This year, K1A is focusing on visible thinking routines to build critical thinking skills. We used Tug of War Thinking, where children look at both sides of an idea, just like a real tug of war.
To create our Essential Agreement, we read I Just Forget by Mercer Mayer, looked at pictures of class rules, and made a mind map of promises. Instead of being told rules, the children thought and shared their own ideas about what makes our class safe and happy. We also compared the classroom and playground using a tug of war line, and children explained their choices. Some said the classroom is clean, while others liked that they could play in the playground. In the end, they agreed that our promises apply both inside and outside, and they stamped their handprints to show their commitment.
This was a great first experience for the children to practice critical thinking and take ownership of their classroom community.
