Have you thought about...

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Natalie James, 
Math Teacher 
Reuther Middle School 
These math question starters are on each desk in my classroom, and provide students assistance in asking a question or adding to the discussion.  Rather than saying “I’m confused” some of the question starters help students to be specific about the help they need.  Other question starters encourage students to analyze another student’s work, and share another strategy with the class.  These question starters provide a rich discourse and also help students receive clarification. 
Interested in adding this creative idea in your classroom? Click here to go to the Language page and download a copy of  question starters. 
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Clarkston High School staff members are creating a Visible Thinking Photo Journal as a way to document their classroom's transition to a Culture of Thinking classroom. Not only can students refer to the journal throughout the school year when needed to reflect on past dialogues, but the staff has found it to be a great resource for teacher evaluation documentation as well as a document that can be used to guide future planning. 
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Kim Dyas,
Science Teacher
Reuther Middle School
I keep a "MTV drawer" in my room with folders of each routine. In each folder is 35 copies of the routine templates (when applicable).  I find that a lot of these routines work for me as an "a ha" moment where I say, "Hey...this routine would work great with this".  
With the folders there, I always have enough ready for one class at any time and then can make more copies for my other classes in between hours if needed.  Also, on the front of each folder I have a place where I write "ideas and uses" for that routine.  That way next year I know when I used the routines and then either star them (if it worked well) or can cross it off if it didn't work for that lesson.  I just started this recently, and so far, I really like it.
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Nick Klak, 
Social Studies Teacher
Reuther Middle School
Daily Notes and Weekly Newsletters are sent out as a way of communicating with parents and students what is going on in the class. I have begun to include the Visible Thinking Strategies that we use because it lets the parents know that critical thinking is a very important part of World Studies 7 and these are the strategies we will be using to improve our critical thinking skills.
Got a creative idea about
Thinking Routines to share? 
We will contact you!