The Teaching Of Thinking
Creative thinking allows children opportunities to explore, discuss and present in a wide variety of ways. Children are encouraged to think openly and without fear of an answer being right or wrong.
Current teaching of thinking at this school is based on a number of principles. Some of these are:
Critical/analytical and creative thinking are complementary rather than competitive kinds of thinking
All students benefit from the teaching of thinking
Thinking develops best in an environment characterised by the absence of stress
Students who are taught to think about their thinking are much more effective learners
There is a strong correlation between thinking and intelligence
Creativity is a learned skill. A student does not have to be born creative
Teachers and parents can develop a child’s thinking skills by:
Developing conversational skills – talking with children about “big” issues
Encouraging enquiring minds – extending thinking skills beyond recall
Stimulate reflection and/or self-assessment, provide challenges
Reading a diverse range of text to children
Provide possibilities and plans for future actions – planning activities and excursions to develop and enhance interests
Matching appropriate expectations with children’s holistic development
Encouraging perseverance and celebrating success
Accepting mistakes as a natural part of learning
Always taking an interest in a child’s learning – stimulate learning
Asking what “big questions” have you asked today.
At Kimberley Park State School, children are often involved in a wide variety of thinking activities. These include:
Six Hats
Bloom’s Taxonomy of thinking
Polya’s SEE, PLAN, DO and CHECK model
Mind mapping
Gardiner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Brainstorming, Webbing and Mapping
Philosophical Inquiry
Creative and manipulative arts
Purposeful open- ended play
Bring Your Own Device
At Kimberley Park State School, children have the opportunity to engage with assistive technology. Families need to complete required documentation and receive permission from the Principal.
The BYOD forms are located in the Support Documents and Forms Section of our Website, and can also be accessed by clicking on the listed documents below: