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Metacognition
Humans are the only creatures that can think about thinking or develop the skill of metacognition. Metacognition is cognition about cognition or knowing about knowing. It is the ability to consider how you learn as well as what you learn. In the past we have talked about multiple intelligences (nine have been identified) and learning…
Read MoreThink Flexibly-Habit of Mind
What do you think of when you hear the word “flexibly”? I don’t know about you but I think of gymnasts and dancers who seem to be relaxed and able to move into any number of graceful positions. I also think about contortionists who can bend, twist, and wiggle into the smallest of places. I…
Read MoreListen With Empathy and Understanding
Communication is a two way street. Someone needs to speak and someone else needs to listen, really listen with understanding and empathy. Too often we hear the words, apply our own thoughts and experiences to them, and then react or respond to what we’ve translated. When you take the time to listen with understanding and…
Read MoreManage Impulsivity-Habit of Mind
There is a big difference to my way of thinking between impulsivity and the phrase “carpe diem” credited to Horace in 23 BC. This phrase, “carpe diem”, translates into “seize the day”. In the film, Dead Poet’s Society, the professor John Keating encourages, “Seize the day, boys. Make your life extraordinary.” The notion of impulsivity…
Read MorePersistence, A Habit of Mind
Persistence is one of those habits that we need to help young people develop. Persistence is labeled as resiliency in Youth Development circles. Persistence is the ability to keep on, keeping on. It is important that this persistence is proactive and that the situations youth find themselves in are analyzed to determine which “next steps”…
Read MoreTell the Truth Without Blame or Judgment
If you haven’t had a chance to read Angeles Arrien’s book, The Four-fold Way, I would encourage you to do so. There is a great deal of wisdom in her four straightforward principles: Show up and choose to be present. Speak to what has heart and meaning. Tell the truth without blame or judgment. Be…
Read MoreTake A Step on the Moon
When I was entering high school the Soviet Union had just put Yuri Gargain into space on April 12, 1961. Americans were stunned that the Russians were capable of this and a young President, John F. Kennedy, captured the moment and inspired us to put a man on the moon by the end of the…
Read MoreBe Open to Outcome
Have you ever noticed how things don’t work out exactly as we’ve planned? Have you ever gone to the store, knowing exactly what you want, and come home frustrated because you just couldn’t find the perfect thing? And then you go another time with no real specifics in mind, and find many things that seem…
Read MoreFollow What Has Heart and Meaning
Working with children and youth cannot be successful if you don’t have an authentic interest in working with them and acting as both teacher and learner. To be successful with youth it is essential that you “want” to interact with them and be part of their lives. Working with youth is not for the faint…
Read MoreFirst Impression
A first impression is exactly that, a first impression. It happens within the first minute of meeting someone. In that moment we size people up and begin to “categorize” them and ask ourselves who they are most like that we already know. For youth, part of this sizing up is determining whether or not you…
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