This morning I thought I would brainstorm all the “Thinking Words” that I could use to make my children think and learn.  Bringing these words to my attention – even making a chart of them – means that as I talk to my children I can give them thinking questions, I can pose a problem or even an assignment on any subject that we are talking about and the children will be learning and being stretched.  These words maybe very science/math orientated but if applied to any field of study they will make you think broader than you did at first.

Compare

Explain

Examine

Discuss

Classify, sort

Produce

Estimate

Hypothesise

Prove

Provide evidence for

What do you infer?

Observe

Interpret

Question

Conclude

Cause and effect

Predict

Measure, calculate

Demonstrate

Define

Identify

Describe

Experiment

Tell me

Design

Consider

Analyse

Brainstorm ideas

What are your references?

What are the variables?

What are the changes?

Represent what you have learnt

Communicate what you have learnt

Report on what you have learnt

List, Write, talk, and draw what you have learnt

I wonder…

In what way…

What do you think about…

What would happen if…

How could you…

How did….

What did you learn from this…

Did this remind you of something else?

What is the practical application?

What is the principle here?

Where do you see that principle in life?