Classroom Habitudes

To elaborate on some information that was sent home at Back to School night, we want to introduce our 7 classroom habitudes! Last year, our school district purchased a book written by Angela Maiers, Classroom Habitudes, for all teachers! This outstanding book looks at what 21st Century success requires:

• The ability to see the challenge and the solution, from every angle
• The ability know what questions to ask and when to ask them
• The ability to communicate one’s vision passionately and persuasively
• The ability to connect with others and create an enduring relationship
• The ability to understand your strengths and the discipline to improve your weaknesses
• The ability to stand out, stand up, and stand beside and knowing when each is required
• The ability to dream, set audacious goals, and believe they can be accomplished
• The ability to lead, serve, and honor others

Individuals and organizations with these attributes believe they can solve any problem and no challenge is too great. They approach problems with an attitude of optimism, persistence, confidence, and resolution to improve the situation, regardless of context and circumstance.

These abilities are a combination of habits, daily disciplined decisions that successful individuals choose to make, but they also illustrate a new attitude, mindset, and way of thinking about the world and one’s place in it. Together, these disciplined habits and critical mindsets, or Classroom Habitudes provide a comprehensive model for excellence in education.

The 7 Habitudes and the Months we will study them:

• Imagination (October)
• Curiosity (January)
• Self Awareness (September)
• Courage (February)
• Adaptability (April)
• Perseverance (November/December)
• Passion (March)

Hough has adopted the 7 habitudes as part of our social-emotional learning program. A different grade level will put up a bulletin board of the habitude we will study each month. Mr. Aalfs talks about the habitudes over the morning announcements and we study them in class. Check out the bulletin board near the office in between the library and Mr. George's classroom.

One of the habitudes is imagination! Here are some pictures of our creative, imaginative engineers at work with our Math Manipulatives! First Grade is in charge of the display for October, so please stop by during conferences to check it out!

For more information visit: http://www.angelamaiers.com/