8th Grade Critical Thinking Activities

This AVID Costa's Levels of Thinking Early Finisher Packet includes a variety of critical thinking activities for middle and high school students. It features a passage with leveled questions, a creative "Finish the Story" activity using Costa’s levels, and an exercise where students categorize questions by thinking level. Perfect for classroom use or independent practice, this packet helps deepen understanding and encourages higher-level thinking!

Find this in...

✨AVID Bundle

✨Costa Bundle

✨Early Finisher Packets

What's Included

1. Passage with Leveled Questions

• Overview: This activity provides students with a short, engaging passage followed by questions categorized by Costa's Levels of Thinking.

2. Costa’s "Finish the Story" Activity

• Overview: This creative writing activity allows students to apply Costa’s Levels of Thinking as they finish a partially written story. Each stage of the activity corresponds to a different level of thinking.

3. Categorizing Costa's Questions Activity

• Overview: In this activity, students are given a set of questions related to a topic and must categorize them into Costa’s Levels of Thinking. This helps students learn how to identify different types of thinking questions.

Bonus Features

• Answer Key: An answer key is provided for teachers to quickly check the categorization activity and leveled questions.
• No-Prep, Print-and-Go Format: Just print and distribute!

Perfect For:

• Early finishers
• Enrichment activities
• Critical thinking lessons
• Independent or small group work
• Sub plans

Increase critical thinking skills with this Thanksgiving-themed Costa's Levels of Inquiry activity! Students will categorize questions based on Costa’s Level 1, 2, and 3, promoting deeper understanding of Thanksgiving traditions and ELA skills. Perfect for engaging middle and high school students in critical analysis and creative thinking during the holiday season!

What's Included

• 10 Thanksgiving-themed questions for categorizing into Costa's Level of Questioning
• Answer key

Find this in...

✨AVID Bundle

✨Costa Bundle

✨November Early Finisher Packet

Growth Mindset Bell Ringers Activities: FREE Bell Ringer Warm-Ups 4th-UP

This two-week free growth mindset bell ringer warm-up now includes a digital distance learning option in Google Slides™. Please refer to the final 7 pages of the product for instructions and links!

These free daily growth mindset activities are perfect for teachers who are looking for quick, easy to use, information-packed daily growth mindset instruction. These 10 activities, which span across 2 weeks, are a sample from a larger product that lasts an entire year! It will give you everything you need to teach your 4TH GRADE AND UP classroom about all things growth mindset!

Do you want DAILY Growth Mindset Bell Ringers for ANY GRADE LEVEL? Choose your grade here:

GROWTH MINDSET ACTIVITIES: Daily Warm-Ups for Kinder-1st Grade

GROWTH MINDSET ACTIVITIES: Daily Warm-Ups for 2ND-3RD Grade

GROWTH MINDSET ACTIVITIES: Daily Warm-Ups for 4th Grade and Up

THIS FREE PRODUCT INCLUDES THE FIRST TWO WEEKS BOLDED BELOW!

The following topics are covered, week by week, in this full year growth mindset instructional product:

1- Growth and Fixed Mindset

2- The Brain

3- Parts of the Brain

4- Neurons

5- Perseverance

6- Grit

7- Mistakes

8- Growth Mindset Self-Reflections

9- The Power of YET

10- Accepting Feedback and Criticism

11- Tackling Challenges

12- Overcoming Obstacles

13- Self-Talk

14- Positive and Negative Self-Talk

15- Perfection

16- Growth Mindset Self-Reflections

17- Metacognition: Self-Reflection

18- Metacognition: Distractions/Focus

19- SMART Goals

20- SMART Goals Application

21- Room to Grow

22- Failure

23- The Success of Others

24- Growth Mindset Self-Reflections

25- Motivation

26- Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation

27- Resilience

28- Malleability of the Brain

29- Improvement

30- Confidence

31- Positive Affirmations

32- Growth Mindset Self-Reflections

33- Commitment

34- Multiple Intelligences

35- Mindfulness

36- Self-Care

37- Reframe Your Mindset

38- Becoming Is Better Than Being

39- My Growth Mindset Agreements

40- Growth Mindset Self-Reflections

*This product also includes 2 of the 35 posters for a bulletin board that explain each topic. The full size paid product also includes a pre-assessment and a post-assessment as well as sample answers or notes for each activity.

