Visible Thinking Routines
Make Thinking Visible - our classroom culture!
Visible Thinking Routines
Core Thinking Routines- What Makes You Say That?
What's going on?
What do you see that makes you say that?
What do you know?
What makes you say that?
Core Routine: Think Puzzle Explore
What do you THINK you know about this topic?
What questions or PUZZLES do you have?
What does the topic make you want to EXPLORE?
Use t-chart to record Think / Puzzle / Explore thinking
Class can choose the most interesting questions to Explore more in small groups.
Core Routine: Circle of Viewpoints
Brainstorm a list of different perspectives and then use this script to explore each one:
1. I am thinking of .....topic....... from the point of view of ......... (different points in space or different points in time)
2. I think ........from your view point chosen in #1 (thoughts, feelings)
3. A question I have from this viewpoint is..........
Use t-chart to record Point of View, their thinking, their questions.
class follow up - What new ideas do you have about the topic that you didn't have before? What new questions do you have?
Core Routine: I used to think ......., but now I think ........
Think back to when we began our unit of study on .........
I use to think ..........
Now think about how your ideas and thoughts have changed as a result of your studying.
But now, I think or understand .........
Students will write and then share/explain their shift in thinking.
Core Routine: Compass Points
This routine works well to explore various sides or facets of a proposition or idea prior to taking a stand or expressing an opinion. Reflect from all sides of the issue.
For the first time using this routine -- model with the whole class and record responses
Draw a compass with the E, W, N, S points of the circle.
E = Excited - What excites you about this idea or proposition? What's the upside or positive side of this topic or issue
W = Worrisome - What do you find worrisome about this idea or proposition? What is the downside or negative side of this topic or issue?
N = Need to Know - What else do you need to know or find out about this idea or proposition? What additional information would help you to evaluate the issue or topic?
S = Stance or Suggestions for Moving Forward - What is your current stance or opinion on this idea or proposition? How might you move forward in your evaluation of this idea or proposition?
Another option -- Complete S = Stance first and then go through the other compass points, returning to S. Has your thinking changed after discussion using the other compass points routine?
Dripping Springs Elementary School
Email: lisa.stoll@dsisd.txed.net
Website: http://www.dsisd.txed.net/index.aspx?NID=778
Location: Dripping Springs, TX, United States
Phone: 512-858-3754
Twitter: @lisahstoll