Classroom Freebies For Teaching Higher Order Thinking

Many educators and parents seek cost-effective, engaging tools to support higher-order thinking in students. A growing number of free classroom resources are available to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. These tools, often accessible through teacher-focused websites and educational blogs, provide educators with no-cost printable materials, questioning strategies, hands-on activities, and visual aids that align with curriculum goals. The following information is drawn from verified educational sources and discusses how to utilize these materials effectively in the classroom.

One readily available resource is a set of Higher Order Thinking (HOT) question cards, described as a “colorful tool to support using HOTS with your students” on educational blog Classroom Freebies. Designed for classroom use, these question-cards are available for download and can be used to prompt meaningful discussions and encourage cognitive development. The set is designed to align with Bloom’s Taxonomy levels, including remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating.

Additionally, several educational institutions and teacher resource websites offer free printable materials and activity packs focused on higher-order thinking skills. For instance, a Back to School Higher Order Thinking Activities Set is available for free download, targeting skills such as evaluation in the classroom. These resources are crafted to be used in a variety of subjects, including literacy, mathematics, and science, and can be tailored to suit different grade levels from elementary to high school.

Visual tools such as gears, desk plates, and classroom displays are also recommended to explain the progression of higher-order thinking skills. These tools help teachers illustrate the interconnected nature of thinking strategies and encourage students to identify the cognitive processes they are using during learning. The use of physical objects, such as the Melissa & Doug Rainbow Caterpillar Gear Toy or Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Super Set, is suggested for younger learners to provide a tactile, visual representation of the higher-order thinking process.

In addition to physical tools, educators can access free digital resources such as question stems, task cards, and higher-order thinking rubrics. One such resource explains that “Higher Order Thinking Question Stems” serve as a guide for developing questions at each level of Bloom’s Taxonomy. These stems can be used in lesson planning or shared with students to promote self-guided learning and evaluation of their own thinking processes.

Free templates are also available to help educators track student progress in higher-order thinking skills. For example, a Year 6 Magazine – What’s Buzzing? (First Edition) Task Card Set is designed to be used with students to encourage cognitive skills development. Each task card clearly defines a thinking skill based on Bloom’s Taxonomy, allowing students to engage in structured, skill-specific learning. Additionally, these task cards can be used in conjunction with classroom observation, supporting teacher assessments of student thinking development.

Furthermore, free printable posters and classroom displays are available for educators to help create a cognitive learning environment. For example, Bloom’s Taxonomy Sentence Starters and Activities Posters are recommended for classroom use and provide a daily visual reminder of the types of questions and activities that promote higher-order thinking. These materials are ideal for use in group work, literacy rotations, and individual reflection activities.

Educational websites offer free samples of larger, more comprehensive activity packs for teachers. One such example is a Higher Order Thinking Activities Packet for Every First Grade Math Common Core Standard, which includes a rubric and detailed activity instructions. Teachers are encouraged to use these packets as supplementary materials or introductory activities to promote cognitive engagement in the classroom.

Digital learning tools are also on the rise, offering no-cost access to platforms that support higher-order thinking. These platforms typically offer free user accounts or trial periods that allow educators to test out their resources before purchasing a larger package. For example, some websites provide High School Higher-Order Thinking Activities for Advanced Learners, including lesson plans and critical thinking rubrics tailored for high school students. These tools are ideal for educators seeking to integrate technology into their teaching of analytical and evaluative thinking skills.

Overall, a growing number of educational websites and teacher blogs are offering free materials, tools, and strategies to support higher-order thinking. By downloading question cards, activity sheets, or task card sets, educators can implement cognitive skills development in their classrooms at no cost. These materials are designed to align with curriculum standards and provide a structured approach to developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities across various age groups and subject areas.

To access these free tools and activities, educators can visit the sources listed below. These pages offer complete details on availability, download instructions, and usage recommendations for each free sample.

Sources

1. Higher Order Thinking Tools - Classroom Freebies
2. 9 Easy and Effective Ways to Teach Higher Order Thinking
3. Free Higher Order Thinking Resources (Teacher Resource Site)
4. Higher-Order Thinking Skills Examples
5. Best Free Resources for Higher-Order Thinking Skills