Wow! I can't believe it's already 2011! Ricci and I have been very busy with using "Thinking Routines" and sharing what we learned from the Project Zero Institute to our colleagues. We were able to organize a study group that meets every month to discuss the importance of making 'Thinking' front and center in our classroom. We have also been sharing a thinking routine each month and sharing ideas on how the teachers have used them, how they adapted them for their student population and specific subject area/activity. So far, teachers have noted some changes in their student's thinking and thinking disposition. Teachers have also reported how useful the thinking routines are for getting deeper in a topic and revealing information about their student's previous experiences. For more information about the specific thinking routines we have already tried. Visit our school's Study Group website here: Project Zero Study Group.
As for me, I have been busy reading and getting immersed in the whole concept of 'Teaching for Understanding.' I have been reading "The Thinking Classroom" by Shari Tishman, David Perkins and Eileen Jay and getting some really good insight on how to move forward and create a culture of thinking not only in my classroom but also the whole school. :)
