ASCD, in partnership with Wonder Media, presents a series of animations based on the renowned 16 Habits of Mind developed by Dr. Art Costa and Bena Kallick of the Global Institute for Habits of Mind. This groundbreaking collaboration offers a unique tool that empowers students in kindergarten through 2nd grade with creative and critical thinking skills for success in school and life.
The Habits of Mind Animations offer educators a revolutionary new tool in alignment with college- and career- ready standards to help students learn how to persist, how to manage their impulsivity, how to listen with understanding and empathy, how to strive for accuracy, and 12 other essential life skills.
Research shows that young children form strong emotional relationships with animated characters, and using these characters to model behaviors helps break down barriers to students’ understanding of difficult-to-teach concepts.
“Young children’s minds are sponges, but to help them absorb complex concepts, we must ignite their curiosity by engaging them through mediums they find entertaining—such as animation,” said Deb Delisle, ASCD CEO and executive director. “Habits of Mind Animations open doors to teach kids important techniques for tackling difficult situations they will encounter in school and in life.”
The ASCD and Wonder Media partnership highlights the work of the Institute for Habits of Mind, a powerful education innovator dedicated to helping students reach their full potential both in school and as global citizens.
“Research has proved that young children model their behavior after animated characters,” said Terry Thoren, CEO of Wonder Media and former CEO of Klasky Csupo, producer of Rugrats and The Wild Thornberrys. “We have created engaging animated characters who model and reinforce each of the 16 Habits—the problem-solving, life-related skills necessary for children to operate successfully in society.”
“Since Art Costa and I introduced the 16 Habits of Mind more than 25 years ago, we’ve been seeking new ways for children to learn and practice these essential dispositions,” stated Bena Kallick, co-director of the Institute for Habits of Mind. “When we met Terry Thoren, the former Rugrats CEO, we were immediately struck by his passion for bringing the 16 Habits of Mind to life through animation.”
“Animation has no borders, and children across the world will quickly fall in love with the lifelike animated characters who will make it fun to learn and practice the 16 Habits of Mind,” added Art Costa, co-director of the Institute for Habits of Mind.
About the Institute for Habits of Mind
The Institute for Habits of Mind was founded by Bena Kallick and Art Costa, who have published many articles and books on the Habits of Mind and have worked internationally to create a more thoughtful society. The Institute is dedicated to transforming schools and workplaces into learning communities where the Habits of Mind, dispositions that empower creative and critical thinking, are taught, practiced, and infused into the culture. For more information, visit www.habitsofmindinstitute.org.
About Wonder Media
Wonder Media was founded by former Rugrats CEO Terry Thoren, famed software producer Rudy Verbeeck, and Emmy-nominated producer Ryan Cannon. Wonder Media works with various organizations to develop strategies and animated content aiming to affect students in a positive manner. They have created an education initiative called WonderGrove and produced 215 instructional animations to inspire students in preK, kindergarten, and 1st and 2nd grade to realize their full potential. WonderGrove uses engaging animated characters immersed in powerful stories to target eight crucial areas of growth essential for every child’s success: school readiness, social- and emotional learning, life skills, health and science, safety, nutrition, fitness, and creative play. For more information, visit www.wondergrovelearn.com.
Material from a press release was used in this report.
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