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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Resonating voice

Students learn to speak in a way that connects with their audience. They develop an understanding of the importance of recognizing when verbal communication connects with the audience and appreciating that the elements of verbal communication (content, tone, voice) will change, depending on audience…
Subjects: Not Subject Specific
Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
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Responding in the moment

Students decide if and how to respond to inappropriate comments by others. They develop an understanding of the importance of identifying when a comment warrants a response, selecting an appropriate and effective response, and mustering the confidence to respond to others when a situation warrants. …
Subjects: Civics
Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
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Responsive questioning

Students ask questions that build on the ideas of others. They develop an understanding of the importance of asking questions that clarify and extend what people are saying and the value of responding with relevant questions. This tutorial includes instructional suggestions for teachers (introducing…
Subjects: Civics, Geography, History
Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
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Selecting stories for inquiry

Students use criteria to select stories or questions for inquiry and investigation into local histories. Designed to support inquiry into local histories, this tutorial includes instructional suggestions for teachers (introducing the strategy, practicing the strategy, applying the strategy to learn …
Subjects: Social Studies, History
Grades: 7, 8, 9
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Selecting useful sources for inquiry into local histories

Students use criteria to select the most useful sources to support inquiry into local histories. They develop an understanding of how to use criteria to help select useful sources for an inquiry question or assignment about local histories. Designed to support inquiry into local histories, this tuto…
Subjects: Social Studies, History
Grades: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
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Sélectionner des sources utiles aux fins d’une enquête sur l’histoire locale

Les élèves utilisent des critères pour sélectionner les sources les plus utiles aux fins d’une enquête sur des histoires locales. Les élèves comprennent que les critères aident a sélectionner des sources utiles pour une question d&r…
Subjects: Social Studies, History
Grades: 7, 8, 9
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