Jamming Up Thinking Routines: 3/13/2021

If you have ever heard me share about Thinking Routines, you know that finding the right tech tool to amplify the routine is essential. When I began using thinking routines with tech tools, I had a few faithful favorites. But as time has gone by, I have found other notable tools to use with thinking routines. Jamboard is the latest example of a notable new tool. If you want to learn more about any of the Thinking Routines mentionned, check out the Thinking Routines Toolbox.

Why Jamboard?

If you haven’t explored Jamboard yet, you should. In today’s world where students are learning in a variety of contexts whether hybrid, remote or some variation, Jamboard offers a collaborative space for all students to share their thinking. Recently, I have begun to explore using Jamboard with thinking routines in my presentations. I love how Jamboard allows for a variety of responses from text to sticky notes. I also have explored the ways to use multiple frames to scaffold thinking routines.

When I decided to add Jamboard to my Thinking Routines toolbox, I gravitated towards using routines that introduced and explored ideas. But as I further explored the Thinking Routines toolbox, I began to see so many possibilities for using routines while synthesizing and organizing ideas as well

Generate, Sort, Connect, Elaborate

Last week during my NJeCC workshop, we began by watching a short video clip on what Thinking Routines were. Afterwards, each participant generated ideas that had resonated with them using one color sticky note on one of the 20 frames.  Building onto their knowledge, we continued the presentation by learning more of the WHY behind thinking routines. Participants were then able to return to their frame and sort the concepts that they have learned more about by importance- most central ideas in the middle and less central on the edges of the frame. As we continued learning more about thinking routines, we would stop to elaborate and add more ideas. 

Chalk Talk

Another great thinking routine to try with Jamboard is Chalk Talk. Chalk Talk is a great way to introduce ideas. Students begin by brainstorming ideas that come to mind when considering a specific topic using sticky notes. In the example to the right, participants in a workshop were sharing about empowering student voice.  Afterwards, they got an opportunity to make connections to others' ideas using a text box. Last, they got an opportunity to ask any questions thatarose looking at others' ideas. What a great way to share and connect to others' ideas!

The 4 Cs

The Four Cs helps learners reflect after learning about new concepts. In this thinking routine, learners get to choose one of four prompts to respond to using a sticky note and then move it to the appropriate corner. 

  • Connections: What connections do you draw between the text and your own life or your other learning? 
  • Challenge: What ideas, positions, or assumptions do you want to challenge or argue with in the text?
  • Concepts: What key concepts or ideas do you think are important and worth holding on to from the text? 
  • Changes: What changes in attitudes, thinking, or action are suggested by the text, either for you or others? 

Take Note 

Take Note is quickly becoming one of my favorite thinking routines. Take Note provides your class opportunities to reflect and synthesize ideas.  Recently, I have been adding Take Note as a summarizer during my Amplifying Thinking Routines Using Technology Tools. In this example, participants got to choose one of four questions to reflect.  

  1. What is the most important part?                              3. What questions would you like to discuss?
  2. What are you finding challenging,                              4. What is something you found most interesting?
puzzling, or difficult to understand?                        

Students could choose at least one questions to  respond to on a sticky note and move it to the appropriate corner. What a great way to have a shared reflection as a group. Imagine the ways that you could have students use a strategy like this to reflect. 

Compass Points

Compass Points is another thinking routines that works well with Jamboard. Using Compass Points, learners can reflect on new ideas or propositions. They can even do this in groups/breakout groups where each group adds to their own frame.

  • E = Excited- What excites you about this idea or propositions? What’s the upside? 
  • W = Worrisome- What do you find worrisome about this idea or proposition? What’s the downside? 
  • N = Need to Know- What else do you need to know or find out about this idea or proposition? What additional information would help you to evaluate things? 
  •  S = Stance or Suggestion for Moving Forward -What is your current stance or opinion on the idea or proposition? How might you move forward in your evaluation of this idea or proposition? 

Don't be afraid to try a new tool and see its impact. I am loving trying new tools like Jamboard. Try some of these thinking routines with Jamboard and get all of your learners involved. You might be surprised what you discover!