Experiences at Boston Children’s Museum are designed to help children develop and practice skills and attitudes that foster lifelong learning. We call these skills and attitudes “Habits of Mind.” As you engage in Museum activities, see if you notice your child (or yourself!) using these Habits of Mind.
- Being open to possibilities: exploring, taking things apart, trying things out, asking questions
- Persisting: focusing, sticking to it, repeating, learning from mistakes
- Taking risks: pushing boundaries and trying new things, testing limits and managing uncertainty, being open to failure
- Thinking creatively and imaginatively: envisioning possibilities and solutions, thinking outside the box, having surprising ideas, problem solving
- Working flexibly: revising ideas based on new information, considering all ideas and being open to changing course
- Respecting self and others: having dignity and compassion for yourself and others, being open to different ideas and values
- Understanding different perspectives: considering the viewpoints of others, taking different perspectives, showing empathy
- Being playful: engaging with a fun and silly spirit, fooling around with alternatives, making and breaking rules, taking a whimsical approach, showing humor, happiness, and joy
The Power of Play
Play is the work of children. Critical to healthy development and stimulating children's natural curiosity and creativity, play nurtures confidence, emotional wellbeing, and cognitive development.