The Minds Wide Open Critical and Creative Thinking Program is both evidence-informed and Australian Curriculum-linked. Optimised for K-8 however it can be customised for any age.
Critical and Creative Thinking (CCT) is for teaching students to think for themselves and be more resilient. CCT helps prepare them with skills, strategies and dispositions.
The program gives teachers the tools needed to integrate critical and creative thinking (CCT) into their classroom programs and daily routines. It's broken down into just three parts and can be applied to any subject or situation without requiring after hours preparation.
The Minds Wide Open program includes: program documents, teaching units, lesson plans, K-8 learning continuum, classroom posters, interactive songs, activity cards, instructional videos, assessment rubrics, student worksheets/blackline masters, merit certificates and more - all organised into relevant stages and fit for purpose. All learning activities for students are evidence-based and curriculum-linked.
“CCT implementation enables students who are not always achieving at a high level to take some pride in what they are able to achieve and to appreciate that learning is more than just facts and figures.”
“More students are taking ownership of their work. Some students are reaching a point of becoming very independent, confident and creative individuals.”
“A whole new process of thinking - Caine’s Arcade expo was outstanding; Captain Disposition; the incredible songs and resources”
“Having been immersed in a rich sequence of thinking skills and dispositions, students are generating more ideas and critically evaluating their value.”
“Using the dispositions, skills and strategies - and talking about them all the time - really helps to recognise and teach creativity and critical thinking.”
We took something complex and made it simple!
"a persons inherent qualities of mind and character" (ACARA)
Get the attitude and mindset right. The student must be WILLING, otherwise the rest is a waste of time.
"the ability to do something well; expertise" (ACARA)
The student needs to be ABLE. With the DESIRE in place, provide opportunities to develop skills through practice.
"a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim" (ACARA)
The student needs to be EQUIPPED with the right tools for the right job. Now that the student is WILLING and ABLE, teach them how to accomplish their goals independently.
“Love how it is researched based and how it fits into curriculum. Hands on activities and resources are excellent.”
All the teaching resources which make up the program are COMPLIMENTARY when you participate in any Minds Wide Open official training, including Workshops, E-Learning and In-School Staff Development Sessions.
The Coloured Thinking Caps
A go-to tool that students can use to solve any problem.
The Coloured Thinking Caps Scaffolding is based on research and best practice of 'what works' for the creative problem solving and design process.
Six simple steps to solve any problem.
CCT Crunches
The suite of CCT Crunches thinking exercises has been informed and inspired by learning goals identified in the Australian Curriculum's Critical and Creative Thinking syllabus and based on findings from over fifty years of creativity research.
Just a few minutes a day is all you need to make a world of difference!
Captain Disposition
Meet Captain Disposition! A new superhero (and assistant teacher) who can motivate your primary-age pupils to use the seven superpowers for lifelong learning and problem solving.
The Seven Dispositions
The Seven Dispositions are the pro-active traits of high achievers and successful learners.
All the teaching resources which make up the program are COMPLIMENTARY when you participate in any Minds Wide Open official training, including Workshops, E-Learning and In-School Staff Development Sessions.
