Six Bricks Curriculum: A Comprehensive Learning Journey

The Six Bricks Curriculum, a holistic educational approach, has gained significant traction among educators and parents alike for its innovative focus on personalizing learning. This method, developed by the Institute for Habits of Mind, is designed to nurture student's cognitive, emotional, and social skills, thereby fostering a well-rounded, adaptable, and empowered learner.

At its core, the Six Bricks Curriculum revolves around six key areas of focus, or 'bricks', each crucial for developing a student's total intellect. These areas include Managing Impulsivity, Getting Stuck, Listening with Empathy, Empowering Voices, Striving for Accuracy, and Creating Innovative Ideas.

Managing Impulsivity

The first 'brick', Managing Impulsivity, encourages students to pause, think, and act deliberately rather than impulsively. This involves teaching students how to regulate their initial reactions and responses, fostering a more thoughtful approach to decision-making.

For instance, teachers might guide students through the 'stop, think, and plan' sequence. First, students learn to stop and recognize the initial impulse. Then, they practice thinking through different options, weighing the pros and cons. Finally, they plan the most effective course of action, enhancing their critical thinking skills and self-control.

Stop, Think, Plan Sequence

Teachers role-play scenarios with students to practice the sequence. For example, in a classroom conflict, students might impulsively lash out or withdraw. Instead, they're guided to stop, think about calm and effective ways to resolve the conflict, and plan a cooperative solution.

Regular practice of this sequence helps students internalize the process, making it second nature in various aspects of their lives, from academics to relationships.

Emotional Intelligence Development

Managing Impulsivity also fosters emotional intelligence. Students learn to acknowledge their emotions without being overwhelmed by them. They practice expressing feelings constructively rather than impulsively acting out.

Through role-playing, reflection, and discussion, students recognize the signs of strong emotions and learn strategies to manage them appropriately. This not only improves their emotional regulation but also enhances their classroom environment and peer interactions.

Getting Stuck

The second 'brick', Getting Stuck, equips students with problem-solving strategies to persist through difficulties, fostering resilience and intrinsic motivation. It encourages students to view obstacles as challenges rather than roadblocks.

Teachers model and gradually release responsibility for the problem-solving process. Students learn to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable components. They then generate, evaluate, and implement possible solutions, observed by a simple Recipe for Breakthrough Thinking.

The Breakthrough Thinking Recipe

According to the Six Bricks Curriculum, the Breakthrough Thinking Recipe comprises four key ingredients:

• Identify the problem clearly and accurately.
• Gather all relevant information and resources.
• Generate a wide range of possible solutions or ideas.
• Evaluate and select the best course of action.

Students practice this recipe through varied activities, from brain teasers to complex projects. The goal is to instill a habit of mind that perseveres through challenges,contentiously seeking and executing solutions.

Let's not forget that the Six Bricks Curriculum isn't a one-size-fits-all model. It is designed to be adapted to individual classrooms, student needs, and cultural contexts. At its heart, it is a tool for teachers to foster personalized learning journeys, nurturing well-rounded, empowered learners.