1st Edition

Teaching Thinking Skills across the Middle Years A Practical Approach for Children Aged 9-14

Edited By Belle Wallace, Richard Bentley Copyright 2002
    160 Pages
    by David Fulton Publishers

    160 Pages
    by David Fulton Publishers

    This book presents a practical framework for the teaching of thinking skills and problem-solving with children across Key Stages 2 and 3. Using examples of topics from the National Curriculum, teachers are presented with classroom techniques and activities, which systematically develop these skills. While accommodating the needs of all learners, the book caters for the need to differentiate learning activities to extend the more able learners.

    Included are suggested activities for developing thinking and problem-solving skills relating to the National Numeracy Curriculum, the National Literacy Strategy and the National Science Curriculum. The book also includes activities to support the development of thinking and problem-solving skills in information communication technology (ICT), models of successful practice, and photocopiable activities.

    The skills and strategies suggested all derive from real classrooms and teachers and as such are practical and useful. There is clear guidance on adopting certain teaching techniques, lesson planning and organization.

    This book will be useful for teachers and headteachers working at Key Stages 2 and 3, all SENCOs and Advisory Teachers.

    Chapter 1 Don’t Work Harder! Work Smarter!, Belle Wallace; Chapter 2 Getting the Wheels Turning: Putting TASC into Action, Richard Bentley, Elizabeth Johnstone; Chapter 3 Thinking Through a Literacy Project, Nigel Kent; Chapter 4 Mathematical Makeovers: Using Existing Mathematics Problems to Promote the Development of Thinking Skills, Jeanette Brocks, Melisa Bayliss, Sue Foster-Agg; Chapter 5 Using TASC to Foster the Development of Problem-solving and Thinking Skills in Science, Steve Davies, Rashu Rosso, Lucy Bell-Scott; Chapter 6 Using ICT to Support the Development of Problem-solving and Thinking Skills, Jane Finch;

    Biography

    Belle Wallace currently works on a consultative basis to local education authorities and as an in-service educator for the development of problem-solving and thinking skills and in the field of gifted and very able children. Richard Bentley was until recently Principal Inspector for Worcestershire with particular responsibility for curriculum, more able pupils and middle schools. He now works as a part-time consultant.

    'This valuable contribution opens the way to increasing children's motivation to learn through a thinking skills framework so that they may acquire tools for lifelong learning.' - Gifted Education International