This breakfast’s subject was “Habits of Mind. “ Professor Arthur L. Costa’s definintion of Habits of Mind : “the characteristics of what intelligent people do when they are confronted with problems, the resolutions of which are not immediately apparent.”
He and his colleague Bena Kallick list 16 habits of mind which are all verbs.
As I sat with many of the members of the school board and we discussed at our table the importance of churches and schools working in the community to foster healthy habits of mind, I was excited to see new opportunities open to us as a congregation. As I read through these, (find them here http://www.habits-of-mind.net/whatare.htm ) I made the comment that we as a church could use the same terminology as the school to help reinforce their objective.
The superintendent and I discussed how this is something we adults can learn to do also. I especially liked the ”responding with wonderment and awe” and “finding humor” components.
What another great way to connect the church with the community. Go where the community is and work with them. This helps us to excercise the final component of healthy habits of mind “remaining open to continuous learning.”
I look forward to future meetings with our local superintendent.