This daily growth mindset activity product is for YOU if you struggle to squeeze in growth mindset instruction or just don't know how to go about teaching it. In the paid product, your students will get instruction in EVERY AREA of growth mindset with the topics covered!

NOTE: THIS FILE NOW INCLUDES A DIGITAL DISTANCE LEARNING OPTION!

As of 6/15/20, this product includes a digital option (as well as the no prep printable option). The instructions for utilizing the digital portion appear at the end of the packet.

Technology Requirements:

• A Google Drive account
• If sharing with students, a Drive account that is linked to student Google accounts
• Can be shared/delivered on Google Classroom
• Only need access to Google Drive--no outside links to worry about!

These file can be used with iPads, chrome books, laptops, and desktops as long as your students have access to Google Drive or Classroom on a device. The digital portion of this product is on Google Slides™.

You may also be interested in the following GROWTH MINDSET ACTIVITIES:

GROWTH MINDSET AFFIRMATIONS POSTERS (with cursive)

GROWTH MINDSET PRIVACY FOLDER OFFICES

GROWTH MINDSET FLIP BOOKS

GROWTH MINDSET TEACHER NOTES

GROWTH MINDSET BOOKMARKS

GROWTH MINDSET AWARDS

GROWTH MINDSET STICKY NOTES FROM THE TEACHER

GROWTH MINDSET PRINT AND FOLD REFLECTIONS BOOKLETS

GROWTH MINDSET JOURNAL PROMPTS

GROWTH MINDSET SORTING ACTIVITY

GROWTH MINDSET SORTING ACTIVITY USING STICKY NOTES

GROWTH MINDSET ACTIVITY BUNDLE:

GROWTH MINDSET BUNDLE: AFFIRMATION POSTERS, FLIP BOOKS, TEACHER NOTES, BOOKMARKS, AWARDS, AND PRIVACY FOLDER

GROWTH MINDSET QUOTES BUNDLE:

CHARACTER TRAITS QUOTES BUNDLE (with GROWTH MINDSET)

GROWTH MINDSET AFFIRMATIONS POSTERS (NO cursive)

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Kirsten Tulsian has 18 years of experience in elementary education. She has been a homeroom teacher for first grade, third grade, and fourth grade, as well as ESL. She has also been a school counselor for grades PK-6, an ESL pullout teacher for K-6, and a Reading Recovery Teacher. She received her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and psychology from The University of Iowa and a Master’s of Education in school counseling from Sam Houston State University. She believes that students make the most progress when they are engaged in their hearts as well as their minds. Her resources offer relevant, rigorous, engaging content that nurtures the whole child.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Copyright © Kirsten’s Kaboodle. All Rights Reserved.

• Purchasing this product gives the purchaser ONE LICENSE to this product. This allows the purchaser the right to reproduce this product for HIS/HER class ONLY.

• Duplication for an entire team, school, or school district is strictly forbidden.

• If other teachers would like copies of this product, please direct them to my store.

• You may not reproduce, redistribute, or post this item on a blog or website for download (free or paid).

• Copying any part of this product (even for a classroom website) is also in violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

• You may not modify, copy, or alter this product in any way.

• Please feel free to spread the word about this product via social media or blog post. A link to the product (or my store) is much appreciated.

If you are looking for a fun and interactive way to get your students working together, trying something new, and having a little fun along the way, while also getting them up and moving a bit, then you will love this team building and leadership challenge! Use it as an icebreaker or add a few extra challenges that students will work through and make it a complete lesson! My early elementary and middle school students loved this activity.

Are you searching for an engaging activity to celebrate this summer season? Look no further! This Summer Jokes Cryptogram Code Breaker is perfect for various grade levels, and teachers can simply print and go!

