Tools for Thinking

Like every good mechanic, handyman, or all around man, we need our tools to do our work. As teachers our screwdriver, drill, and hammer are our organizers and notes. We use these tools to help develop learning students. As for Differentiation the same can be said. These tools are at our disposal we just need to use them. Some specific ones that are listed in the textbook are:

• Graphic organizers: Used to organize information and thoughts
• Notes: Used to jot down important points in a lesson
• Think dots: These can be used for dual purposes - tiering and review
• Learning contracts
• Learning Menus: This is a fun and active way to give students options, but keep them on their right level
• Think-Tac-Toe
• RAFT: Used for writing
• Journals: I am a big advocate for this idea

There are many more, but I felt these few were the most useful and need to be mentioned. Students could really take to any of these tools. The one I focused o most was journals. I use a writers journal and a science journal. Both are interactive and promote thinking. A journal could be used in math as well. They could create a word journal or dictionary as well.
Tools are meant to be used, not sit in the corner rusting. Use them, don't waste them!