TeachersFirst Remaining Open to Continuous Learning (Habit of the Mind) Resources
One of the most powerful gifts we can give our students—and ourselves—is the realization that our minds are never "finished" products. The Habit of the Mind - Remaining Open to Continuous Learning is the heartbeat of the lifelong learner; it’s about having the humility to say "I don’t know yet" and the pride to go find the answer. When students see us adjusting our thinking based on new information, seeking out resources to fill gaps in our knowledge, or genuinely considering their perspectives, we're teaching them something more valuable than any content standard: that learning never stops, and not knowing is just the beginning of discovery. In a world that's changing faster than ever, the ability to stay curious, admit mistakes, revise understanding, and actively seek growth isn't just nice to have—it's essential. The types of resources that you will find in this collection include Growth Mindset videos and websites, reflection journals, peer and self-assessment rubrics, digital portfolio platforms, case studies, question board templates, metacognitive reflection activities, TED talks, progress-tracking tools, before-and-after thinking routines (such as “I used to think…Now I think..”), digital feedback tools, science news aggregators that often debunk “old facts,” free online courses, and more. Use these resources to help our students understand that the smartest people aren't the ones who know everything; they're the ones who never stop learning.
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Boost Student Growth: How to Use Page Templates for Effective Reflection in the Classroom - Book Creator
Grades
K to 12
tag(s): digital literacy (38), digital storytelling (177), thinking routines (59), thinking skills (136)
In the Classroom
When students are writing their daily journal prompt, students can learn how to use emojis and add pictures to enhance their writing. Students as young as kindergarten and 1st grade can learn how to give feedback to each other by using the microphone to record themselves. Finally, students can record themselves on their video check-in and learn how to insert their video into the Book Creator page.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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The Power of Believing That You Can Improve - TED
Grades
9 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): critical thinking (189), learning styles (23), social and emotional learning (205), thinking routines (59), thinking skills (136)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Keep, reviewed here to take notes while watching the video. After watching the video, ask students to create infographics using Mind Map Generator, reviewed here on information comparing fixed and growth mindsets. As an extension, use Cartoon Comic Maker, reviewed here to create engaging stories illustrating fixed and growth mindsets.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Using Reflective Writing to Deepen Student Learning - University of Minnesota
Grades
8 to 12tag(s): critical thinking (189), journals (26), thinking routines (59), thinking skills (136)
In the Classroom
Students can use various tools for their reflective writing, including a notebook, a digital tool such as Google Docs, or a video recording using Free Online Screen Recorder, reviewed here. Create Google Forms, reviewed here to help students reflect on their writing. Include specific questions in your form that guide students through the reflection process. Create a rubric using Magic School, reviewed here that includes information such as connection to learning goals, depth of student reflection, growth mindset and goal-setting, and use of evidence.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Journal Prompts for a Coming-of-Age Unit - Facing History and Ourselves
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): identity (42), journals (26), social and emotional learning (205)
In the Classroom
Start class with a short journal prompt about identity or belonging. Have students write for 5-7 minutes, then optionally share with a partner or small group. After responding to a prompt, have students discuss their ideas with a partner using sentence starters. While reading a coming-of-age text, have students choose prompts that relate to a character's experiences. Students can write from their own perspective, then add a second paragraph explaining how their response connects to the character's choices or growth.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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40 End-of-Year Journaling Prompts to Inspire Reflection - Rosebud
Grades
3 to 12In the Classroom
Give students 1-2 short prompts (favorite moment, biggest challenge) and have them complete quick 5-minute writes. Post different prompts around the room. Have students rotate, responding to each with a sentence or sketch. Have students choose one big prompt, such as "How did you grow this year?" and write a structured response with a claim, evidence, and reasoning.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Smithsonian Learning Lab - Smithsonian Learning Lab
Grades
K to 12tag(s): inquiry (38), museums (55), primary sources (145), quiz (59), Teacher Utilities (222), thinking routines (59), thinking skills (136)
In the Classroom
Choose an image, artifact, or document from the Smithsonian Learning Lab and display it to the class. Have students use an observation routine such as See, Think, Wonder to describe what they notice, what they think it means, and what questions they have. Have students explore the Learning Lab and select 3-5 items that connect to a current unit (for example, the American Revolution, ecosystems, or famous artists). Students can create their own small collection and write a short explanation of why each item belongs in the group. Assign a document, photo, or piece of artwork from the site and have students add notes explaining important details, vocabulary, or clues. Students can identify what the source shows, who created it, and why it is important.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mindfulness - Class Dojo
