Using the “Thinker’s Keys” to encourage creative thinking. by Gail Singer

How to use the “Thinker’s Keys” to encourage creative thinking

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 05:46:10 UTC

Implementation ideas

The WHAT IF

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 05:49:32 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The cards

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 05:50:58 UTC

Print the cards if you need more copies

1) The Reverse

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 06:37:07 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

3) The DISADVANTAGES

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:08:40 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The BAR

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:10:21 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The COMBINATION

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:11:12 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The INTERPRETATION

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:13:54 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The ALTERNATIVE

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:14:19 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The FORCED RELATIONSHIPS

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:15:01 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The CONSTRUCTION

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:15:24 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The BRICK WALL

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:15:56 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The INVENTIONS

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:16:19 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The BRAINSTORMING

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:16:44 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The QUESTION

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:17:03 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The COMMONALITY

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:17:26 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The RIDICULOUS

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:17:48 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The DIFFERENT USES

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:18:14 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The PREDICTION

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:18:45 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The PICTURE

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:19:07 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The VARIATIONS

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:19:31 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The ALPHABET

gailsinger — 2024-06-27 07:19:54 UTC

Click on the + sign above to add your input for this card

The WHAT IF

2024-07-02 08:50:47 UTC

Speaking lesson (small group).

The objective: Review 2nd conditional, creative thinking.

A student suggests a WHAT IF.

The teacher writes it on the board, phrased as a conditional sentence (If we didn't have school on Wednesdays, _______).

The students suggest and say the second part of the sentence.

The Alphabet card (6)

nadineann — 2024-07-02 08:57:44 UTC

Create and Present a model of a room in your house. 5th-6th grade.

Sokaina

2024-07-02 08:58:07 UTC

What is your predictions for the following running competitions: Euro 2024+ copa America + Wimbledon

Sharon

alron711 — 2024-07-02 08:58:18 UTC

Having some ‘thinking out of the box’ activities for groups of students who are going to collaborate in developing this invention.

Meisa khoury

2024-07-02 08:58:29 UTC

The suggested activity is to ask students to list as many words as they can from A to Z that describe or are connected to inventions, their lists should be different and based on what they have learned in the previous units in the course book.

This activity caters to all students levels.

Orlee number 16

2024-07-02 08:58:58 UTC

Uses of a pen

Writing utensil

Toy

Stress reliever

A weapon ( spit dart)

A stir stick

Take apart - reverse engineering

Hair clip;

ponytail holder

Spinner

Pin the candle device

Paper clip

digging device

Hole puncher

Back scratcher

Shoe horn

Wake up alarm during class

Clicking

Timer

Ruler

Scratch out

Physiotherapy

Work out device - pilatis

Lottery ticket scarcher

Page turned

Page marker - book

Kholoud

2024-07-02 08:59:22 UTC

Literature

Ask what if questions that change the course of the story/poem. For example, Grandmother poem: what if the grand-daughter didn't stop and ask her grandmother how do you do?

Elicit answers from students

Namreen Assadi

2024-07-02 08:59:29 UTC

List a number of disadvantages for using the social media like Facebook/Instagram or snapshat.

Then list ways of correcting these disadvantages.

Table 37

2024-07-02 09:01:00 UTC

The Invention

A pair of spectacles/glasses with a small button to change the lenses into "rose colored spectacles".

A lesson on idioms

Enaya

2024-07-02 09:01:52 UTC

Providing an object to the students and ask them to suggest different uses by using your imagination. I chose

"a chair" as an object.

Sara

nadineann — 2024-07-02 09:02:04 UTC

After the students have met the important characters in the novel, instead of asking them for character analysis, I give them imaginary scenarios (not what is coming up in the plot) and ask them to predict characters’ behavior based on what they’ve learned of them so far. One could have a discussion in small groups after, or a vote on the most plausible predictions.

Katya Miaari

2024-07-02 09:02:59 UTC

I would ask students to choose an object or a practice that they love, like their cellphones or going to the gym regularly. They should think hard and differently to find out some disadvantages and list some creative ways of correcting them.

Ros

2024-07-02 09:03:01 UTC

The Ridiculous - number 11

Table 37

2024-07-02 09:03:44 UTC

A pair of spectacles with a magic button to turn them into "rose colored spectacles".

Lesson on idioms

Chaim Zoppo

2024-07-02 09:03:52 UTC

Rid

Nur

2024-07-02 09:04:17 UTC

I choose a word it could be a list of words as well (it could be from the text) and ask my students to write down words that start with the given acronym. It must be time framed. The first student who finishes the task is the winner.

Table 1

2024-07-02 09:04:19 UTC

Give students 2 unrelated objects they come up with a new user and create a new product to present to the class.

To discover new ideas teacher draws three circles on the board and asks the students to guess the topic of the lesson

2024-07-02 09:06:02 UTC

Hanan Orouk

2024-07-02 09:07:20 UTC

What if, as students, you wake up next morning just to find out that there are no schools anymore?

Enas , Lubna and Khawla

2024-07-02 09:10:03 UTC

I would like to ask the students to list the disadvantages of using cellphones. Then, the teacher encourages the student to use their cellphones for educational purposes in order to expose the students to the advantages of using their cellphones.

Table 31

2024-07-02 10:26:39 UTC

What if Isaac ( from the Bible) could see?

Table 31

2024-07-02 10:29:46 UTC

How many ways can you....

