Hand of Knowledge

Thoughtful Classroom Tool (name and book title/page)

Hand of Knowledge

Tools for Thoughtful Assessment  Pgs. 40-41

Teacher Name

Grade/Subjects Taught

Denise Carlson

5th Grade All Subjects

Brief Tool Description

What is its purpose? Is it for a particular dimension of the Thoughtful Classroom framework? What do the teacher and students do during the strategy that make it valuable?

This tool can be used for several different things, but I used this as a getting to know you tool in the beginning of the year.  I varied and changed the questions to make sure they fit to my grade.

For example:  What is something you are afraid of for 5th grade?  What is something you are looking forward to in 5th grade?

I used this as a cornerstone 2 tool, but is can certainly be used in other areas.

Example(s) of How to Use the Tool in the Classroom

Does it lend itself best to a particular subjects? Have you used the strategy successfully with a particular topic? Is there a lesson you can describe that illustrates how to use it?

This was a great tool for my students to get to know each other and for me find out their fears without putting them on the spot, or making them feel uncomfortable.  If gave me insight into the students hopes and dreams beyond 5th grade.

Suggestions for Adaptations

Could it be easily adapted for a higher/lower grade? For a different subject area? For assessment?

This tool can be used in any grade level.  As the teacher, you would revise the questions to something that is suitable for your class.  In a preK classroom you may have the students create a finger paint hand and record their responses.

Other Suggestions/Comments

I did this tool the first day of school and used it along with Best foot forward to create a bulletin board in our school.