TeachersFirst Thinking Interdependently (Habit of the Mind) Resources
The Habit of the Mind - Thinking Interdependently, focuses on that phrase, “none of us is as smart as all of us.” This habit challenges us to work together to unlock ideas that we simply couldn’t reach on our own. It's not just about sitting together; it's about genuinely learning from each other, leveraging different strengths, and understanding that collaboration is a skill that requires intention and practice. In our increasingly connected world, the ability to work effectively with others—to listen generously, contribute meaningfully, and create something together that's greater than the sum of its parts—is essential. By practicing this habit, we help our learners transition from solitary thinkers into effective collaborators who know how to listen, contribute, and thrive in a connected world. In this collection, you will find collaborative digital workspaces, jigsaw learning activity templates, lessons and videos about how to teach thinking interdependtly, group discussion tools, self-assessment rubrics, digital breakouts, Think-Pair-Share and similar variations, conflict resolution/debate resources, reflection tools, global collaboration platforms, low-stakes team-building activities, digital “sticky note” boards, interactive whiteboards, video discussion tools, project manager trackers, and collaborative book creators. Use the resources in this collection to turn "working together" into a deliberate daily practice that celebrates the classroom's collective genius!
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SEL in Digital Life Resource Center - Common Sense Education
Grades
K to 12tag(s): digital citizenship (102), social and emotional learning (144)
In the Classroom
Have students act out scenarios involving digital communication, teamwork, or conflict resolution, practicing respectful language and responsible decision-making. After completing an SEL activity, students can write or draw about how they would apply the skill in real-life or online situations, such as handling disagreements or managing emotions. Have students act out scenarios involving digital communication, teamwork, or conflict resolution, practicing respectful language and responsible decision-making.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Relationships & Communication - Common Sense Education
Grades
K to 12tag(s): collaboration (105), communication (119), conflict resolution (10), digital citizenship (102), empathy (42), internet safety (118)
In the Classroom
Have students discuss short scenarios about digital communication (texting, group chats, social media comments) and decide what respectful responses look like. Watch a Common Sense video about online communication, then have students discuss how tone and word choice affect relationships. Have students rewrite unkind or unclear messages to make them more respectful, supportive, and appropriate for digital spaces.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Teaching With Habits of the Mind - The Institute for the Arts Integration and STEAM
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): professional development (295), social and emotional learning (144), teaching strategies (67), thinking skills (84)
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.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 (84)
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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Project Zero Thinking Routines - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): thinking routines (29), thinking skills (84)
In the Classroom
Explore this collection to learn more about Thinking Routines and how to implement them in your lessons. Begin by selecting a routine that aligns with your learning objective--such as "See, Think, Wonder" for developing observation skills or "Think, Pair, Share" for collaborative processing--then model it explicitly before having students practice it regularly. As routines become familiar through repeated use, students internalize these cognitive frameworks and begin applying them independently, transforming your classroom into a culture where thoughtful inquiry and reflection become natural habits.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 (67), thinking routines (29), thinking skills (84)
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 (55), teaching strategies (67), thinking routines (29), thinking skills (84)
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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6 Essential Thinking Routines you Need in your Repertoire - Thinking Museum
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): brain (56), inquiry (32), perspective (26), podcasts (150), puzzles (158), summarizing (25), teaching strategies (67), thinking routines (29), thinking skills (84)
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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Room Escape Resources - Room Escape Resources
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): digital escapes (29), mysteries (26)
In the Classroom
Teachers can create their own digital escape rooms using the tools offered by the site. Students can rate the tools used in the digital escape room using Dotstorming, reviewed here. Finally, students can create their own digital escape rooms for their fellow students to solve using at least one resource per featured section.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Powerful Questioning: Transforming Classroom Dialogue and Deepening Learning - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Elevate classroom dialogue beyond basic Q&A to create powerful learning opportunities! This workshop will equip you with practical questioning frameworks that promote deeper thinking and encourage all students to participate. Discover digital tools that amplify student voice, practice questioning techniques that build both cognitive and social-emotional skills, and leave with ready-to-implement strategies that make student thinking visible while fostering a positive classroom community. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Implement strategic questioning techniques that increase cognitive engagement and equitable participation. 2. Utilize digital tools to enhance classroom dialogue and make student thinking visible. 3. Apply questioning frameworks that support both academic growth and social-emotional development. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): OK2Askarchive (83), professional development (295), questioning (36), teaching strategies (67), thinking skills (84)
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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Online Escape Room Templates - Genially
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): digital escapes (29), game based learning (284), gamification (95), puzzles (158)
In the Classroom
Create an escape room where students solve riddles and match definitions to unlock clues. Use synonyms, antonyms, or context clues to reinforce vocabulary skills in a fun, interactive way. Design an escape room where students "travel" through different historical events, solving primary source analysis puzzles, decoding ciphers, and answering questions to unlock the next time period. Students must solve multi-step word problems or algebraic equations to advance through a mystery-themed escape room. Each correct answer reveals a key to "unlock" the final solution. Simulate a science experiment gone wrong! Students analyze data, interpret graphs, and solve scientific riddles to find the missing formula or save the lab before time runs out. After reading a novel or short story, students could navigate an escape room based on key events, themes, and character motivations. They solve puzzles related to symbolism, figurative language, or plot twists to escape.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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How to Make a Digital Escape Room for the Classroom - Nearpod
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): collaboration (105), digital escapes (29), game based learning (284), problem solving (262), puzzles (158)
In the Classroom
Start the lesson with a quick digital escape puzzle related to the topic. For example, students solve an equation in a math class to reveal a clue, or in an ELA class, they decode a sentence to find a hidden theme. After experiencing a digital escape room, have students design their own using Nearpod or Google Forms, reviewed here and Nearpod, reviewed here. They can create puzzles based on a novel they read, a historical event, or a math concept, reinforcing learning through creation. Combine multiple subjects into one escape room experience. For example, students solve a math puzzle to get a clue, analyze a poem for another, and answer a science question to unlock the final key--blending critical thinking across subjects. Design a digital escape room focused on real-world skills (ex., financial literacy, digital citizenship, or environmental science). Students must apply knowledge to solve practical challenges and unlock the final "escape."Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Digital Escape Rooms - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): digital escapes (29), game based learning (284), mysteries (26)
In the Classroom
Share these tools on your class website or blog for students to use both in and out of the classroom. Use these tools to differentiate and reach all students at the various levels. Challenge your students to create their own escape games to review content or for acceleration options.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Grouper - InCommon
Grades
K to 12tag(s): collaboration (105), Teacher Utilities (199), teaching strategies (67)
In the Classroom
Teachers can create randomized or customized student groups based on criteria like skill level, interests, or leadership qualities. This can make ideal groupings for peer reviews, skill levels, and student interests. Form groups tailored to specific learning needs, such as advanced learners, those needing additional support, or mixed-ability teams for peer learning. Assign students to groups based on roles, such as researchers, presenters, or team leaders. Automate the rotation of students through various learning centers or stations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Digital Escapes with Free Microsoft Tools - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Embark on an exciting journey into the realm of digital escapes! In this workshop, you'll discover the power of using a variety of free Microsoft tools to incorporate digital escape rooms into your teaching. Using Microsoft Sway as our foundation, we'll design a narrative that guides students through a series of puzzles and tasks that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By the end of the session, you'll be equipped to design your own digital escape experiences that you can easily integrate into your curriculum. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explain the educational benefits of digital escape rooms. 2. Design a basic digital escape room using Microsoft Sway. 3. Share and collaborate with colleagues on digital escape room ideas. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): digital escapes (29), Microsoft (55), OK2Askarchive (83), professional development (295)
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. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Google Mania - Google Keep Basics - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Feeling overwhelmed by to-do lists and scattered ideas? Discover the simplicity and power of Google Keep, a versatile tool that can transform your personal workflow and boost your productivity! In this one-hour session, you'll learn how to harness Google Keep's robust features to capture thoughts, manage tasks, and streamline your day-to-day activities. Experience the convenience of integrating text, images, audio, and sketches into color-coded notes and checklists that keep your personal and professional life perfectly aligned. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Discover the core functionalities of Google Keep. 2. Learn how to quickly capture thoughts, images, and voice memos using various devices. 3. Understand how to utilize color-coding, labels, and pinning features to categorize information and prioritize tasks. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): curation (24), Google (21), note taking (33), OK2Askarchive (83), organizational skills (84), professional development (295)
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. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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FigJam - Figma
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (254), charts and graphs (193), collaboration (105), graphic organizers (55), iwb (28), mind map (31), timelines (58), Whiteboard (10)
In the Classroom
Use FigJam in many different ways to engage learners and support classroom instruction such as using sticky notes as a collaborative activity to brainstorm ideas and information as a class. Use the drawing tools and ask students to label places, parts of plants, and more. Use FigJam templates to create all-about-me activities, such as class check-in and exit ticket activities, Frayer Model activities, and much more. Learn more about FigJam's many features and how to get started by viewing this tutorial from FigJam.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Replit - Replit, Inc.
Grades
8 to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (254), coding (96), STEM (340)
In the Classroom
Use Replit to create simple tests, review student work, and provide feedback. Share Replit with students who enjoy coding as a resource for learning new skills and increasing their understanding of different coding platforms. Use Replit as part of an after-school club activity for students to collaborate to create games, applications, and more. Ask students who work with Replit to provide tutorials and share their projects by creating videos made with Free Online Screen Recorder, reviewed here and share on your class website.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Bit.ai - Bit.ai
Grades
9 to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (254), collaboration (105), organizational skills (84)
In the Classroom
Use Bit.ai to collaborate with peers when planning units, researching new textbooks and programs, or as you work with parent/teacher organizations. Have older students use Bit.ai as an organizational tool as they work together on collaborative projects. Use the templates found in Bit.ai to help students share resources and add digital content to their work product. Consider asking tech-savvy students to create video tutorials of Bit.ai's features using Free Screen Recorder Online, reviewed here, to have available as students begin to use this product.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Miro - Miro
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): collaboration (105), graphic organizers (55), iwb (28)
In the Classroom
Ask older students to use Miro as a collaborative tool for projects. Have students use Miro to develop storylines that include links and images to tell the story of events in history or retell novels. Ask students to use Miro to create mood boards to share the different works of artists or demonstrate different architecture types. Miro is also an excellent choice for use as a collaborative tool for large projects to brainstorm ideas, assign tasks, and document progress. Use Miro with students as part of your science experiments to share the steps of the experiment, document hypotheses, and add images and reflections upon the outcomes of the experiment. Miro is an excellent resource for remote learning situations to engage students through interactive content and chat.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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