For over 30 years, our mission has been to empower teachers to empower children. Based on neuroscience and developmental theory, Tools develops self-regulation, strong academic and social skills and a lifelong love of learning. Check out our rich history full of growth, recognition and continuous improvement.
2024
We’re excited to be developing a groundbreaking new approach to assessing self-regulation development. We’re grateful to our wonderful philanthropic funders for supporting this critical work. SEED development, like all we do, is a collaboration with Tools educators and families.
2024
We’re excited to be developing a groundbreaking new approach to assessing self-regulation development. We’re grateful to our wonderful philanthropic funders for supporting this critical work. SEED development, like all we do, is a collaboration with Tools educators and families.
2024
We’re excited to be developing a groundbreaking new approach to assessing self-regulation development. We’re grateful to our wonderful philanthropic funders for supporting this critical work. SEED development, like all we do, is a collaboration with Tools educators and families.
2024
We’re excited to be developing a groundbreaking new approach to assessing self-regulation development. We’re grateful to our wonderful philanthropic funders for supporting this critical work. SEED development, like all we do, is a collaboration with Tools educators and families.
2023
We bring our Tools early childhood educators from all across the globe together for our first annual TEACH conference online. During these invigorating 3-days, our Tools preschool and kindergarten teachers, coaches and school leaders learn from one another and from keynote speakers to deepen their understanding of the Tools approach. Thank you to all the teachers, coaches, administrators and speakers who inspired us all.
2023
We bring our Tools early childhood educators from all across the globe together for our first annual TEACH conference online. During these invigorating 3-days, our Tools preschool and kindergarten teachers, coaches and school leaders learn from one another and from keynote speakers to deepen their understanding of the Tools approach. Thank you to all the teachers, coaches, administrators and speakers who inspired us all.
2023
We bring our Tools early childhood educators from all across the globe together for our first annual TEACH conference online. During these invigorating 3-days, our Tools preschool and kindergarten teachers, coaches and school leaders learn from one another and from keynote speakers to deepen their understanding of the Tools approach. Thank you to all the teachers, coaches, administrators and speakers who inspired us all.
2023
We bring our Tools early childhood educators from all across the globe together for our first annual TEACH conference online. During these invigorating 3-days, our Tools preschool and kindergarten teachers, coaches and school leaders learn from one another and from keynote speakers to deepen their understanding of the Tools approach. Thank you to all the teachers, coaches, administrators and speakers who inspired us all.
2022
Our 8th edition Kindergarten Curriculum maps out our alignment with the science of reading and the science of learning for teachers, integrating self-regulation and social skills development into the design of every activity and preserving play and playful learning in kindergarten.
2022
Our 8th edition Kindergarten Curriculum maps out our alignment with the science of reading and the science of learning for teachers, integrating self-regulation and social skills development into the design of every activity and preserving play and playful learning in kindergarten.
2022
Our 8th edition Kindergarten Curriculum maps out our alignment with the science of reading and the science of learning for teachers, integrating self-regulation and social skills development into the design of every activity and preserving play and playful learning in kindergarten.
2022
Our 8th edition Kindergarten Curriculum maps out our alignment with the science of reading and the science of learning for teachers, integrating self-regulation and social skills development into the design of every activity and preserving play and playful learning in kindergarten.
2021
With input from teachers and families, we develop Family Connect to support strong connections between teachers and families through text messaging and sharing photos and video, with auto-translation into over 100 languages.
2021
With input from teachers and families, we develop Family Connect to support strong connections between teachers and families through text messaging and sharing photos and video, with auto-translation into over 100 languages.
2021
With input from teachers and families, we develop Family Connect to support strong connections between teachers and families through text messaging and sharing photos and video, with auto-translation into over 100 languages.
2021
With input from teachers and families, we develop Family Connect to support strong connections between teachers and families through text messaging and sharing photos and video, with auto-translation into over 100 languages.
2021
We launch TREE, our first-ever individualized professional development platform. TREE allows us to offer support and co-construction as teachers apply the Tools approach in their unique classrooms so every child reaches their full potential. Each teacher has a dedicated Tools team member who supports them throughout the year.
2021
We launch TREE, our first-ever individualized professional development platform. TREE allows us to offer support and co-construction as teachers apply the Tools approach in their unique classrooms so every child reaches their full potential. Each teacher has a dedicated Tools team member who supports them throughout the year.