⭐ BEST VALUE! If you love code breaker activities, grab this bundle to enjoy maximum discounts!

⭐ Ultimate Growing Bundle: Code Breaker Worksheets for All Year Long!

Includes:

• 5 Summer jokes
• 1 page of worksheet (black and white for bulk printing)
• 1 page of answer key

Check out and unlock MORE summer fun for your students! (Print and Go!)

• Bundle: Summer Cryptogram

What is cryptogram?

A cryptogram is like a puzzle where letters in a message are replaced with different letters or symbols**.** You can solve it by figuring out which letter stands for which.  It's a fun challenge for learners.

How do these worksheets benefit your learners?

• Problem-Solving Skills: Deciphering cryptograms involves breaking down complex codes into manageable parts, which enhances problem-solving abilities.
• Educational Reinforcement – Cryptograms can be used to reinforce educational concepts across various subjects, making learning enjoyable and interactive.
• Language Skills – Deciphering cryptograms enhances reading comprehension, vocabulary, and spelling as children engage with written language meaningfully.
• Handwriting Practice – Solving cryptograms involves writing letter substitutions, offering valuable handwriting practice for children to improve letter formation, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills.
• Enjoyable and engaging learning experience

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By following, you'll stay informed about newly launched products, exclusive sales, and discounts.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at teacherevercreative@gmail.com

Happy Teaching and Learning!

Celebrate Earth Day with this no-prep cryptogram featuring an Earth Day Fun Fact. This worksheet promotes critical thinking and offers an engaging lesson for your students. Just print and you're ready to go!

These worksheet include:

• Content: Earth Day Fun Fact - about recycling
• 1 page of worksheet (black and white for bulk printing)
• 1 page of answer key

Benefit for teachers:

• Evergreen printable
• No Prep / No prior teaching
• Use for: Earth Day/ Science / Environmental Studies

Check out Earth Day Cryptogram Code Breaker for more content-focused and engaging activity!

⭐ BEST VALUE!

⭐ Seasonal and Holiday Growing Bundle

If you like these cryptograms, check out these NO-PREP cryptograms:

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Polar Animals

Desert Animals

Forest Animals

Ocean Animals

Fun Riddles (All Year Round!)

Shark Fun Facts (All Year Round!)

Whale Fun Facts (All Year Round!)

What is cryptogram?

A cryptogram is like a puzzle where letters in a message are replaced with different letters or symbols**.** You can solve it by figuring out which letter stands for which.  It's a fun challenge for learners.

How do these worksheets benefit your learners?

• Problem-Solving Skills: Deciphering cryptograms involves breaking down complex codes into manageable parts, which enhances problem-solving abilities.
• Educational Reinforcement – Cryptograms can be used to reinforce educational concepts across various subjects, making learning enjoyable and interactive.
• Language Skills – Deciphering cryptograms enhances reading comprehension, vocabulary, and spelling as children engage with written language meaningfully.
• Handwriting Practice – Solving cryptograms involves writing letter substitutions, offering valuable handwriting practice for children to improve letter formation, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills.
• Enjoyable and engaging learning experience

Follow me
By following, you'll stay informed about newly launched products, exclusive sales, and discounts.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at teacherevercreative@gmail.com

Happy Teaching and Learning!

Are you searching for an engaging activity to celebrate this fall / autumn season? Look no further! This Fall Jokes Cryptogram Code Breaker is perfect for various grade levels, and teachers can simply print and go!

⭐ BEST VALUE! If you love code breaker activities, grab this bundle to enjoy maximum discounts!

⭐ Ultimate Growing Bundle: Code Breaker Worksheets for All Year Long!

Includes:

• 5 Fall jokes
• 1 page of worksheet (black and white for bulk printing)
• 1 page of answer key

Check out and unlock MORE fall fun for your students! (Print and Go!)

• Bundle: Fall Cryptogram

What is cryptogram?

A cryptogram is like a puzzle where letters in a message are replaced with different letters or symbols**.** You can solve it by figuring out which letter stands for which.  It's a fun challenge for learners.