Grades
K to 5tag(s): emotions (73), social and emotional learning (205), thinking skills (136)
In the Classroom
Begin class with a one-minute mindful breathing exercise from ClassDojo. Afterward, have students share one word that describes how their body feels. This helps them transition into learning with calm and focus. After each mindfulness lesson, have students write a quick journal entry in Book Creator, reviewed here describing what strategy they learned and when they might use it. Encourage students to make connections to school, home, recess, or sports. Assign rotating student "Mindfulness Leaders" who choose a mindfulness activity for the class to do at the beginning or end of the day.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Growth Mindset - Class Dojo
Grades
K to 6tag(s): learning styles (23), social and emotional learning (205), thinking skills (136)
In the Classroom
Play one of the Growth Mindset videos, such as The Power of Yet, and have students turn and talk about a time they struggled to learn something new. Create a classroom display where students can anonymously post notes about mistakes they learned from that week. Have students design posters in DesignCap Poster Creator, reviewed here or on paper showing their before and after mindset when learning something difficult.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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16 Habits of Mind: Remaining Open to Continuous Learning - WonderGrove Kids
Grades
3 to 6This site includes advertising.
tag(s): thinking routines (59), thinking skills (136)
In the Classroom
Start class by sharing a common mistake (teacher or student-generated). Have students discuss what they can learn from it and how it helps them grow. Have students write about a time they struggled but learned something new. Encourage them to include what they would do differently next time and how staying open helped them improve. After watching the video, have students write one question they are curious about on a sticky note and add it to a class board or use a class Padlet, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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16 Habits of Mind: Remaining Open to Continuous Learning - WonderGrove Kids
Grades
3 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): flexibility (9), thinking routines (59), thinking skills (136)
In the Classroom
Write sentences, directions, or explanations that are unclear or incomplete on the board. Have students work in pairs to rewrite them so they show the habit from the video (for example, clearer, more precise, more accurate, or more thoughtful). Create a weekly challenge connected to the video (for example: "Use clear directions," "Check your work for accuracy," or "Explain your thinking"). Have students keep track on a checklist or reflection sheet and share examples at the end of the week. Students can write about a time when they did or did not use the habit from the video in a Reflection Journal using Book Creator, reviewed here. They can explain what happened, what they could do differently next time, and why the habit is important in school or life.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Effective Feedback for Student Growth - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Elevate your classroom culture with feedback that helps students thrive. This updated session moves beyond theory to explore practical strategies for teacher and peer feedback that accelerates learning. Discover the pedagogical foundations of effective feedback, learn to create and use feedback stems that guide meaningful responses, and explore strategic pairing and grouping methods that maximize peer learning. We'll examine how to model feedback for students, build feedback banks that save time while maintaining quality, and use technology tools to streamline the feedback process. Whether you're looking to enhance your own feedback practice or teach students to give meaningful responses to each other, this session provides concrete strategies that work across content areas and grade levels. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Apply effective feedback strategies. 2. Implement peer feedback systems. 3. Integrate technology for feedback efficiency. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): feedback (17), OK2Askarchive (51)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Habits of Mind Explorer - Habits of Mind Insitute
Grades
K to 12tag(s): critical thinking (189), preK (329), problem solving (282), social and emotional learning (205), thinking routines (59), thinking skills (136)
In the Classroom
Include this resource as part of a project-based learning unit by having students choose one habit to focus on as they work through a complex challenge. For a social studies project exploring historical figures, students can analyze which habits, like Taking Responsible Risks or Striving for Accuracy, were most critical to their subject's success. After conducting research, students can organize their insights and provide examples of these habits in action by creating a collaborative digital board with Lino, reviewed here. To take the reflection deeper, ask students to map out their own growth in that specific habit by creating a visual journey or mind map using MindMup, reviewed here shifting focus from just learning facts to understanding the mental behaviors that drive achievement, helping students become more self-aware and intentional learners.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Goal Setting - Easy Teacher Worksheets
Grades
