Implementing the 16 Habits of Mind in your Classroom
So now you know what each of the 16 Habits are (and are using the hip HOM acronym for them, because, you know, you can). Now what? It's time to move beyond just knowing what they are and into making an impact on your classroom. The resources below can help get you started. Think about implementing them following these steps:
1. Introduce the Habits and explore the meaning of each (sound familiar??)
2. Expand understanding by reflecting on their mastery of each habit and asking their input in how they
could be used in varying situations.
3. Increase alertness to the Habits and help students internalize why the Habits are useful and how they could
better implement them in to their own lives.
4. Extend the value of the Habits by incorporating them in to everything you do: curriculum, language,
assessment, etc.
5. Build commitment to the use of the Habits through constant reflection, discussion and acknowledgement.
1. Introduce the Habits and explore the meaning of each (sound familiar??)
2. Expand understanding by reflecting on their mastery of each habit and asking their input in how they
could be used in varying situations.
3. Increase alertness to the Habits and help students internalize why the Habits are useful and how they could
better implement them in to their own lives.
4. Extend the value of the Habits by incorporating them in to everything you do: curriculum, language,
assessment, etc.
5. Build commitment to the use of the Habits through constant reflection, discussion and acknowledgement.
Check out these Resources:
- Think the traditional HOM handouts lack a little pizazz (or even a little engagement factor)? This blogger took to the task of creating fabulous posters that make students want to learn about each habit. Each poster also includes tools that can help utilize that habit in education. What more could you need??
- Take each Habit and learn ways to focus on it in the classroom. Quick and simple to read.
- A compilation of thoughts, activities, and musings, this PDF is aptly titled "Habits of Mind Bootcamp." Not only did I "borrow" the steps of implementing HOM above, but it has fun colors, too.
- This activity is a great way to discuss each habit with colleagues or students.
- This blog post shows how a teacher utilizes the Habits of Mind with Project-Based Learning, including helpful links and other resources.
- A presentation posted in 2007 (man! we'd better catch up with the times!!) gives solid tips on implementing HOM for a primary school audience.
- This link has printable posters you could post in your classroom...or look below to create your own!
Use these tools to create your own resources (or practice utilizing HOMs yourself)
Create Images/Posters
- Glogster: This site has great templates to create posters.
- Block Poster: Use this program to take an image and "blow it up" so that you can print it on multiple sheets of paper to create one big poster.
- Befunky: Quick and easy way to make "Pinterest-worthy" images that grab attention.