Habits of the Mind & Profile of a Learner

At Silver Oak, we want every student to grow into a confident, capable learner who is ready for life beyond the classroom. Our PBIS framework and the 4 BE’s expectations guide how students act and treat others, while the Habits of Mind teach them how to think critically, solve problems, and approach challenges with perseverance and creativity. Together with our Profile of a Learner, these pieces work hand in hand to build the knowledge, character, and skills students need to succeed in school and in the world.

What Are the Habits of Mind?

The Habits of Mind are a set of 16 behaviors and attitudes that successful thinkers use when they encounter problems or new situations. These habits help children learn how to learn how to approach challenges with resilience, creativity, and confidence. Some examples include:

• Persisting: Sticking with a task even when it’s difficult.

• Managing Impulsivity: Pausing to think before acting or speaking.

• Listening with Understanding and Empathy: Truly hearing others’ perspectives.

• Thinking Flexibly: Considering different approaches or points of view.

• Striving for Accuracy: Taking pride in doing high-quality work.

• Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations: Using what they’ve learned to solve new problems.

Each trimester, we highlight one of these habits through classroom lessons, schoolwide conversations, and Student of the Month recognition. Students practice them across all subject areas, from math problem-solving to group projects, and learn how they can apply them in everyday life.

How Habits of Mind Work With PBIS

The Habits of Mind and PBIS work hand-in-hand to support the whole child. PBIS teaches students what positive behavior looks like (Be Prepared, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe), while the Habits of Mind teach them how to think and act when faced with choices, challenges, or conflicts. For example:

• A student who manages impulsivity is more likely to be respectful during class discussions.

• A student who persists is practicing being responsible by finishing a challenging assignment.

• A student who thinks flexibly is being prepared to solve problems in new ways.

Together, these skills build strong character, deepen academic learning, and prepare students for success beyond elementary school.

Profile of a Learner

The Habits of Mind are also closely connected to Evergreen School District’s Profile of a Learner, a shared vision of the skills, mindsets, and character traits we want all students to develop before they leave our schools. These include:

• Collaborators: Working effectively and respectfully with others.

• Communicators: Sharing ideas clearly and listening actively.

• Critical Thinkers: Analyzing information and solving complex problems.

• Global Citizens: Acting with empathy, cultural awareness, and responsibility.

• Self-Directed Learners: Setting goals, monitoring progress, and adapting as needed.

At Silver Oak, these qualities are woven into daily lessons, projects, classroom discussions, and schoolwide programs. When students practice the Habits of Mind, they are actively building the skills described in the Profile of a Learner.

How Families Can Support the Habits of Mind and Profile of a Learner

Families play a powerful role in helping children build these habits. You can support their growth by:

• Talking about the habit your child is learning each month and asking for examples of how they used it.

• Praising effort, perseverance, and problem-solving, not just results.

• Encouraging your child to pause, reflect, and try again when something is hard.

• Modeling these habits yourself in everyday life  from planning a family trip to solving a household problem.

When school and home work together, children see that these habits matter and they become part of who they are.