Target Audience: Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Deeper Learning Leads, Administrators

Thinking Maps is a set of 8 visual patterns that correlate to specific cognitive processes. Based on the building blocks of brain-based learning, they are used across all grades and content areas to build critical thinking, problem-solving, comprehension, and communication skills necessary for academic success in every domain.

Participants who register for this training will sign up for a three day cohort during the 2024-2025 school year. Day 1 will introduce participants to the basics of Thinking Maps implementation. Days 2 and 3 are designed to help teachers move “beyond the basics” by building on their base of knowledge from utilizing Thinking Maps in their classrooms. Participants in this cohort will receive a FREE, physical copy of Thinking Maps: A Language for Learning, 2nd Ed. Teacher’s Guide. 

Day 1 Overview (9/10/2024):

• Examination of building blocks of brain-based learning
• Introduction to the defining characteristics of Thinking Maps 
• Learning the Thinking Maps: 8 Visual Patterns for Critical Thinking
• Strategies for developing independent learners: teaching the maps to students

Day 2 Overview (11/13/2024):

• Use color to rehearse, enhance, and add rigor to content knowledge
• The metacognitive importance of the Frame of Reference for rigorous and reflective thinking
• How to use multiple maps and help students build maps in cooperative teams
• Strategies to help students communicate ideas and take information off the map

Day 3 Overview (1/29/2025):

• Vocabulary development strategies
• Strategies to help students communicate ideas and take information off the map
• Writing short constructed responses off the map
• Identifying text structures for note taking
• Writing summary paragraphs off the map

For more information, contact Erin McIver (erin.mciver@ckec.org)