encounters, reflections, rehearsals, practice sessions, and instructions. To
accomplish this goal, teachers must also get into the habit of teaching the
vocabulary of the Habits of Mind, deliberately structuring questions and
inviting students to plan for and reflect on their use of the habits. Students
soon begin using that vocabulary—even in preschool and kindergarten.
They learn to recognize the performance (or absence) of the Habits of
Mind in themselves and others—in characters in books and films, in playground
experiences, and even in politicians and other public figures. They
discuss ways that performance could be improved. Teachers and students
grow beyond the conscious stage as they internalize the Habits of Mind.
The habits become intuitive, ultimately reaching automaticity. The individual
strands (behaviors) eventually are woven into a strong cable (habit).
In addition to integrating the Habits of Mind into the already existing