TeachersFirst Thinking about Thinking (Metacognition) - Habit of the Mind - Resources
Welcome, educators! This collection of resources is designed to help you and your students cultivate the Habit of Mind of Metacognition, or "Thinking about Thinking." This crucial skill is all about "knowing your knowing"—the powerful practice of being aware of your own thoughts, strategies, feelings, and actions, and understanding how your thinking shapes your outcomes. This foundational habit helps students reflect on their learning processes, recognize their personal strengths and weaknesses, and monitor their understanding as they work through tasks like reading comprehension or problem-solving. In this collection, you'll find video tutorials explaining metacognitive strategies and self-monitoring techniques, interactive think-aloud activities that make thinking processes visible, reflection journals and self-assessment checklists for tracking learning progress, lesson plans, digital journals and self-assessment checklists for tracking learning progress, and comprehension monitoring tools like reading trackers and confusion cards. Resources such as digital journals and reflection prompts encourage students to reflect on their learning processes, as well as online diagnostic tools that help them identify their own strengths and weaknesses. By utilizing these resources, you can equip your students with the tools to pause and reflect on their own thinking. In no time, you'll be equipping them with the self-awareness and skills they need to become confident, independent problem solvers.
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Teaching With Habits of the Mind - The Institute for the Arts Integration and STEAM
Grades
K to 12
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tag(s): professional development (287), social and emotional learning (129), teaching strategies (59), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Have students create a habit of mind character sketch with Google Drawings, reviewed here. They can choose a character from a book and identify which habits the character uses or lacks. They can write a short explanation and illustrate the character demonstrating the habit in a key scene. Assign students to design a toolkit for a habit of mind. In small groups using Canva for Education, reviewed here, they create posters, bookmark reminders, or short scripts for morning announcements that teach their classmates how to use a specific habit. These tools are shared with the grade level or displayed in the classroom as ongoing reminders. Choose one habit of mind, such as persisting, and give students a quick challenge, such as building a tower from index cards and tape. Pause halfway through and ask students to reflect on how they are using the habit in real time, this helps them experience the habit through action.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Metacognition: An Important Skill for Modern Times - Brendan Conway-Smith
Grades
4 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): brain (56), professional development (287), social and emotional learning (129), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Give students a simple puzzle (a word scramble, a math riddle, or a pattern). Before solving, ask them to write or say, "How do I plan to solve this?" Afterward, they reflect on what worked and what didn't. Set up a short activity, such as a reading passage or drawing task, and pause halfway to let students check in with themselves. They can answer quick prompts like "Is my mind wandering?" and "What can I do to refocus?" Students will begin to see how awareness affects performance. Have students create a set of colorful cards that teach strategies such as "Take a brain break," "Ask yourself questions," "Notice your emotions," and "Check your work." They can decorate, explain, and practice each strategy, then use their cards during class for future learning tasks.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The 10 Metacognitive Strategies That Will Empower All Primary And Secondary Students - Third Space Learning
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Students can create goals using Google Drawing, reviewed here and track their progress. Students can use Word Clouds, reviewed here to ask questions while reading a story. Students can use the Timelines Tool by ReadWriteThink, reviewed here to break down problems step by step.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Habits of Mind - Arthur L. Costa and Bena Kallick
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): critical thinking (152), problem solving (245), thinking routines (24), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Introduce one habit, such as Thinking Flexibly, and give students a quick scenario in which they choose among different ways to solve a problem. Have them vote and explain their choices. Give students cards with prompts like "A time I persisted today..." or "A moment I listened with understanding..." to build awareness of habits in real time. Set up stations tied to different habits, such as puzzles for persisting partner tasks for listening with understanding or creative challenges for thinking flexibly. Have students rotate and practice each habit as part of your ongoing classroom routines.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Metacognitive Strategies - CUNY Academic Commons
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
When debating during a Social Studies lesson, students can use Tricider, reviewed here. Students can use Snorkl, reviewed here to get feedback on an activity. Students can use the Interactive 2 Circle Venn Diagram by ReadWriteThink, reviewed here to create maps for science while making predictions and observations during an experiment.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Help Students Learn to Take Exams with Exam Wrappers - Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning
Grades
K to 12tag(s): thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Students can create their own exam wrapper using Canva for Education, reviewed here. Students can use Lino, reviewed here to reflect after using an exam wrapper. Students can use the Infographics Presentation Templates, reviewed here to create a top five list as to why and how to use exam wrappers.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Using Exam Wrappers to Promote Student Metacognition - Sam Mormando
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Students can use the exam wrappers mentioned in the video. Students can use Timeline JS, reviewed here to create a tracker for their progress. Finally, students can share their self-reflections using ScreenPal, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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How Metacognition Can Optimize Learning - Cult of Pedagogy
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Students can use mindmaps, reviewed here to create study resources. Students can use Google Drawing, reviewed here to create outlines and/or graphic organizers. Finally, students can use StoryMap JS, reviewed here to create story maps.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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20 Metacognitive Questions That Will Get Students Thinking - New Teacher Coach
Grades
K to 12tag(s): critical thinking (152), problem solving (245), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Students can use Stormboard, reviewed here to post their goal. Students can use Google Keep, reviewed here to help with deadlines for assignments and projects. Students can use Mentimeter, reviewed here as a reflection tool.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Metacognition in the Classroom: More Than Thinking About Thinking - Learning A to Z
Grades
K to 12tag(s): questioning (34), reading comprehension (143), summarizing (25), teaching strategies (59), thinking skills (58), visualizations (11)
In the Classroom
Students can use Canva for Education, reviewed here to create their goals. Students can use Mentimeter, reviewed here to make connections to a text. Students can post questions in Stickies.io, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Top 5 Most Useful Metacognitive Strategies
Grades
K to 12tag(s): thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Slides, reviewed here to teach each other the material. Students can use Gimkit, reviewed here to create study questions. Students can use Figma, reviewed here to create outlines and/or graphic organizers.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Using Metacognitive Strategies to Support Student Self-Regulation and Empowerment - Victoria State Government
Grades
K to 12tag(s): social and emotional learning (129), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Students can use Aha Slides, reviewed here to explain to younger students what metacognition is. Students can use ScreenPal, reviewed here to explain strategies that they use for metacognition. Students can create a journal in Seesaw, reviewed here reflecting on their feelings about metacognition.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Metacognition: How Thinking About Thinking Can Help Kids - Child Mind Institute
Grades
K to 12tag(s): social and emotional learning (129), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Students can use Seesaw, reviewed here to share the best way that they learn. Students can use Stormboard, reviewed here to share strategies that they use when they feel overwhelmed or upset. Finally, students can create a comic explaining metacognition to younger students using Comic Strip Templates by Canva, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Harvard Project Zero Thinking Routines 7 Think Pair Share - Madame Sensei
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): brain (56), teaching strategies (59), thinking routines (24), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Begin a new unit by showing students an image, a short video clip, or an artifact related to the topic. Have them record what they see, what they think it means, and what they wonder about. As a class, brainstorm what students think they know, what puzzles or questions they have, and how they could explore further. Have them post ideas on a shared chart or Padlet, reviewed here to revisit and update throughout the unit. Use the Compass Points Routine (N = Needs, E = Excitements, S = Suggestions, W = Worries) before a group project or discussion. It helps students clarify their thoughts, consider multiple perspectives, and make balanced decisions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Thinking Routine Templates - TPT
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): brainstorming (17), graphic organizers (53), teaching strategies (59), thinking routines (24), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Begin a new topic with an image, artifact, or short video clip. Have students use a See, Think, Wonder organizer to record observations, inferences, and questions. Have students complete a 3-2-1 Bridge before and after learning a concept (3 thoughts, 2 questions, 1 analogy). Using one of the printable templates available on the page, students can develop a claim about a topic, find supporting evidence, and pose further questions.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Free - See, Think, Wonder - TPT
Grades
K to 6This site includes advertising.
