The Big Thinking Method: Notice, Wonder, Reason, Reflect, Try

The Big Thinking Method is a simple thinking routine for young children: Notice, Wonder, Reason, Reflect, Try.

Written by ShunyaLearning by Tailos · Updated 2026-05-05

Quick answer: The Big Thinking Method is a child-friendly routine: Notice what you see, Wonder about possibilities, Reason with clues, Reflect on feelings or choices, and Try another way.

Notice

Before answering, children look closely and name what they see.

Wonder

They ask questions or imagine what could be happening.

Reason

They use clues to explain why an answer makes sense.

Reflect

They think about feelings, choices, changes, or mistakes.

Try

They try another answer, another strategy, or another way.

Why it matters

This routine gives children language for thinking. It also gives grown-ups a simple way to guide learning without turning every activity into a lecture.

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