International Habits of Mind School of Distinction

There is a growing recognition that mastering subject-area knowledge alone will not be sufficient to prepare your children for their futures. They will need deliberate practice and focused attention to grow their capacity as efficacious thinkers to navigate and thrive in the face of unprecedented change.

Habits of Mind are a universal framework for thinking and are as essential now as when we first introduced them 30 years ago. Habits of Mind are dispositions people use when confronted with problems and situations to which answers are not immediately apparent. When we draw upon these intellectual resources, the results that are produced are more powerful, of higher quality and of greater significance than if we fail to employ those intellectual behaviors.

Parent Weekly Devotional - Incorporating the Habits of Mind at Home

As parents, we are called to nurture our children’s hearts, spirits, and minds. Just as a gardener plants and waters with care, we plant seeds of wisdom, perseverance, and faith in our children. The Habits of Mind provide a framework to help them grow in creativity, resilience, critical thinking, and perseverance—guiding them to face life with patience, purpose, and a Christ-like mindset.

Developed by educators Arthur Costa and Bena Kallick, the Habits of Mind align beautifully with biblical truths. Scripture calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). These habits encourage us to use our minds to honor God, seek wisdom, and reflect Christ in our relationships and choices.

When we help our children persist through challenges, adapt with flexibility, listen with empathy, and strive for excellence, we are shaping them into people who reflect God’s love and wisdom. Each week of this devotional, you’ll be introduced to one of the 16 Habits of Mind, paired with Scripture and practical applications for family life.

This journey goes beyond preparing children for success in school or work. It’s about forming lives rooted in Christ—lives marked by integrity, creativity, service, and faith. As you weave these habits into your parenting, may this guide equip you with wisdom and encouragement, helping your family grow closer to Christ together.