2021
We launch TREE, our first-ever individualized professional development platform. TREE allows us to offer support and co-construction as teachers apply the Tools approach in their unique classrooms so every child reaches their full potential. Each teacher has a dedicated Tools team member who supports them throughout the year.
2021
We launch TREE, our first-ever individualized professional development platform. TREE allows us to offer support and co-construction as teachers apply the Tools approach in their unique classrooms so every child reaches their full potential. Each teacher has a dedicated Tools team member who supports them throughout the year.
2020
The 8th edition of our PreK Manual is released. Equity matters to Tools and we dedicate ourselves to transcreating this edition, workshops and teacher resources so that Español-speaking teachers can access Tools in their native language for the first time, complementing our core curriculum materials in English and Español.
2020
The 8th edition of our PreK Manual is released. Equity matters to Tools and we dedicate ourselves to transcreating this edition, workshops and teacher resources so that Español-speaking teachers can access Tools in their native language for the first time, complementing our core curriculum materials in English and Español.
2020
The 8th edition of our PreK Manual is released. Equity matters to Tools and we dedicate ourselves to transcreating this edition, workshops and teacher resources so that Español-speaking teachers can access Tools in their native language for the first time, complementing our core curriculum materials in English and Español.
2020
The 8th edition of our PreK Manual is released. Equity matters to Tools and we dedicate ourselves to transcreating this edition, workshops and teacher resources so that Español-speaking teachers can access Tools in their native language for the first time, complementing our core curriculum materials in English and Español.
2020
We developed Learn@Home to support family understanding of child development and Tools activities, extending learning to play and playing to learn from school to home. Learn@Home offers new content for families including digital access to books, games and videos as well as downloadable resources with auto-translation into over 100 languages.
2020
We developed Learn@Home to support family understanding of child development and Tools activities, extending learning to play and playing to learn from school to home. Learn@Home offers new content for families including digital access to books, games and videos as well as downloadable resources with auto-translation into over 100 languages.
2020
We developed Learn@Home to support family understanding of child development and Tools activities, extending learning to play and playing to learn from school to home. Learn@Home offers new content for families including digital access to books, games and videos as well as downloadable resources with auto-translation into over 100 languages.
2020
We developed Learn@Home to support family understanding of child development and Tools activities, extending learning to play and playing to learn from school to home. Learn@Home offers new content for families including digital access to books, games and videos as well as downloadable resources with auto-translation into over 100 languages.
2019
We release the Developmental Writing Assessment (DWA) so teachers can easily assess children’s writing development while they do everyday Tools activities. Subsequent DWA research data shows the relationship between self-regulation and levels of writing development.
2019
We release the Developmental Writing Assessment (DWA) so teachers can easily assess children’s writing development while they do everyday Tools activities. Subsequent DWA research data shows the relationship between self-regulation and levels of writing development.
2019
We release the Developmental Writing Assessment (DWA) so teachers can easily assess children’s writing development while they do everyday Tools activities. Subsequent DWA research data shows the relationship between self-regulation and levels of writing development.
2019
We release the Developmental Writing Assessment (DWA) so teachers can easily assess children’s writing development while they do everyday Tools activities. Subsequent DWA research data shows the relationship between self-regulation and levels of writing development.
2019
This study by Adele Diamond et al. shows that Tools of the Mind improves executive functions (self-regulation) and academic outcomes while reducing bullying and increasing joy in the classroom. Tools improves reading and writing outcomes and the school experience for both the student and teacher.
2019
This study by Adele Diamond et al. shows that Tools of the Mind improves executive functions (self-regulation) and academic outcomes while reducing bullying and increasing joy in the classroom. Tools improves reading and writing outcomes and the school experience for both the student and teacher.
2019
This study by Adele Diamond et al. shows that Tools of the Mind improves executive functions (self-regulation) and academic outcomes while reducing bullying and increasing joy in the classroom. Tools improves reading and writing outcomes and the school experience for both the student and teacher.
2019
This study by Adele Diamond et al. shows that Tools of the Mind improves executive functions (self-regulation) and academic outcomes while reducing bullying and increasing joy in the classroom. Tools improves reading and writing outcomes and the school experience for both the student and teacher.
