Search-Institute.org is a great site for ideas on working with kids. In their latest article they mentioned what they call HOT and COLD thinking.
They call thinking ‘hot’ when it is energized and enthusiastic. ‘Cold’ thinking includes reflective notions such as analyzing and integrating ideas.
As teachers, assistants and parents, we can help students develop their skills in both systems. Here are their first four suggestions:
- Model self-control and impulses.
- Examine your assumptions. New information requires thoughtful deliberation.
- Reduce stress. (Always a great idea!)
- Allow practice sessions for ways of thinking and controlling impulses. As we often hear, “practice makes perfect” or at least it provides a chance to experiment before taking on situations and tasks.