Tag: thinking routines

Deeper Thinking with Perspective-Taking Routines

Author: Traci Hedetniemi | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application, Digital Citizenship | Tags: , , , ,
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In today’s interconnected world, developing perspective-taking skills in high school students is not just a pedagogical goal; it’s essential for fostering critical thinking, empathy, and digital citizenship. These skills are integral to shaping today’s high school graduates, and educators play a significant role in turning this abstract goal into concrete instructional practices that encourage students … read more »

Dreaming with Depth: Using Thinking Routines to Explore MLK’s Speech Across Grade Levels

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , , ,
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On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood before thousands and painted a dream of justice, dignity, and equality. His words still echo across classrooms today—but how do we help students truly hear them? On this anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech, we invite educators to move beyond passive listening and … read more »

Engage Students in Civil War History Using Project Zero Thinking Routines

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , ,
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These questions form the powerful See, Think, Wonder thinking routine developed by researchers at Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Project Zero. This routine and many others available through Project Zero’s Thinking Routine Toolbox (reviewed here) offer excellent frameworks to enhance student understanding of the complex economic, social, political, and moral considerations of the American Civil … read more »

Empower Your Classroom with Thinking Routines, Part 2: Technology-Enhanced Implementation Strategies

Author: Ruth Okoye | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , ,
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In part one of this series, we discussed how impactful and scalable thinking routines are for instruction. Now, I’ll share practical implementation strategies using tech tools. Thinking Routines can be enhanced with various digital resources, ranging from simple digital forms to collect student responses to AI-powered learning experiences. Here are a few examples: Coaches, there … read more »

Empower Your Classroom with Thinking Routines, Part 1: A Quick Guide

Author: Ruth Okoye | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , ,
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As edtech coaches, we’re constantly looking for impactful and scalable strategies. Recently, at a PLN meeting, the challenge was to design a media literacy activity that could be completed in just 5 minutes. My immediate thought was to leverage the power of Thinking Routines – specifically, a quick, adaptable form to guide students in analyzing … read more »

Boost Critical Thinking This Presidents Day with 10 Dynamic Thinking Routines

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , , , ,
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In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Project Zero, part of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, started publishing innovative Thinking Routines designed to enhance and expand critical thinking skills for students of all ages. These powerful routines have evolved into ten categories, such as Core Thinking Routines and Global Thinking activities, promoting understanding from … read more »

Thinking Routines: A Universal Tool for Deeper Learning Across All Subjects

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , , , 2 Comments

Finding a resource that works for all grade levels and subjects to promote student learning is rare. Project Zero’s Thinking Routines Toolbox (reviewed here) is one of those unicorns. It offers strategies that enhance critical thinking skills in many ways that apply to real-world situations, using research-based strategies that scaffold and support student thinking. Why … read more »

The Stories We Miss: Uncovering the Lesser-Known Contributors to History

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , , , 2 Comments

Although teaching significant historical events is important, we sometimes overlook opportunities to recognize those who contribute to the story in lesser-known ways. Integrating these underrecognized persons into lessons offers opportunities for deeper learning and understanding of world events while increasing student engagement. In addition, learning about the lesser-known stories in history enables students to explore … read more »

Digging Deeper: Using Thinking Routines to Build Empathy During African-American History Month

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
Categories: Classroom Application | Tags: , , , ,
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As we celebrate and observe African-American History Month in February, we must recognize the importance of making this topic relevant to students beyond just learning about famous African Americans and their contributions to this country’s history. Including specific activities that promote deeper thinking allows us to deepen understanding while building empathy for others. Developing empathy … read more »

Using Thinking Routines to Apply Historical Context Through Music

Author: Sharon Hall | Posted:
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In the 1930s, swing jazz emerged as a dominant form of music in the United States. The upbeat tempo of this music provided temporary relief from problems plaguing the country and the world—music and dance halls filled with people dancing to the big band sound. On January 16, 1938, Bennie Goodman performed the first jazz … read more »