How do these worksheets benefit your learners?

• Problem-Solving Skills: Deciphering cryptograms involves breaking down complex codes into manageable parts, which enhances problem-solving abilities.
• Educational Reinforcement – Cryptograms can be used to reinforce educational concepts across various subjects, making learning enjoyable and interactive.
• Language Skills – Deciphering cryptograms enhances reading comprehension, vocabulary, and spelling as children engage with written language meaningfully.
• Handwriting Practice – Solving cryptograms involves writing letter substitutions, offering valuable handwriting practice for children to improve letter formation, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills.
• Enjoyable and engaging learning experience

Get exclusive freebies by joining our list!

Follow me

By following, you'll stay informed about newly launched products, exclusive sales, and discounts.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at teacherevercreative@gmail.com

Happy Teaching and Learning!

Are you searching for a fun activity to celebrate Presidents' Day? Look no further! This Presidents' Day Quote code breaker is perfect for various grade levels, and teachers can simply print and go!

This worksheet includes:

• 1 inspring quote from George Washington
• 1 page of worksheet (black and white for bulk printing)
• 1 page of answer key

Check out this fun educational activity (Print and Go!)

• Presidents' Day Cryptogram Code Breaker (15 Questions and answers)

Teachers, save your valuable time and money by purchasing this Cryptogram Growing Bundle!

⭐ Seasonal and Holiday Growing Bundle

Follow me
By following, you'll stay informed about newly launched products, exclusive sales, and discounts. The latest products are available at special FLASH SALE prices for the initial 24 hours!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at teacherevercreative@gmail.com

Happy Teaching and Learning!

Are you searching for fun and engaging resources for the back-to-school season? Use these FREE School Jokes Cryptogram Code Breaker worksheets as the perfect activity to help kids ease into the new academic year.

To unlock more school jokes, check out School Jokes Code Breaker

This fun School Jokes code breaker is perfect for morning work, fast finishers, group and independent work and more. Use it as a fun way to start the school year and beyond!

This engaging School Joke code breaker can enhance students' critical thinking, visual perception, letter recognition, letter writing, language skills, and more.

⭐ BEST VALUE! If you love code breaker activities, grab this bundle to enjoy maximum discounts!

⭐ Ultimate Growing Bundle: Code Breaker Worksheets for All Year Long!

Includes:

• 5 School jokes
• 1 page of worksheets (black and white for bulk printing)
• 1 page of answer key

What is cryptogram (Code Breaker) ?

A cryptogram is like a puzzle where letters in a message are replaced with different letters or symbols**.** You can solve it by figuring out which letter stands for which.  It's a fun challenge for learners.

How do these worksheets benefit your learners?

• Problem-Solving Skills: Deciphering cryptograms involves breaking down complex codes into manageable parts, which enhances problem-solving abilities.
• Educational Reinforcement – Cryptograms can be used to reinforce educational concepts across various subjects, making learning enjoyable and interactive.
• Language Skills – Deciphering cryptograms enhances reading comprehension, vocabulary, and spelling as children engage with written language meaningfully.
• Handwriting Practice – Solving cryptograms involves writing letter substitutions, offering valuable handwriting practice for children to improve letter formation, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills.
• Enjoyable and engaging learning experience

Follow me

By following, you'll stay informed about newly launched products, exclusive sales, and discounts.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at teacherevercreative@gmail.com

Happy Teaching and Learning!

Bring some fun into the classroom by challenging your students to decode Back to School Trivia! This no-prep resource is a great activity that can be done independently by the students or in groups. This activity is great for filling in those small gaps while giving you a moment to handle other tasks. Not only is this resource engaging, but it also requires no prior teaching. Students will work through the activity at their own pace, using critical thinking to decode it more quickly. With patience and perseverance, they will complete it without feeling frustrated. The best part is that this code breaker activity boosts students’ memory by encouraging them to actively remember and recall information.

⭐ BEST VALUE! If you love code breaker activities, grab this bundle to enjoy maximum discounts!

