Habits of Mind

Dina Reilly
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction 
Phone: (516) 390-3119
Email: dreilly@whufsd.com

Welcome to the West Hempstead Habits of Mind Page

The Sixteen Habits of Mind are essential life strategies designed to help individuals, especially children, effectively manage challenges and achieve success across various aspects of life. These habits form a framework for thoughtful and constructive behavior that promotes personal and academic growth.

What Are the Sixteen Habits of Mind?

The Habits of Mind are:

  1. Persisting: Sticking with a task until it is completed.

  2. Managing Impulsivity: Thinking before acting.

  3. Listening with Understanding and Empathy: Being open to and respectful of other perspectives.

  4. Thinking Flexibly: Considering alternative strategies and viewpoints.

  5. Thinking About Thinking (Metacognition): Knowing your thought processes and understanding how you learn.

  6. Striving for Accuracy: Checking work carefully to ensure correctness and precision.

  7. Questioning and Posing Problems: Being curious and asking thoughtful questions.

  8. Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations: Using previous learning to address new challenges.

  9. Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision: Expressing thoughts clearly and accurately.

  10. Gathering Data Through All Senses: Using all senses to collect and process information.

  11. Creating, Imagining, Innovating: Being inventive and generating new ideas.

  12. Responding with Wonderment and Awe: Finding joy and fascination in learning and the world around you.

  13. Taking Responsible Risks: Venturing into new experiences, even if they seem challenging or uncertain.

  14. Finding Humor: Seeing the lighter side of situations.

  15. Thinking Interdependently: Collaborating effectively with others and valuing teamwork.

  16. Remaining Open to Continuous Learning: Always receptive to new information and ideas.

Why Is It Beneficial for Children to Practice Them?

Practicing these Habits of Mind helps children develop vital skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication. These habits foster a growth mindset, encouraging children to view challenges as opportunities for learning and development rather than as obstacles.

How Can It Positively Impact Their Life and Future?

  • Enhanced Problem-Solving: By cultivating these habits, children become more adept at finding creative solutions to problems in academic settings and life.

  • Better Emotional Regulation: Habits like managing impulsivity and listening with empathy enable children to understand and manage their emotions, leading to healthier relationships and better decision-making.

  • Lifelong Learning: The habit of remaining open to continuous learning ensures that children are always ready to adapt and grow, which is crucial in an ever-changing world.

  • Improved Academic Performance: Many habits, such as striving for accuracy and applying past knowledge, directly contribute to better learning outcomes in school.

  • Increased Resilience: Persisting through challenges and taking responsible risks build resilience, helping children bounce back from setbacks with greater strength.

The West Hempstead School District recognizes the importance of developing these Habits of Mind in Pre-K through 12th-grade students. By integrating these habits into the educational experience, the district aims to nurture well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills necessary to navigate life’s complexities and succeed in their future endeavors.