Habits of Mind, created by Arthur L. Costa and Bena Kallick, are an identified set of sixteen problem-solving, life-related skills that are important for effective learning. At Old Clee Primary Academy we are implementing a selection of these learning behaviours from September 2025. 

We will be focusing on

• Striving for accuracy
• Persisting
• Question and problem posing
• Thinking and communicating with clarity and precision
• Thinking interdependently
• Thinking Flexibly 

Habits of Mind are ways of thinking and behaving that help us when we face challenges or problems where the answer isn’t obvious straight away. By encouraging children to use these habits, we help them to produce work of higher quality, think more deeply, and approach their learning with greater confidence.

There are sixteen Habits of Mind in total, but this year we will be focusing on introducing six of them to the children, beginning with Striving for Accuracy. These habits are displayed in every classroom and are referred to regularly so that children can use them in their everyday learning.

What does Striving for Accuracy mean? CHECK IT AGAIN!

This means

• Taking your time to be careful.
• Fixing mistakes when you find them.
• Checking your work to make sure it is right by editing it with care. Avoiding careless mistakes.
• Checking your facts and the claims you make.
• Caring about quality, not just finishing quickly. Always presenting your best.
• Don’t rush. Do it right!