3 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): behavior (49), classroom management (144), social and emotional learning (205), thinking routines (59), thinking skills (136)
In the Classroom
Have students use completed goal sheets during conferences to explain growth, challenges, and next steps. This will help to build accountability and show progress. Use the goal planner before large projects (book reports, Reading Trek maps, research papers, robotics builds). Students can break the assignment into mini-deadlines and checkpoints to strengthen executive functioning skills. After quizzes or benchmark tests, students can analyze their results and set targeted improvement goals to gain ownership of their learning.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mindset Journal - Youcubed
Grades
K to 12tag(s): journals (26), student-centered (8), thinking skills (136)
In the Classroom
Have students complete a short journal entry at the end of the day reflecting on a challenge they faced and how they worked through it. This form of journaling builds self-awareness and reinforces the idea that effort leads to growth. Have students write one skill they are still working on using a "I can't do this yet" statement from the journal. Post journal responses on a class bulletin board to celebrate perseverance and normalize learning struggles. At the start of a new unit, have students set a personal learning goal in their journal. Midway through the unit, they revisit their entry to reflect on progress, strategies, and mindset shifts.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Integrating the 16 Habits of Mind - edutopia
Grades
K to 12tag(s): classroom management (144), problem solving (282), social and emotional learning (205)
In the Classroom
Students can share how they are implementing the Habits of the Mind by posting it on Lino, reviewed here. Students can create an infographic using MindMeister, reviewed here to explain one of the habits. Students can create a comic using ToonyTool, reviewed here explaining one of the Habits of the Mind.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The 10 Metacognitive Strategies That Will Empower All Primary And Secondary Students - Third Space Learning
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): thinking skills (136)
In the Classroom
Students can create goals using Google Drawing, reviewed here and track their progress. Students can use Word Clouds, reviewed here to ask questions while reading a story. Students can use the Timelines Tool by ReadWriteThink, reviewed here to break down problems step by step.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Metacognition in the Classroom: More Than Thinking About Thinking - Learning A to Z
Grades
K to 12tag(s): questioning (37), reading comprehension (145), summarizing (30), teaching strategies (81), thinking skills (136), visualizations (15)
In the Classroom
Students can use Canva for Education, reviewed here to create their goals. Students can use Mentimeter, reviewed here to make connections to a text. Students can post questions in Stickies.io, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Character Lab - Character Lab
Grades
K to 12tag(s): social and emotional learning (205)
In the Classroom
Choose any topic you're teaching and have students generate three "wonder questions." Invite them to share one with a partner, then select a few to guide class discussion. Give students small index cards and have them write or draw one thing they are grateful for that day. They should say something specific, not general (for example, "My friend helped me understand fractions" instead of "my friends"). Collect the cards and create a class gratitude wall. Set up three short challenge stations (puzzles, STEM building tasks, brainteasers). Have students rotate through each one and practice using perseverance strategies, such as breaking a task into smaller steps or trying a new approach. Afterward, they can reflect on which strategy helped them the most and how they can apply it in academic tasks.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Canva Thinking Routine Templates - Teach Cheat
Grades
K to 8tag(s): graphic organizers (57), thinking routines (59), thinking skills (136)
In the Classroom
Encourage students to design digital portfolios or presentation slides that showcase their learning in ELA, science, or social studies, integrating text, images, and creativity through the Teach Cheat templates. Students can create goal-setting trackers or subject-specific study guides using planner templates or collaborate on digital thank-you cards to practice writing and design skills. Students can choose a poster or graphic organizer template to record what they see, think, and wonder about a text, image, or concept. They can add icons, images, and text boxes to illustrate each step.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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MIT Open Courseware - MIT Open Courseware
Grades
8 to 12tag(s): africa (162), artificial intelligence (342), business (51), coding (110), creating media (15), energy (143), engineering (141), environment (250), equations (128), literature (215), sociology (24), space (252), STEM (380), transportation (31)
In the Classroom
AP history, language, and economics students may find MIT's online course materials useful. MIT has committed to putting its entire curriculum on the web, and these early offerings include syllabi, reading materials, and a variety of subject-specific class notes. Before using these pages, students and parents should all be aware of what Open Courseware is and is not. Teachers at smaller schools may welcome the availability of language alternatives. Teachers of gifted who are looking for acceleration options will also find these courses valuable, though you will need to develop a means of doing assessment if your students are to earn credit for them.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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