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Flexible Thinking Activities - Life Skills Advocate, LLC
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): flexibility (5), perspective (24), problem solving (240), thinking skills (57)
In the Classroom
Give students a puzzle or game that has more than one solution and challenge them to find at least two ways to solve it. Then, have them share how they chose those methods. After reading a poem or short story, have students write what a different character or stakeholder might think or do. Then discuss how shifting their viewpoint changed their understanding of the text. Have students identify a classroom or school routine or space (for example, recess line-up, library checkout, transitions) and redesign it using flexible thinking. Then have the students map out at least two alternative versions, predict outcomes, and present their designs and reasoning to the class.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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OER Commons- Thinking Flexibly - OER Commons
Grades
1 to 12tag(s): critical thinking (141), flexibility (5), perspective (24), problem solving (240), thinking skills (57)
In the Classroom
Start class with puzzles or riddles that can be solved in more than one way, encouraging students to explore different strategies and perspectives. In small groups, have students tackle an open-ended task, such as designing a classroom improvement plan or inventing a tool for everyday life, using creative and logical thinking to propose multiple solutions. Use an OER Commons lesson in science or math that asks students to approach a problem from more than one angle, emphasizing that flexibility strengthens understanding in all subjects.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Thinking Flexible Lesson Plan - scribd
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): flexibility (5), thinking skills (57)
In the Classroom
Present students with everyday classroom situations (for example, "You forgot your homework" or "Your partner disagrees with your idea"). Have them sort these into rigid or flexible thinking responses and discuss what makes each one different. Have students reflect weekly on moments when they practiced flexibility in school or at home, describing how adapting their thinking helped them succeed. In science or math, challenge students to find two different methods to reach the same result, showing that flexible thinking leads to problem-solving success.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Good Project Resource Center - Harvard Graduate School of Education
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): thinking skills (57)
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 (57)
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 (217), data (148), learning styles (18)
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 (57)
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 (57)
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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Word Girl - PBS Kids
Grades
K to 4tag(s): antonyms (12), audbk (25), audint (13), audio books (41), audtxt (19), sentences (20), spelling (94), synonyms (14), verbs (25), vocabulary (240)
In the Classroom
After watching a short WordGirl episode, have students identify the villain and the key vocabulary used in the episode. Have them work in small groups to sort the vocabulary into categories such as actions, descriptions, or feelings, then share how the words helped solve the problem. Students can select one challenging word from the episode and create a four-panel comic using Comic Strip Templates by Canva, reviewed here that uses pictures, speech bubbles, and clues to help others figure out the definition. Comics can be displayed as a "Wall of Words" gallery. Assign students to design their own superhero or villain based on a powerful word, such as "The Determinator" or "Captain Curiosity." They should write a character profile, including their powers, weaknesses, theme vocabulary, and a short scene or script where they use their word skills to save the day.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Tech Made Easy with Animoto - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Amplify student engagement through video storytelling! This workshop will explore Animoto, a user-friendly video creation platform that makes professional-quality videos accessible to teachers and students alike. Whether you teach elementary math or high school history, you'll discover how student-created videos can serve as powerful formative assessments that deepen content understanding. You'll learn to navigate Animoto's free features, explore instructional applications, and develop practical implementation strategies that boost student engagement. We'll also weave in essential media literacy skills to help students become critical consumers and creators of digital content. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Create instructional videos using Animoto's free features. 2. Design video-based formative assessments for student learning. 3. Integrate media literacy into video creation activities. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (273)
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: AI Templates That Work: Quick & Easy Prompting Solutions - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Explore AI prompt templates that make artificial intelligence accessible and practical for every K-12 classroom. In this interactive workshop, you'll discover how structured prompting frameworks can transform complex AI interactions into straightforward, reliable tools for creating engaging learning experiences. We'll focus on free AI platforms that can help you turn these prompt templates into differentiated materials, assessment ideas, and creative learning activities--all while maintaining pedagogical best practices. Whether you're completely new to AI or looking to streamline your prompting process, this session will equip you with simple, effective templates you can use immediately to enhance your instruction. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Apply AI prompt templates to create instructional materials for their specific classroom needs. 2. Use structured AI prompts to generate differentiated learning activities that serve diverse student populations. 3. Refine AI-generated content to ensure pedagogical effectiveness and alignment with learning objectives. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (217), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (273)
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: 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 (86), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (273), teaching strategies (57)
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: EduProtocols for Student Engagement & Choice - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Turn your classroom routines into powerful learning experiences with EduProtocols! Similar to the routines you create for classroom management, EduProtocols are instructional routines you apply to lesson content, creating a predictable framework that allows both you and your students to focus on deep learning rather than figuring out "what to do." In this workshop, you'll discover how three versatile EduProtocols--Iron Chef, Sketch & Tell, and Thin Slides--can reshape engagement and provide meaningful student choice in your classroom. These free, flexible strategies work across all grade levels and subject areas, making them perfect for educators in any setting. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand and apply the strategic purpose of EduProtocols as instructional routines that enhance learning. 2. Plan to implement three specific EduProtocols with appropriate technology tools in their content area. 3. Design differentiated applications of EduProtocols that provide student choice and accommodate diverse learning needs. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (273), teaching strategies (57)
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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Celebrating Kwanzaa with Your Class - Kami
Grades
3 to 7This site includes advertising.
