Classroom Ideas:
The 20 different ‘Thinking Keys’ can help promote problem-solving skills and creative thinking that can be transferred from the classroom into everyday life.
Reading Activities
The 20 thinkers' keys can be used in daily reading and comprehension tasks. Activities can be created for children to use the keys and consider different thought processes. Examples of these could include the Prediction Key to predict possible outcomes, the Variations Key to solve a problem or the Interpretation Key to explain a situation.
Writing Tasks
Ryan’s keys can also be used in writing. Children can be given a topic and a key, and encouraged to explore what this viewpoint may look in their writing.
Assessment
The keys may be used as a form of formative assessment. The Question Key can be used to assess students understanding of a topic. For example, create five questions where the answer is water. Question 1 example: About 70% of Earth is covered in what? This task provides a quick and easy way to gauge students understanding.
Thinkers Keys table
Thinkers Keys can be placed on a table and children can answer a set of questions associated with each key. An element of competition can also be incorporated into the task by seeing who is the most creative in the class.
Brainstorming
The Alphabet Key can be used to get children thinking about a specific topic. As a class, list attributes associated with a topic from A-Z.
Resources
The colourful keys can be laminated and displayed in the classroom. Also, having the keys accessible for children to use throughout the day would also be useful.
ICT Use
Ryan's thinkers' keys can be used in multiple ways using the support of I.C.T. Some examples are:
Recordable Microphones or I-pads
Children can record their answers to questions such as the Alphabet Key. This could then be uploaded to the class blog.
Wikis, Blogs etc
Students can use wikis and blogs to present their learning when using the Thinkers' Keys. They can engage in discussions with other classroom communities within New Zealand and around the world.
Talking Books
As a class the children could create a talking book to explain Tony Ryan's 20 different Thinkers Keys. This would enhance children’s understanding of all of the keys and could be completed around the current topic.
Interactive Whiteboards
The Keys can be further developed and discussed using an interactive whiteboard flipchart; creating a mental knowledge book containing explorations around a particular topic.
The 20 different ‘Thinking Keys’ can help promote problem-solving skills and creative thinking that can be transferred from the classroom into everyday life.
Reading Activities
The 20 thinkers' keys can be used in daily reading and comprehension tasks. Activities can be created for children to use the keys and consider different thought processes. Examples of these could include the Prediction Key to predict possible outcomes, the Variations Key to solve a problem or the Interpretation Key to explain a situation.
Writing Tasks
Ryan’s keys can also be used in writing. Children can be given a topic and a key, and encouraged to explore what this viewpoint may look in their writing.
Assessment
The keys may be used as a form of formative assessment. The Question Key can be used to assess students understanding of a topic. For example, create five questions where the answer is water. Question 1 example: About 70% of Earth is covered in what? This task provides a quick and easy way to gauge students understanding.
Thinkers Keys table
Thinkers Keys can be placed on a table and children can answer a set of questions associated with each key. An element of competition can also be incorporated into the task by seeing who is the most creative in the class.
Brainstorming
The Alphabet Key can be used to get children thinking about a specific topic. As a class, list attributes associated with a topic from A-Z.
Resources
The colourful keys can be laminated and displayed in the classroom. Also, having the keys accessible for children to use throughout the day would also be useful.
ICT Use
Ryan's thinkers' keys can be used in multiple ways using the support of I.C.T. Some examples are:
Recordable Microphones or I-pads
Children can record their answers to questions such as the Alphabet Key. This could then be uploaded to the class blog.
Wikis, Blogs etc
Students can use wikis and blogs to present their learning when using the Thinkers' Keys. They can engage in discussions with other classroom communities within New Zealand and around the world.
Talking Books
As a class the children could create a talking book to explain Tony Ryan's 20 different Thinkers Keys. This would enhance children’s understanding of all of the keys and could be completed around the current topic.
Interactive Whiteboards
The Keys can be further developed and discussed using an interactive whiteboard flipchart; creating a mental knowledge book containing explorations around a particular topic.