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Studio Habits of Mind: Three Routines for Process-Based Art Education

other · 2026-08-12

The Studio Habits of Mind (SHoM) framework, developed by Harvard Project Zero, offers an eight-part structure for teaching artistic thinking and behavior. This article from The Art of Education presents three classroom routines designed to balance process-based learning with final artwork quality. The routines include daily sketchbook skill development, Imagination Days with medium-specific centers, and Station Stashes with teacher-led activities. The SHoM framework emphasizes learning by doing, a concept rooted in John Dewey's educational philosophy. The eight habits are Develop Craft, Engage & Persist, Envision, Express, Observe, Reflect, Stretch & Explore, and Understand Art Worlds. The article suggests assessing students based on evidence of these habits rather than only final products. For example, in a watercolor center, Stretch & Explore can be evidenced by trying new color bleeds or playing with salt chemistry. Students are encouraged to document their experiments and revisions to make learning visible. The routines aim to foster student autonomy and confidence, helping students see themselves as artists. The article also references PRO Learning Packs and FLEX Curriculum resources for further support. The Art of Ed Community is mentioned as a forum for teachers to discuss SHoM.

Key facts

  • The Studio Habits of Mind (SHoM) is an eight-habit framework from Harvard Project Zero.
  • The framework is based on John Dewey's concept of 'learning by doing'.
  • The eight habits are Develop Craft, Engage & Persist, Envision, Express, Observe, Reflect, Stretch & Explore, and Understand Art Worlds.
  • The article proposes three routines: daily sketchbook skill development, Imagination Days with centers, and Station Stashes with teacher-led activities.
  • Sketchbook routines can be 5-10 minute bellringers or exit tickets, allowing students to choose subjects like faces, cars, or dogs.
  • Imagination Days involve centers for mediums such as watercolor, collage, collagraphs, cardboard, oil pastel, bookmaking, embroidery, and metal tooling.
  • Station Stashes are boxes with materials and clear objectives for tasks like creating non-objective compositions or matching colors.
  • Assessment should focus on evidence of the eight habits rather than only final artworks.
  • Students are encouraged to document experiments and revisions to show growth.
  • The article references PRO Learning Packs and FLEX Curriculum resources.
  • The Art of Ed Community is mentioned for teacher discussion.
  • The article was published on The Art of Education website in August 2026.

Entities

Artists

  • John Dewey

Institutions

  • Harvard Project Zero
  • The Art of Education
  • FLEX Curriculum
  • PRO Learning
  • The Art of Ed Community

Sources