This book has been written by teachers for teachers as a practical model with a middle years focus. It is a culmination of ideas, current trends and real teaching experiences that have led to curriculum and classroom teaching reform. First hand experience and success with the Thinking Curriculum has resulted in an analysis of teaching and learning styles, the development of autonomous learners and an increase in academically engaged time.

 

As teachers in the middle years of schooling, our role of equipping children with the knowledge, skills and understanding of learning is paramount in the formation of independent thinking. Teaching within a Thinking Curriculum involves a change in the teacher's role, from spoon-feeder and provider of knowledge to facilitator of-learning. In essence, it involves taking a step back and providing opportunities For children to take responsibility for their own learning.

 

This book is a guide for planning and implementing the Thinking Curriculum. It has been structured in a manner that allows individuals, teams or whole schools to start thinking about the concept of the Thinking Curriculum, and provides a variety of planning methods, teaching tools and strategies for implementation. Whether it is in one classroom, a teaching team or a network of primary and secondary teachers working towards effective transition, you can jump in the deep end or dabble your little toe in the water towards best teaching practice.

 

The idea of the hook is to engage children through the use of a range of thinking tools, using the technology available to you. To demonstrate this, many of the models for planning and classroom use have been presented using the `inspiration' program and graphic organisers.

 

The whole aim is to yet heads spinning - whether it be yours or the individuals within your classroom - and have a lot of fun doing it!