⭐ Ultimate Growing Bundle: Code Breaker Worksheets for All Year Long!

Includes:

• 1 School-themed trivia
• Answer key

Unlock MORE Back to School Trivia, check out:

• Ultimate Back to School Trivia
• School Jokes Code Breaker

Use for:

Back to school activities, morning work, independent work, sub plans, vocabulary building and indoor fun learning activities.

What is cryptogram?

A cryptogram is like a puzzle where letters in a message are replaced with different letters or symbols**.** You can solve it by figuring out which letter stands for which.  It's a fun challenge for learners.

How do these worksheets benefit your learners?

• Learners must analyze the symbols to decode the hidden words. This promotes cognitive development and critical thinking.
• Cryptograms are essentially puzzles that need to be solved. Kids learn to approach problems systematically, breaking down complex codes into manageable parts. This problem-solving skill is transferable to various areas of their academic and personal lives.
• Attention to detail
• Improve working memory
• Enjoyable learning experience

Follow me
By following, you'll stay informed about newly launched products, exclusive sales, and discounts.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at teacherevercreative@gmail.com

Happy Teaching and Learning!

Are you searching for an engaging activity to celebrate this winter season? Look no further! This Winter Jokes Cryptogram Code Breaker is perfect for various grade levels, and teachers can simply print and go!

⭐ BEST VALUE! If you love code breaker activities, grab this bundle to enjoy maximum discounts!

⭐ Ultimate Growing Bundle: Code Breaker Worksheets for All Year Long!

Includes:

• 5 Winter jokes
• 1 page of worksheet (black and white for bulk printing)
• 1 page of answer key

Check out and unlock MORE winter fun for your students! (Print and Go!)

• Bundle: Winter Cryptogram

What is cryptogram (Code Breaker) ?

A cryptogram is like a puzzle where letters in a message are replaced with different letters or symbols**.** You can solve it by figuring out which letter stands for which.  It's a fun challenge for learners.

How do these worksheets benefit your learners?

• Problem-Solving Skills: Deciphering cryptograms involves breaking down complex codes into manageable parts, which enhances problem-solving abilities.
• Educational Reinforcement – Cryptograms can be used to reinforce educational concepts across various subjects, making learning enjoyable and interactive.
• Language Skills – Deciphering cryptograms enhances reading comprehension, vocabulary, and spelling as children engage with written language meaningfully.
• Handwriting Practice – Solving cryptograms involves writing letter substitutions, offering valuable handwriting practice for children to improve letter formation, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills.
• Enjoyable and engaging learning experience

Get exclusive freebies by joining our list!

Follow me

By following, you'll stay informed about newly launched products, exclusive sales, and discounts.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at teacherevercreative@gmail.com

Happy Teaching and Learning!

Are you searching for a fun activity to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Look no further! The Martin Luther King Jr. coloring activity with quotes is perfect for various grade levels. Teachers can simply print and go!

This worksheet includes:

• Coloring page with quote

Check out this fun educational activity (Print and Go!)

• Martin Luther King Jr. Code Breaker Activity

Teachers, save your valuable time and money by purchasing this Cryptogram Growing Bundle!

⭐ Seasonal and Holiday Growing Bundle

Get exclusive freebies by joining our list!

Follow me
By following, you'll stay informed about newly launched products, exclusive sales, and discounts. The latest products are available at special FLASH SALE prices for the initial 24 hours!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at teacherevercreative@gmail.com

Happy Teaching and Learning!

Critical thinking activity for small/whole that motivates students to take charge of their learning process. Encourages students to discuss their classroom learning successes as well as disasters. Activity will have students discussing learning processes and study skills. Student scenarios given and guided questions with handout chart included.

Learn about lots of interesting facts about books with this interactive notebook activity. Good for a Friday activity, for a substitute or for National Book Day or World Book Day.

Learn about lots of interesting facts about books with this interactive notebook activity. Good for a Friday activity, for a substitute or for National Book Day or World Book Day.