tag(s): african american (117), holidays (229), kwanzaa (22)
In the Classroom
Have students highlight or annotate key details in a short Kwanzaa article using Kami tools, focusing on symbols like the kinara, mkeka mat, and unity cup. They can share one discovery with the class. Using a free Kami template, have students select one of the seven principles and write a reflection on how that value can be applied in school. Then, add images, icons, or drawings to bring it to life. Groups can collaborate in Kami to design an online poster that explains the meaning behind Kwanzaa traditions. Then have them present their digital display to the class or embed it into a class website to teach others.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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How to Teach Kids about Kwanzaa - CharlottesvilleFamily
Grades
2 to 5tag(s): african american (117), crafts (89), holidays (229), kwanzaa (22)
In the Classroom
Show pictures of symbols such as the kinara, unity cup, and colorful, woven mats. Have students predict their purpose and meaning, then confirm using the article to build curiosity and background knowledge. After learning about the seven principles, students choose one and create a mini collage (paper or digital using Photo Collage, reviewed here) that shows how the value can be practiced in school or at home. Inspired by the article's emphasis on celebration and togetherness, assign students to research a traditional food eaten during Kwanzaa. Then have them write a short informational paragraph explaining its significance and design a recipe card with symbols and colors representing the holiday.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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7 Kwanzaa Activities for Elementary Students - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Grades
K to 5tag(s): african american (117), crafts (89), holidays (229), kwanzaa (22)
In the Classroom
Give each small group a short description of one of the seven Kwanzaa principles and have them guess which principle it represents. Groups can share their answers and learn the complete set as a class. Students can create a paper kinara or a digital design using Adobe Creative Cloud Express, reviewed here and label each candle with its principle. Have them write two or three sentences explaining how that principle can be practiced at school or in their community. Using a sample Kwanzaa celebration recipe (for example, cornbread or a fruit salad), have students solve multiplication or division problems to adjust ingredient amounts for different group sizes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Teaching About Kwanzaa - We Are Teachers
Grades
3 to 6This site includes advertising.
tag(s): african american (117), holidays (229), kwanzaa (22)
In the Classroom
Give students short descriptions or scenarios and have them sort each one under the correct Kwanzaa principle to spark discussion and build understanding of the core values. After exploring the article, students can write a short paragraph or mini-brochure that explains one symbol of Kwanzaa, such as the kinara or unity cup, and share it with classmates. Have students brainstorm a small class project that reflects one of the seven principles, such as helping younger students or organizing a classroom supply drive, and present a plan for how they will put the value into action.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Celebrating Kwanzaa - National Geographic Kids
Grades
2 to 5This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
After reading the article, students can work in pairs to create a short list of the "top five facts" about Kwanzaa and share it with the class to build a collective understanding. Have students design a colorful kinara using paper, digital tools, or clay. They can label each candle's meaning and write a brief explanation of how the principles help build strong communities. Have students match each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa with real-world examples from their own lives or community. They can record their ideas on sticky notes and place them under principle posters around the room.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Sharing Hanukkah at School - PJ Library
Grades
K to 5tag(s): crafts (89), game based learning (218), hanukkah (22), holidays (229), religions (122), symbols (17)
In the Classroom
Read a short Hanukkah picture book recommended in the article, then have students turn and talk about one tradition or character trait they noticed, helping build background knowledge in a fun and social way. Assign small groups a Hanukkah symbol, such as the menorah, dreidel, or olive oil. Students can research its meaning and present a quick "show and teach" demonstration using visuals or props. After discussing the theme of light as a symbol of hope, students can write a paragraph or poem about something that brings light to their own lives and illustrate it to create a class display that connects personal reflection to the holiday.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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How to Teach Your Kid's Class About Hanukkah - Kveller
Grades
K to 5tag(s): crafts (89), hanukkah (22), holidays (229), religions (122)
In the Classroom
After reading about the menorah, have students solve multiplication or addition problems related to the candles over the eight nights, then write a brief explanation of why the menorah is a powerful symbol of hope. Have students learn to play dreidel and then create a short informational poster using DesignCap Poster Creator, reviewed here that explains the Hebrew letters, their meanings, and the historical connection to the Hanukkah story. Display images or real items such as a menorah, dreidel, and chocolate coins. Students can walk around, observe, and jot down their thoughts on what each item represents before learning its true meaning.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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