Tools for Thought

T4T_logo.pngThe Tools for Thought collection includes more than 125 lessons that are adaptable for any grade and subject, that systematically nurture learners’ competence in thinking, communicating, and action. Lessons in the Tools for Thought (T4T) collection are designed to be seamlessly infused into all learning experiences and can be adapted for use across disciplines. For example, an instructional goal might be to grow learner competency in drawing inferences. Instructional ideas and tools from the Inference lesson could be used to help learners draw inferences about characters in a story, develop conclusions in science, or interpret data in math.

There are many ways to explore and curate these classroom-ready teaching and learning resources:

  • Use the keyword search below to select resources that meet your needs
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To access the Tools for Thought online collection, you will need an Individual membership or be from a TC² Partner group.

You can also purchase The Competencies Toolkit, a print version of the entire Tools for Thought online collection.

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Inside someone’s head

Students use clues to figure out what someone is thinking, feeling, or valuing. They develop an understanding of the importance of identifying clues and drawing plausible conclusions that may reveal someone's thinking in various circumstances. This tutorial includes instructional suggestions for…
Subjects: Not Subject Specific
Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
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Interpréter les traces lors d’une enquête sur l’histoire d’une communauté

Les élèves apprennent comment analyser des éléments de preuve historiques afin de mieux comprendre les histoires locales. Les élèves comprennent les traces et comment les utiliser pour se renseigner au sujet des histoires locales. Afin de soutenir les enqu&e…
Subjects: Social Studies, History
Grades: 7, 8, 9
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Interpreting electronic messages

Students uncover hidden or non-obvious meanings of electronic messages. They develop an understanding of the importance of recognizing and interpreting implicit or hidden messages in electronic text. This tutorial includes instructional suggestions for teachers (introducing the strategy, practicing …
Subjects: Not Subject Specific
Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
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Interpreting symbols

Students determine the intended messages of symbols. They develop an understanding of the importance of using images as symbols and the value in interpreting their symbolic meanings. This tutorial includes instructional suggestions for teachers (introducing the strategy, practicing the strategy, rei…
Subjects: Art, Civics
Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
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Interviewing techniques

Students use strategies to prepare and conduct interviews. They develop an understanding of what is required for an effective interview, strategies to help prepare for and conduct an interview, and the importance of interviewing as an information gathering technique. This tutorial includes instructi…
Subjects: Not Subject Specific
Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
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Judging continuities and changes

Students learn a strategy to judge continuities and change in the history of a community. Students learn about the concepts of continuity and change and how they can be used in the study of community histories. Designed to support inquiry into local histories, this tutorial includes instructional su…
Subjects: Social Studies, History
Grades: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
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