Building Commitment
- Invite graduates to return and talk about their experiences with
the Habits of Mind. Ask them to discuss which habits can help make tran-
sitions successful: from elementary school to middle school, from middle
school to high school, or from high school to college or work. - Invite students to rate themselves on the self-assessment inventory
found in Appendix D. Have them set a goal for themselves as to which of
the habits they might wish to improve upon. - Invite students to choose a person in school, in history, or in their
family (e.g., hero, coach, athlete, fictional character in a book, teacher,
sibling, parent). Which of the Habits of Mind displayed by that person
do the students most admire? Ask them to develop a plan to become more
like the person of their choice. - Discuss with students which of the Habits of Mind are most
needed in the school and community. Develop a series of “public service
announcements” to be broadcast over the school’s or community’s TV
network or radio. - Develop newspaper articles about the Habits of Mind and submit
to the local newspaper. - Prepare a presentation to the local board of supervisors, city coun-
cil, school board, or other adult governmental body. Encourage them to
apply the Habits of Mind to their functions, decisions, and policies. - Examine school policies and practices to determine how the
Habits of Mind might make them even more significant and valued. - Invite teachers to share with their students those Habits of Mind
in which they are striving to improve. Have them ask students for feedback
as to how they are doing and ways they might improve. - Invite students to translate the Habits of Mind into “teen-speak.”
Develop inspirational stories, plays, and essays using that terminology.
386 Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind