TeachersFirst Project Zero Thinking Routines Resources
Project Zero Thinking Routines are research-based instructional tools designed to cultivate students' thinking dispositions and make their cognitive processes visible in powerful, accessible ways. Developed by researchers at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, these simple, repeatable mini-strategies are the building blocks of an authentic thinking culture in your classroom. These routines have been refined over decades of classroom implementation and represent some of the most effective strategies for developing critical and creative thinking skills. What makes Project Zero routines so impactful is their elegant simplicity—structured prompts like "Think, Pair, Share," "See, Think, Wonder," and "Circle of Viewpoints" can be learned quickly but used deeply, helping students develop habits of mind such as reasoning with evidence, considering different perspectives, and making careful observations. These aren't just classroom activities; they're cognitive frameworks that students internalize and carry with them, becoming tools they naturally reach for when encountering new ideas or complex problems. Discover resources in this collection, including templates, anchor charts, videos, lesson plan examples utilizing Thinking Routines, collaborative whiteboards, debate tools, collaborative sharing platforms, virtual bulletin boards, video and audio tools, and more. The resources help you understand the research behind these routines, learn how to implement them effectively across grade levels and content areas, and discover how they can transform your classroom into a culture where thinking is valued, shared, and continuously developed.
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Canva Thinking Routine Templates - Teach Cheat
Grades
K to 8tag(s): graphic organizers (51), thinking skills (33)
In the Classroom
Encourage students to design digital portfolios or presentation slides that showcase their learning in ELA, science, or social studies, integrating text, images, and creativity through the Teach Cheat templates. Students can create goal-setting trackers or subject-specific study guides using planner templates or collaborate on digital thank-you cards to practice writing and design skills. Students can choose a poster or graphic organizer template to record what they see, think, and wonder about a text, image, or concept. They can add icons, images, and text boxes to illustrate each step.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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The Good Project Resource Center - Harvard Graduate School of Education
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): thinking skills (33)
In the Classroom
Present a short ethical or classroom-based dilemma (for example, including others during group work). Have students move to the corners of the room labeled with different choices and briefly explain why they chose that response. After reading a story, have students create a collage on paper or using Photo Collage, reviewed here that highlights a character's values and choices. They then compare whether the character's actions were responsible or harmful. In small groups, students can act out both sides of a conflict or dilemma from a book. They focus on empathy by discussing how each person feels and why they feel that way.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Thinking Resources for Teachers - Known Atom
Grades
K to 12tag(s): thinking skills (33)
In the Classroom
Have students make a claim about a character's motivation or a theme in the story, provide text evidence as support, and then generate a meaningful question that deepens discussion. They can share and respond in small groups. Have students identify one idea from the text they connect to, one new idea that extends their thinking, and one question that challenges their understanding. This routine deepens comprehension and encourages perspective-taking. Ask students to write a short headline that captures the main idea or most important moment in a poem or chapter, then justify their headline with specific text evidence. These can be shared or posted as an exit ticket on Padlet, reviewed here or a Collaboration Board on Nearpod, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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See Think Wonder - SchoolAI
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (216), data (152), learning styles (19)
In the Classroom
Have students enter a Space where Dot takes on the role of a character from a novel or short story. Students can ask the character questions to make predictions, explore motivation, or infer traits. This grabs attention and activates background knowledge before reading. Students can work through a Space that adapts writing tasks based on strengths and needs. For example, Dot may provide feedback on topic sentences, evidence, and transitions. Higher-achieving students can receive optional extension prompts or style challenges. Students can complete a digital mission where Dot introduces story vocabulary in context, asks students to choose the most accurate meaning, and then challenges them to use the words in a sentence connected to the text.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Project Zero Videos - Harvard Graduate School of Education
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): thinking skills (33)
In the Classroom
Begin a lesson with a short Project Zero classroom video. Students can write what they see, what they think is happening, and what they wonder. Make the KWL chart digital using Infographics Presentation Templates, reviewed here. After reading a story or completing a poetry unit, have students watch a video that highlights deeper thinking routines, then reflect on how their understanding of a character, theme, or literary device has changed throughout the unit. Assign students to write a short headline that captures a major idea from a chapter or poem, and explain how the headline connects to the story. They can compare their headlines to ideas shown in Project Zero videos to deepen comprehension.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Project Zero - Harvard Graduate School of Education
Grades
K to 12tag(s): thinking skills (33)
In the Classroom
After finishing a story or unit, have students write how their perspective changed as they learned more about characters, themes, or issues. Post meaningful quotes or claims from a text around the room. Students can respond silently in writing and build on peers' thinking by circling, questioning, and connecting ideas. Using a character from a novel, have students choose a color that represents the character's traits, a symbol connected to the character, and an image that illustrates their journey or motivation. Then, have them share their choices with the class to reveal a deeper understanding.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Digital Citizenship That Sticks: The Power of Thinking Routines - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Transform your approach to teaching digital citizenship with Global Thinking Routines from Harvard's Project Zero! This workshop will equip you with research-backed strategies that make digital citizenship concepts stick with your students--no matter what grade level or subject area you teach. This session combines proven pedagogy with free, accessible technology tools. You'll discover how thinking routines naturally scaffold student understanding while building essential digital citizenship skills like critical evaluation of online content, ethical decision-making, and responsible digital communication. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Apply Global Thinking Routines to teach digital citizenship. 2. Create activities that promote digital citizenship and critical thinking. 3. Design a lesson integrating thinking routines with digital citizenship instruction. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): digital citizenship (84), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (270), teaching strategies (52)
