The Big Thinking Method
Notice. Wonder. Reason. Reflect. Try.
The Big Thinking Method is a simple routine children can practice again and again. It turns worksheets into conversations about clues, questions, reasons, feelings, and flexible choices.
1
Notice
Look closely. Name what you see before answering.
2
Wonder
Ask questions. What might be happening? What else could be true?
3
Reason
Use clues. Explain why your answer makes sense.
4
Reflect
Think about feelings, choices, and what changed.
5
Try
Try another answer, another strategy, or another way.
How grown-ups can use it
After a child completes a page, ask one follow-up question. Keep it short and warm: “What did you notice?” “Why did you choose that?” “Could another answer also make sense?”
Thinking grows when children get to explain, not just answer.