Learning How to Think, Not Just What to Think

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At Spokane International Academy, we believe that success is about more than knowing the right answer. It is about how students respond when the answer isn't immediately clear.

The Habits of Mind are the thinking behaviors that help students navigate challenges, solve problems, collaborate with others, and continue learning throughout their lives. These habits encourage students to persevere through difficult tasks, ask thoughtful questions, communicate clearly, reflect on their thinking, and approach new situations with curiosity and confidence.

Our goal is to help students become thoughtful learners who not only gain knowledge, but also know how to apply it in meaningful ways.

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Learning Beyond the Classroom

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The Habits of Mind are practiced every day—not only during lessons, but throughout the entire school experience.

Students use these habits when they:

• Work through a challenging math problem instead of giving up.

• Listen respectfully to classmates with different opinions during discussions.

• Resolve conflicts peacefully on the playground.

• Demonstrate sportsmanship during athletics and extracurricular activities.

• Collaborate with teammates on projects and performances.

• Serve their community through service-learning experiences.

• Participate in internships and workplace learning by asking questions, taking initiative, and solving problems.

• Show responsibility and kindness at home and in their neighborhoods.

• Reflect on mistakes, learn from feedback, and continue improving.

These habits become part of who our students are, preparing them to succeed in school, college, careers, and life.

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Habits of Mind by Grade Level

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Each year, students intentionally develop specific Habits of Mind while continuing to practice those introduced in previous grades

 

Grade

Habits of Mind Focus

Kindergarten

Gathering Data Through All Senses • Creating, Imagining, and Innovating

1st Grade

Responding with Wonderment and Awe • Listening with Understanding and Empathy

2nd Grade

Managing Impulsivity • Thinking Flexibly

3rd Grade

Thinking About Thinking (Metacognition) • Thinking Interdependently

4th Grade

Finding Humor • Taking Responsible Risks

5th Grade

Striving for Accuracy • Questioning and Posing Problems

6th Grade

Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations • Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision

7th Grade

Persisting • Remaining Open to Continuous Learning

8th–12th Grade

Integrating and applying all 16 Habits of Mind across academic, extracurricular, and real-world experiences.

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Habits of Mind Across Every Classroom

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While students continue developing all of the Habits of Mind, each content area intentionally emphasizes specific habits that naturally align with the discipline.

• Mathematics: Persisting — Working through challenging problems with determination and resilience.

• Science: Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision — Using evidence, accurate language, and careful observation to explain ideas.

• English Language Arts: Questioning and Posing Problems — Reading, writing, and thinking critically by asking meaningful questions and exploring multiple perspectives.

• Social Studies: Thinking Interdependently — Collaborating with others, understanding diverse viewpoints, and working together to address complex issues.

 

 

Preparing Students for Life

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The Habits of Mind complement our commitment to building Global Competence. Together, they help students become curious learners, compassionate collaborators, effective communicators, and thoughtful leaders.

Whether students are participating in classroom discussions, competing on the athletic field, serving their community, completing an internship, or preparing for college and careers, these habits provide the foundation for lifelong success.

At Spokane International Academy, we are not simply preparing students to succeed on tests—we are preparing them to think wisely, act responsibly, and lead with purpose wherever life takes them.