Learning & Leading With Habits of Mind

Integrating the Habits of Mind: A District Perspective 369

FIGURE 22.5

Two-Year Curriculum for Teaching the Habits of Mind

Tahoma School District

Habits of Mind

Arthur L. Costa

Grade 6

Thinking Flexibly Remains open to alternatives; sees

many possibilities.

Managing Impulsivity Thinks before acting; is deliberative.

Striving for Accuracy Uses criteria to evaluate quality;

demonstrates craftsmanship.

Gathering Data Through Observes using all sensory pathways;

All Senses engages the multiple intelligences.

Thinking About Thinking Puts into words his/her own thinking;

(Metacognition) self-reflects.

Thinking Interdependently Builds on other people’s thinking;

works collaboratively.

Thinking and Communicating Uses words carefully; strives for

with Clarity and Precision specificity in language.

Finding Humor Exhibits a whimsical approach to life.

Grade 7

Persisting Keeps on trying; does not give up easily.

Applying Past Knowledge Learns from experience.

to New Situations

Questioning and Asks questions; enjoys problem solving;

Posing Problems is curious.

Creating, Imagining, Innovating Enjoys making and doing original things;

strives for fluency and elaboration.

Listening with Understanding Listens to others attentively and with

and Empathy sensitivity.

Taking Responsible Risks Is willing to take on new challenges; is

not afraid of making mistakes.

Responding with Enjoys problem solving; demonstrates

Wo n d e r m e n t a n d Awe c u r i o s i t y.

Remaining Open to Strives for improvement; searches for

Continuous Learning new and better ways.

Source: Tahoma School District No. 409. Used with permission.