Habits of Mind
Nathaniel Keller, left, and Zachary Kunitz, second-graders at South Fayette Elementary School, speak during Dr. Bena Kallick’s recent visit to South Fayette School District.
Middle school and intermediate school students watch an animated film they created to explain the 16 “Habits of Mind” and how they are being used in their classroom activities.
Dr. Bena Kallick from the Institute for Habits of Mind likes what she sees during one of the student presentations.
South Fayette Township School District has joined an elite group of schools that have earned the designation of being an International Habits of Mind Learning Community of Excellence.
Dr. Bena Kallick from the Institute for Habits of Mind recently visited South Fayette schools to recognize educators and students who’ve incorporated essential habits into their studies. She also presented the award and certification at the school board’s October meeting.
South Fayette is one of only 18 schools worldwide to receive the honor, and is certified as a Habits of Mind school district for the next three years.
The following 16 habits have been identified as key attributes or behaviors to guide students as they solve problems and resolve conflicts at school and eventually in professional careers:
• Thinking and communicating with clarity and precision;
• Managing impulsivity;
• Gathering data through all senses;
• Listening with understanding and empathy;
• Creating, imagining and innovating;
• Thinking flexibly;
• Responding with wonderment and awe;
• Thinking about thinking (metacognition);
• Taking responsible risks;
• Striving for accuracy;
• Finding humor;
• Persisting;
• Questioning and posing problems;
• Thinking interdependently;
• Applying past knowledge to new situations;
• Remaining open to continuous learning.
Several students demonstrated STEAM projects in which they incorporated these habits in order to achieve successful outcomes.
High school students from the Innovation Studio course discussed their project-based learning partnerships with regional corporations.
Intermediate and middle school students created an animated movie about “Habits of Mind,” and a group of elementary students teamed up to build roller-coasters out of cardboard and tape. Each project required students to gather data, think flexibly, innovate and communicate effectively with their peers.
”Teamwork is so important because you need other people to help you and give you ideas. Sometimes teams argue, but eventually you agree on something,” second-grader Dean Wolstoncoft said.
Kallick said she was very impressed with the students’ work and their presentations.
“They were so excited and to see the habits of mind through that lens was a very gratifying experience. … This is going to be a generation of creative and innovative thinkers,” she said.