tag(s): brain (56), graphic organizers (53), teaching strategies (59), thinking routines (24), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Display an intriguing image, artifact, or chart at the beginning of class. Using a See, Think, Wonder graphic organizer, have students jot down what they notice, what they infer, and what they're curious about. This works well as a warm-up for ELA, science, or social studies lessons. After reading a short story, article, or poem, students can complete a See, Think, Wonder reflection to analyze characters, themes, and emotions. They can use the free printable templates to guide their responses. Present a visual math pattern or real-world image involving shapes, symmetry, or data. Have students use the See, Think, Wonder framework to describe what they observe, hypothesize relationships, and pose questions for deeper exploration.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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6 Essential Thinking Routines you Need in your Repertoire - Thinking Museum
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): brain (56), inquiry (29), perspective (24), podcasts (139), puzzles (154), summarizing (25), teaching strategies (59), thinking routines (24), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
Display several images, artifacts, or short text excerpts around the room. Students can rotate in groups, using the See, Think, Wonder routine at each station to record their observations, interpretations, and questions on sticky notes or a shared Padlet, reviewed here. After reading a story or historical event, have students "step inside" the mind of a character or figure. Next, they can write or record brief reflections from that person's perspective, describing their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Using Creative Questions, students can brainstorm inquiry-based questions related to a class topic (e.g., "What would happen if...?" or "Why does this matter today?"). Post them on a question wall to inspire deeper research or writing projects.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire with More Thinking Routines - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Dive deeper into Project Zero Thinking Routines to focus on perspective-taking strategies that build empathy and social-emotional skills. This workshop explores innovative ways to help students think about their thinking, listen with understanding, and take responsible risks. You'll learn how to integrate digital tools and AI technologies to transform perspective-taking routines into engaging, interactive experiences. Discover practical techniques for fostering empathy, critical thinking, and meaningful classroom discussions that encourage students to see the world through diverse lenses. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand perspective-taking thinking routines and their impact on developing students' empathy and social-emotional skills. 2. Develop strategies to help students reflect on their thinking processes and listen with understanding and empathy. 3. Integrate digital tools and technologies to enhance perspective-taking thinking routines. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): critical thinking (152), differentiation (79), empathy (42), OK2Askarchive (80), professional development (287), social and emotional learning (129), thinking routines (24)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire with Thinking Routines - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Encourage students to think critically through the powerful combination of Project Zero Thinking Routines and digital tools. This workshop will equip you with innovative strategies for using online forms, slide decks, and AI technologies to integrate these proven thinking frameworks. Discover how to transform traditional thinking routines into dynamic digital experiences that deepen student engagement and cultivate higher-order thinking skills. You'll leave with practical, ready-to-implement activities that foster critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful classroom discussions. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand core Project Zero Thinking Routines and their impact on student cognitive development. 2. Identify and apply specific thinking routines that align with your instructional goals and subject matter. 3. Create technology-enhanced thinking activities that use tech tools to increase student engagement. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): critical thinking (152), frameworks (2), OK2Askarchive (80), professional development (287), teaching strategies (59), thinking routines (24)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Once registered, find additional reference materials, tutorials, and how-to information to help you review or extend your knowledge from the session in the handout posted on the session landing page. Resources may include additional ideas and examples on integrating the tools and strategies shared in classroom instruction. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
MirrorTalk - Swivl
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (233), assessment (130), DAT device agnostic tool (125), Formative Assessment (44), preK (291), social and emotional learning (129), Teacher Utilities (182), teaching strategies (59), thinking skills (58)
In the Classroom
MirrorTalk can be used in many ways to support student learning and reflection. Begin the school year with a prompt that encourages students to reflect on the previous school year and set goals for the new year. Create prompts as exit tickets for students to reflect on the day's lesson and as a formative assessment for you to modify upcoming lessons as needed. Use this tool as part of a retrieval practice strategy to encourage students to recall facts about new concepts learned in class. Learn more about retrieval practice by visiting this blog post, Using Retrieval Practice to Boost Student Learning, found here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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