Get to school?

Study from a test?

Make new friends?

Be a good friend?

Get into trouble?

Get out of trouble?

Table 31

2024-07-02 10:37:05 UTC

Divide students into groups. Each group has a different object on their desks. They list different uses for the object within a time limit. Then change tables and add to the previous list.

Table 31

2024-07-02 10:39:46 UTC

Display different objects or vocab. Students choose 2 and say what they have in common. Can also categorize more than 2 in creative ways.

Table 31

2024-07-02 10:42:02 UTC

Statement - All students should be treated equally.

Discussion should evolve about diversity and how to treat according to needs.

Table 7

studynow — 2024-07-03 02:09:43 UTC

Student are given a pen and paper and told to create a new invention

Students brainstorm, sketch, and describe their invention. They should consider the invention's purpose, how it works, and who would use it. Groups can then present their inventions and receive feedback from their peers.

Table 7

studynow — 2024-07-03 02:10:49 UTC

In groups with different skill sets, interpret and create a story based on a given prompt

Provide each group with a story prompt. Students use their unique skills (e.g., drawing, writing, acting) to collaboratively develop and present their story.

Table 7

studynow — 2024-07-03 02:11:21 UTC

Identify similarities between two seemingly unrelated items or cultures

First, students find commonalities between two odd items (e.g., a fire truck and an orange). Then, they explore similarities between two different cultures, focusing on language, traditions, or values. They can present their findings through posters or presentations.

Table 7

studynow — 2024-07-03 02:11:46 UTC

Teach students to identify a problem and develop solutions, considering the pros and cons.

Present a construction-related problem. Students discuss the pros and cons of various solutions and choose the best approach. This activity encourages critical thinking and decision-making.

Table 7

studynow — 2024-07-03 02:12:08 UTC

Make and discuss controversial statements (e.g., 'Women are the worst drivers,' 'Men are the best cooks').

Students debate these statements, providing evidence and counterarguments. This activity promotes critical thinking and respectful discourse.

Table 7

studynow — 2024-07-03 02:15:26 UTC

Explore multiple uses for everyday objects.

Show students a common object and ask them to list as many uses as possible. For example, show a paper and discuss its various uses.
To start each lesson with a creative sentence. Show a picture of a bottle and brainstorm different ways it can be used. Write in their “special” notebooks that the teacher keeps.

Table 7

studynow — 2024-07-03 02:16:35 UTC

Combine unrelated items to create a story.

Place odd objects on the floor. Students pick an object and create a sentence that incorporates it into a story. They share their stories with the class and discuss the creative process.

Table 7

studynow — 2024-07-03 02:17:01 UTC

Stranded on a desert island, choose 4 or 5 tools to survive.

Students choose tools from a set list. Then, they receive a task card and must use the selected tools to complete the task. This teaches problem-solving and resourcefulness.

Table 7

studynow — 2024-07-03 02:19:15 UTC

Develop questions based on a story prompt (e.g., 'The story about the axe').

Teacher gives students a sentence from a story. Students create five questions that are based on this sentence this know. This helps deepen their understanding of the story and encourages inquisitive thinking.

Rachelle

1002522441 — 2024-07-03 07:21:29 UTC

Whether a teacher reads aloud, teaches the story (pre-reading, vocabulary, reflection), or asks students to look at the pictures and how the boy's tale evolves without reading the story in its entirety, it gives a perfect example of BAR. From there, the sky's the limit. For example: Send students around the school, their home, their neighbourhood to find items they would like to apply "BAR" to and write a descriptive piece or make a video describing how they would upgrade the item or situation. 2. Use AI image tools and enhance an everyday item/situation. Create a guessing game asking what the original item was. 3. Apply BAR to a book task. A teacher can set the BAR high with this thinker's key.

Aleen

2024-07-03 07:42:01 UTC

Written Production activity :

Sample questions :

What if you were a bird flying high in the sky, looking down , describe what you see .

What if you were a millionaire , think about ways for spending your money .

Aviva's Team

lori_a — 2024-07-06 08:48:32 UTC

T gives instructions for a specific task. Students make a list of all they should not do.... "reverse instructions".

Elaine Coleman

lori_a — 2024-07-06 08:52:25 UTC

"Droodles": Teacher or student draw a vague object/item on the board as class suggest what that object could be. Activity can be done in trios or small groups as well.

Aviva's team

lori_a — 2024-07-06 08:56:11 UTC

Choose a favorite object and why you can't live without it. Find someone in the class who chose the same item.

Aviva's Team

lori_a — 2024-07-06 08:59:15 UTC

Class generates excuses for the same situation for which they are blamed. Example: T asks why you didn't bring your homework. ( Ex: The dog ate it, Didn't know it was due today.... and all the rest)

Aviva's Team

lori_a — 2024-07-06 09:08:22 UTC

Students work in groups to suggest solutions that cater to people/students with special needs. The problem or description of the need is printed on cards and each group chooses the problem they can relate to. Ex: How does a blind person know when to stop pouring hot water into his cup of tea without getting burned? What device could help? How can a hearing impaired child join a class discussion when it is difficult for him/her to locate who and where the classmates are situated in the room . Social dilemmas for phyiscally handicapped children in inclusive settings.

Suzanne

suz25474 — 2024-07-09 06:44:11 UTC

This activity I found online that implements exactly what the card suggests.