I learned about the "Habits of the Mind" from Deborah Meier, a former kindergarten teacher, founder of the Central Park East Schools, fellow at the Annenberg Institute for School Reform, and she is leading various efforts to reinvent public schools across the country. She is currently principal of the Mission Hill School in Boston. I use these "habits" in every aspect of teaching and learning. The "habits" should be internalized by every student and used no matter what they are studying about both in school and especially out of it!
Habits Of The Mind Standards
Evidence - How do you know that? Facts to base claim? Proof?
Perspective - Whose point of view? Who said it and why?
Supposition - Hypothesizing - What if?
Connections - What patterns? How related?
Relevance - Who cares? Why is that important?
Knowing and learning take on importance only when we are convinced it matters, it makes a difference. Having a good mind and being well-educated don't always seem important to young people. It matters because it will help us get ahead, get into a good college, hold a well-paying job. But that's not the whole story! It will also help save the world! I know that sounds kind of corny. But it's also true.
It's important to be able to stand alone, to take personal responsibility. But it's also important to be able to work with others - to collaborate. That means not forgetting our family, our friends, and our community as we gain success in life. Young people are in a lot of conflict between their ambitions, their compassion for others and their loyalties to family and friends. That's where they need you - their parents. There is no greater wisdom on relevant issues. And you can help your child to learn to analyze and think for themselves by integrating the Habits of the Mind questions into parenting.
You can read more about the Habits of the Mind and how Deborah Meier has transformed democratic education in her book, The Power of Their Ideas.
Best,
Debra
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