We took a TwtPoll on Twitter yesterday, asking folks Which Habitude Will You Work on Improving in 2009? While it's a small sampling, the results favor Perseverance as the Habitude to focus on in the new year:
Persevering through a task is easy to do when nothing gets in the way. But, how often does that happen? It’s the no-matter-what part of the habitude where difficulty lies. When to Quit, and When to Stick. We all know that things get in the way and that life can be hard, right? Real perseverance happens when you do it anyway, in spite of opposition.
What is a "habitude?" A habitude is the combination of habits and attitudes.
Why do we need to teach Habitudes?
As a classroom teacher, I spend many years checking off lists the
skills my students needed to be successful., Yet, I wonder, is the
checklist we operate from, our scope and sequence
of traditional; skills and lessons, enough for our students to invent,
create, collaborate, and solve their own problems?
And we need to start teaching them in the classroom...now!
I know - not another checklist! We already have too many of those to work from.
As a teacher I understand. In a world with mounting pressures to
"get things done", checklists have become our salvation. I too love
them! There is an exhilarating feeling that occurs after each mark is
successfully checked off. The harder the task, the harder the
checkmark, right?
So, let’s uncheck this list and explore together the behaviors, habits and attitudes that will know with conviction will ensure our students for success both inside and outside our classroom walls.
HABITUDE 1: IMAGINATION A cardboard box; a
basket of unfolded laundry; an individual blade of grass. To a child,
these everyday, unnoticed items become a fort; clothing for a king and
queen; a harmonica that plays symphonic music. Imagination is not just
for kids. Discovery, innovation, creativity, and learning all begin
with imagination. Everyone says imagination is important, but it's
something we take away by forcing students to memorize and repeat
rather than think and envision.
HABITUDE 2: CURIOSITY Champion learners are
curious about everything. They ask questions and get themselves
involved in all stages of learning, without worrying about the answer,
but relishing in the process. They have learned that by posing
questions, they can generate interest and aliveness in the most
exciting or mundane situation. This inquisitive attitude fuels their
unrelenting quest for continuous learning.
HABITUDE 3: PERSEVERANCE I think of times in my
life that it took more than "I think can" to get me to my goal. Most
recently, I completed running in my first half marathon. Without
resolve, determination, firmness, and endurance, I know I could not and
would not have physically or mentally gone the distance.
HABITUDE 4: SELF AWARENESS We all have
strengths and weaknesses in regard to our learning performance and
capabilities. Knowing yourself, knowing your strength, preferences, and
areas of need is a critical characteristic of a successful learner.
Yet, self-awareness is more than just recognition of what you can or
cannot be, do, have. This innate ability to stay in tune serves
multiple purposes. They can foresee problems and use their strengths to
overcome difficulties encountered.
HABITUDE 5: COURAGE Courageous learners
understand that safe is risky. Success is the byproduct of taking
risks, closing our eyes, saying I will not let fear hold me back, and
taking the plunge. I want them to understand that it takes courage to
address the voices in your head that echo doubts, questions, or other
paralyzing thoughts.
HABITUDE 6: ADAPTABILITY Adaptability is more
than just serving change; it is using change as a growth opportunity.
In fact, with anticipation of change, you can control change. This kind
of development requires robust adaptively. The world opens up for
adaptable learners, as they approach each task, each challenge willing
to be a beginner. They approach their learning and life with a
beginner's mindset. These learners embrace challenge with openness,
flexibility. Those who don't embrace change with adaptability usually
get blind-sided by it.
Come join me as we step outside the lines?
NOTE TO THE READER In Classroom Habitudes,
I’ll present the scope, and you will decide the sequence. This is not a
checklist list book, so I am not going to tell you how to read it.
What I will do is share with you the format of each chapter, so you can
start with any of the six habitudes. In each chapter you will find the
following to help support your conversations with students and
colleagues.
