Visible Thinking

At our elementary school, we use a Visible Thinking Initiative. This is a framework that we use to focus on the individual student as well as the collective thinking and collaboration of the entire class. It really shows students and teachers a tangible view of students’ thinking. and it helps to uncover misconceptions, prior knowledge, reasoning ability, and degrees of understanding. To read more about Visible Thinking Strategies click HERE



In the art room, we used a strategy called Chalk Talk to learn about shapes with the kindergarten and 1st grade students. Each table in the room had a laminated sheet of paper on it, with a certain shape drawn at the top. Students spent the one entire class period rotating around the room and adding a drawing to each paper. The catch? They could only draw using the shape at the top of the paper. The could only add to what was already present, not erase anything that anyone else had drawn, even if the paper got a little full. This was a great way for everyone to participate and work together and to introduce shapes. But also it really served as a tool for me to observe my students drawing a basic element of art and have the time to take note of which students will need assistance in learning to better draw their shapes. Killing two birds with one stone and what's more the kids really liked doing it and seeing the results!