Years of research have shown that the close, intertwined relationship of language and thought. In fact, the cognitive processes that children derive are embedded in the vocabulary, inflections, and syntax of adults' language. Through these interactions in their formative years, children develop foundations of thought that endure throughout their lives. (Vygotsky, 1962)
Language is the foundation for the essential thinking skills. A person must have both inner and expressive language to develop critical thinking skills. For example, if students do not have an inner language (talking to themselves), they will have difficulty thinking through a problem or being aware of their own thinking so they can use what they have learned in other situations. If a person does not have expressive language (talking to others), they will be unable to participate in social thinking or to articulate questions.
We can all develop the habit of thinking and communicating with clarity and precision. In so doing, we educate students' cognitive structures, which ultimately leads to increased academic performance. Today's blog contains suggestions for vocabulary, synonyms, key terms, and word phrases that stand for and convey meanings similar to the terms used for each essential thinking skill.
Vocabulary
Persisting:
- Never give up
- Perseverance
- Indefatigable
- Focused
- Try and try again
- Stamina
- Continuing
- Stand your ground
- Undaunted
- Drive
- Relentless
- Sustained
- Systematic
- Tenacity
- Diligence
- Reliant
- Enduring
- Stick-to-it-tiveness
- Hang in there
- Hang tough
- Think before you act
- Deliberate
- Strategic
- Thoughtful
- Patient
- Mediate
- Self-regulated
- Calm
- Reflective
- Controlled
- Count to 10
- Wait time
- Take a deep breath
- Planned
- Considered
- Empathic
- Tuned in
- Mirroring
- Attentive
- Attuned
- Caring
- Concentrate
- Paraphrase
- Respectful
- Focused
- Summarizing
- Compassionate
- Adaptable
- Bendable
- Options
- Changing
- Open-minded
- Diversity
- Alternatives
- Expandable
- Plasticity
- Lateral thinking
- Pliable
- Creative
- Different points of view
- Resilient
- Different perspectives
- Growing
- Multiple solutions
- Fluent
- Repertoire
- Many possibilities
- Quest
- Interested
- Probing
- Investigative
- Clarifying
- Curious
- Interrogative
- Inquisitive
- Skeptical
- Cautious
- Inquiry
- Query
- Seeking
- Proof
- Delving
- Speculative
- Qualify
- Hypothetical
- Perplexing
- Re-use
- Recycle
- Draw forth
- Know your resources
- Reminds me...
- Remember
- Recall
- Apply
- Bridge
- Transfer
- Use again
- Prior knowledge
- Scaffolding
- Just like the time when...
- Similar situations
- Reservoir of knowledge/experiences
- Transform
- Translate
- Implementation
- Utilize
- Engaged
- Involvement
- Perceptions
- Sensing
- Hands-on
- Interactive
- Touch
- Concrete
- Physical, visual, tactual, kinesthetic
- Feel it
- Experiential
- Perceptual acuity
- Clarity
- Sensitivity
- Move it
- Dance
- Auditory, gustatory, olfactory
- Sensitivities
- Sensations
- Unique
- Productive
- Fertile
- Generative
- Brainstorm
- Prolific
- Imaginative
- New
- Fresh
- Ingenious
- Novel
- Fecund
- Fluent
- Engender
- Unconventional
- Inventive
- Clever
- Divergent
- Artistic
- Innovative
- Spontaneous
- Bold
- Adventuresome
- Courageous
- New pathways
- Exploration
- Daring
- Pathfinders
- Unconventional
- Gamble
- Living on the edge
- Vagabond
- Venture
- Challenged
- Roving
- Individualistic
- Free-spirited
- Do your thing
- Just do it
- Cooperative
- Collegial
- Congenial
- Collaborative
- Sense of community
- Family
- Interdependence
- Interconnected
- Support group
- Teamwork
- Reciprocity
- Synergistic
- Mutual
- Harmonious
- Amicable
- Social
- Reciprocal
- Companionship
- Continuous learning
- Lifelong learning
- Problem finding
- Insatiable
- Inquisitive
- Self-modifying
- Self-help
- Self-evaluating
- Continual learner
- Perpetual student
- Failing forward
- Learning from experience
- Self-actualizing
- Mastery
- Commitment
- Articulate
- Choice of words
- Grammatically correct
- Communicative
- Enunciate
- Command of the language
- Eloquent
- Define your term
- Editing
Striving for accuracy:
- Correct
- Craftsmanlike
- Check it out
- Refine
- Adroit
- Hit the bull's-eye
- Sharp
- Perfection
- On target
- Exactness
- Clear
- Specific
- Stamina
- Proof
- Flawless
- Effortless
- Quality
- Surety
- Mastery
- Ensure
- Quality control
- Fit
- Uncompromising
- Zero tolerance
- Finished
Metacognition:
- Self-aware
- Awareness
- Thinking aloud
- Reflective
- Strategic planning
- Have a plan in mind
- Self-evaluative
- Thinking about your thinking
- Knowing what you know and what you don't know
- Mental map
- Talking to yourself
- Inner dialogue
- Self-monitoring
- Inside your head
- Inner thoughts
- Inner feeling
- Talk-aloud problem solving
- Consciousness
- Alertness
- Cognizance
Responding with wonderment and and awe:
- Wondrous
- Alive
- Sensation
- Aha!
- Amazed/Amazement
- Appreciation
- Far out
- Astounding
- Fascination
- Excitement
- Phenomenon
- Awesome
- Passionate
- Marvel
- Exuberant
- Way cool
- Miraculous
- Energized
- Challenged
- Insatiable
- Wide-eyed
- Mysterious
- Visionary
- Obsessed
- Motivated
- Enthralled
- Surprised
- Transfixed
- Laughable
- Laugh at yourself
- Funny
- Comic
- Comedian
- Absurd
- Bizarre
- Pun
- Jokester
- Irony
- Satirical
- Clown
- Playful
- Caricature
- Fanciful
- Whimsical
- Capricious
- Comedy
- Wittiness
- Funnybone
- Merry disposition
In an upcoming post I am going to discuss the Habits Of The Mind Standards, how I began my school year. I will also recommend a few children's picture books to introduce a lesson.
Happy reading:)
Best,
Debra
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