Nurturing Habits of Mind in Early Childhood

<p>In the first years of life as children observe imitate and interact with people and their environment the brain is structuring a foundation for vocabulary values cognitive processes and social skills. Educators you can help influence that development by teaching the skills and dispositions of intelligent creative effective decision makers and problem solvers. <p>Within these pages Arthur L. Costa and Bena Kallick share the authentic stories and experiences of teachers who have taught these Habits of Mind (HOM) to young children: <p/>- Persisting <br>- Managing impulsivity <br>- Listening with understanding and empathy <br>- Thinking flexibly <br>- Thinking about thinking <br>- Striving for accuracy <br>- Questioning and posing problems <br>- Applying past knowledge to new situations <br>- Thinking and communicating with clarity and precision <br>- Gathering data through all senses <br>- Creating imagining and innovating <br>- Responding with wonderment and awe <br>- Taking responsible risks <br>- Finding humor <br>- Thinking interdependently <br>- Remaining open to continuous learning <p>The practical examples in this book show how anybody who works with young children can introduce the Habits of Mind in entertaining and concrete ways that are developmentally appropriate. By designing learning experiences that reflect the situations and challenges children face in their lives educators can help our youngest citizens begin to develop the habits of mind that feed a lifetime of learning.</p>