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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Harvard Project Zero Thinking Routines 7 Think Pair Share - Madame Sensei
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): brain (58), teaching strategies (52), thinking skills (33)
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 (19), graphic organizers (51), teaching strategies (52), thinking skills (33)
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 (58), graphic organizers (51), teaching strategies (52), thinking skills (33)
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 (58), inquiry (28), perspective (24), podcasts (137), puzzles (148), summarizing (23), teaching strategies (52), thinking skills (33)
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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PBS KIDS Graphic Organizers - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
K to 3tag(s): critical thinking (140), graphic organizers (51), organizational skills (83), preK (287), reading comprehension (143), spanish (107)
In the Classroom
After watching an episode of Wild Kratts or Arthur, have students complete a character web to describe a main character's traits, actions, and relationships. Spanish-speaking students can use the corresponding organizer in Spanish to support bilingual learning. Use the sequencing graphic organizer to help students retell an episode in order (beginning, middle, end). Have students draw pictures or write simple sentences, depending on their level. Students can also use a blank story map to plan their own short story using PBS characters or original ideas. Encourage them to share their story with peers.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 (140), differentiation (77), empathy (39), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (270), social and emotional learning (114)
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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Padlet TA - Padlet
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (216), assessment (134), images (258), noregistration (17), qr codes (15), quizzes (86), rubrics (35), Teacher Utilities (194), worksheets (72)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save Padlet TA as a handy tool for creating professional and classroom resources. As always, verifying the accuracy of AI-generated content is essential. Share Padlet TA with parents and caregivers to create quizzes, worksheets, and leveled text as a study aid at home. Use the Smart Group creator to create random groups for station rotations or class projects and the Name Picker to choose student names for multiple purposes or as part of lessons on probability. Generate AI images for creative writing projects or as a tool for creating presentation images.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 (140), frameworks (2), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (270), teaching strategies (52)
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!).
FigJam - Figma
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (216), charts and graphs (167), collaboration (80), graphic organizers (51), iwb (28), mind map (28), timelines (58), Whiteboard (8)
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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ChatGPT - OpenAI
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (216), chat (37), search strategies (18)
In the Classroom
Use ChatGPT to increase your productivity and as a resource for finding classroom resources. For example, use the chat to find activities accompanying your current book study. An example question might be, "What are some activities to add to our study of Charlotte's Web in third grade?" Use a clarifying question to select one of the provided activities and ask for free online resources that support the provided response. This example includes several clarifying questions that provide additional ideas for books and activities to accompany Charlotte's. Ask ChatGPT to differentiate activities for students who need extra support or for those that need enrichment activities. Another use for ChatGPT is to write Student of the Week paragraphs; ask ChatGPT to write a paragraph including the student's name and accomplishments and revise the section to fit your needs.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Project Zero's Thinking Routines Toolbox - Project Zero Harvard Graduate School of Education
Grades
K to 12tag(s): critical thinking (140), professional development (270), thinking skills (33)
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site and frequently visit as you prepare lesson plans to enhance student learning and understanding of content. This site provides excellent information for professional development, either personally or with peers. Consider exploring one topic monthly throughout the school year to explore and integrate it into classroom routines.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Miro - Miro
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): collaboration (80), graphic organizers (51), 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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Kialo Edu - Kialo, Inc
Grades
2 to 12tag(s): collaboration (80), debate (40), perspective (24), point of view (7), Teacher Utilities (194)
In the Classroom
Kialo is a great resource to find debate topics to use with your students; be sure to bookmark it. Explore the topics available on the public portion of the site and share the discussions with your students. Use the information to teach students how to include relevant information when debating any topic and point out the importance of viewing information through different perspectives. When ready, create your own topic for classroom debate using the private option. For example, have students debate the importance of the use of propaganda during World War 2 or the ethics of using animals when testing products. As students research your topic, have them use Wakelet, reviewed here, to bookmark and save their research. When complete, transform learning by asking students to use an infographic creation tool like Canva Infographic Maker, reviewed here, to create an infographic based on their topic.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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