits of Mind. - Organize a visit to a meeting of the city council, board of super-
visors, board of education, or other public decision-making body. Before-
hand, share with these groups that students have been learning the Habits
of Mind, and that they want to look for the habits in action in the meetings. - Ask students to prepare a report on a living public figure (“My
Personal Hero”). The report should focus on how this individual embod-
ies the Habits of Mind. - Use morning announcements, school and classroom bulletin
boards, and the school newsletter to highlight student and faculty accom-
plishments that demonstrate the Habits of Mind. - During parent-teacher conferences, ask about parents’ concerns.
Model the habits of listening with understanding and empathy, and think-
ing and communicating with clarity and precision. - Use a variety of communications to tell parents how their chil-
dren are using the Habits of Mind: personal notes, phone calls, personal
visits, and classroom newsletters.
Appendix A: Bringing Habits of Mind to Life 385