16 Habits of Mind

What it means: Looking at a situation in more than one way and being open to different perspectives or solutions.

What this might look like in class: A student changes strategies when the first idea does not work, or listens to a classmate’s idea and rethinks their own answer.

What it means: Sticking with a task, even when it feels difficult, frustrating, or slow.

What this might look like in class: A student keeps working through a reading, math problem, or draft instead of giving up right away.

What it means: Trying to truly understand another person’s thoughts, feelings, or point of view.

What this might look like in class: A student listens carefully during a discussion, even when someone’s experience or opinion is different from their own.

What it means: Taking a moment to slow down, think, and respond carefully instead of reacting too quickly.

What this might look like in class: A student pauses before answering, waits their turn, or rereads directions before jumping into the task.

What it means: Thinking about your own thinking. This includes noticing your strategies, feelings, and choices while learning.

What this might look like in class: A student can explain what helped them learn, why they got stuck, or what they want to try differently next time.

What it means: Checking your work carefully, trying to improve it, and aiming to do your best.

What this might look like in class: A student revises an assignment, checks for mistakes, or uses feedback to make their work stronger.

What it means: Using what you already know to help you in a new problem, class, or life situation.

What this might look like in class: A student connects a previous lesson, life experience, or earlier assignment to a new topic.

What it means: Paying close attention by using your senses to notice what is happening around you.

What this might look like in class: A student notices visuals, tone, examples, demonstrations, or physical materials to help them understand a concept more fully.

What it means: Expressing ideas clearly, carefully, and specifically instead of speaking in vague or rushed ways.

What this might look like in class: A student explains their thinking with specific examples, clear language, and organized ideas.

What it means: Asking meaningful questions, noticing problems, and being curious about how to solve them.

What this might look like in class: A student asks why something works, what is missing, or how a problem could be approached differently.

What it means: Thinking of new ideas, trying new approaches, and being willing to create something different.

What this might look like in class: A student suggests a new solution, experiments with a project idea, or approaches an assignment in an original way.

What it means: Staying curious, humble, and willing to keep learning throughout life.

What this might look like in class: A student admits they do not know something yet, asks questions, and stays open to growth instead of pretending to already know everything.

What it means: Being able to laugh, notice lightness, and not take every moment so heavily.

What this might look like in class: A student can smile at a mistake, stay human during a hard moment, or help create a classroom atmosphere that feels less tense.

What it means: Working with others, learning together, and recognizing that collaboration can strengthen ideas.

What this might look like in class: A student contributes to group work, builds on a peer’s idea, and understands that learning can happen through collaboration.

What it means: Trying something new or challenging in a thoughtful way, even when success is not guaranteed.

What this might look like in class: A student volunteers to answer, shares an idea even if unsure, or attempts a hard task instead of avoiding it.

What it means: Staying curious, noticing beauty or possibility, and allowing yourself to be interested in the world around you.

What this might look like in class: A student becomes genuinely interested in an idea, asks deeper questions, or shows excitement about learning something new.