2018
PowerTools brings Tools Vygotskian theory to life through an innovative digital reading app that engages children in learning to read high-interest books with a partner. PowerTools use in classrooms results in more children meeting or exceeding grade level expectations in end-of-year standardized reading and literacy assessments in multiple states.
2018
PowerTools brings Tools Vygotskian theory to life through an innovative digital reading app that engages children in learning to read high-interest books with a partner. PowerTools use in classrooms results in more children meeting or exceeding grade level expectations in end-of-year standardized reading and literacy assessments in multiple states.
2018
PowerTools brings Tools Vygotskian theory to life through an innovative digital reading app that engages children in learning to read high-interest books with a partner. PowerTools use in classrooms results in more children meeting or exceeding grade level expectations in end-of-year standardized reading and literacy assessments in multiple states.
2018
PowerTools brings Tools Vygotskian theory to life through an innovative digital reading app that engages children in learning to read high-interest books with a partner. PowerTools use in classrooms results in more children meeting or exceeding grade level expectations in end-of-year standardized reading and literacy assessments in multiple states.
2016
We develop our own interactive Read Alouds to build background knowledge to support make-believe play and dramatization. The books are so valued that a year later, Save the Children and First Book both partner with Tools to make a series of these more widely available.
2016
We develop our own interactive Read Alouds to build background knowledge to support make-believe play and dramatization. The books are so valued that a year later, Save the Children and First Book both partner with Tools to make a series of these more widely available.
2016
We develop our own interactive Read Alouds to build background knowledge to support make-believe play and dramatization. The books are so valued that a year later, Save the Children and First Book both partner with Tools to make a series of these more widely available.
2016
We develop our own interactive Read Alouds to build background knowledge to support make-believe play and dramatization. The books are so valued that a year later, Save the Children and First Book both partner with Tools to make a series of these more widely available.
2014
The impact of Tools kindergarten on self-regulation development is seen in this pivotal NYU study by researchers Clancy Blair and C. Cybele Raver. Their findings are published in PLOS ONE this year. Many of the participating schools serve children from economically disadvantaged families, leading these researchers to conclude that the Tools kindergarten curriculum helps close the achievement gap. Growth areas included reading, vocabulary and mathematics at the end of kindergarten which continued to increase in first grade.
2014
The impact of Tools kindergarten on self-regulation development is seen in this pivotal NYU study by researchers Clancy Blair and C. Cybele Raver. Their findings are published in PLOS ONE this year. Many of the participating schools serve children from economically disadvantaged families, leading these researchers to conclude that the Tools kindergarten curriculum helps close the achievement gap. Growth areas included reading, vocabulary and mathematics at the end of kindergarten which continued to increase in first grade.
2014
The impact of Tools kindergarten on self-regulation development is seen in this pivotal NYU study by researchers Clancy Blair and C. Cybele Raver. Their findings are published in PLOS ONE this year. Many of the participating schools serve children from economically disadvantaged families, leading these researchers to conclude that the Tools kindergarten curriculum helps close the achievement gap. Growth areas included reading, vocabulary and mathematics at the end of kindergarten which continued to increase in first grade.
2014
The impact of Tools kindergarten on self-regulation development is seen in this pivotal NYU study by researchers Clancy Blair and C. Cybele Raver. Their findings are published in PLOS ONE this year. Many of the participating schools serve children from economically disadvantaged families, leading these researchers to conclude that the Tools kindergarten curriculum helps close the achievement gap. Growth areas included reading, vocabulary and mathematics at the end of kindergarten which continued to increase in first grade.
2013
Tools earns the highest tier designation in the CASEL Guide to Effective Social and Emotional Learning Programs. CASEL, the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, recognizes Tools for providing consistent, high-quality SEL opportunities for all students.
2013
Tools earns the highest tier designation in the CASEL Guide to Effective Social and Emotional Learning Programs. CASEL, the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, recognizes Tools for providing consistent, high-quality SEL opportunities for all students.
2013
Tools earns the highest tier designation in the CASEL Guide to Effective Social and Emotional Learning Programs. CASEL, the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, recognizes Tools for providing consistent, high-quality SEL opportunities for all students.
2013
Tools earns the highest tier designation in the CASEL Guide to Effective Social and Emotional Learning Programs. CASEL, the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, recognizes Tools for providing consistent, high-quality SEL opportunities for all students.
2011
We receive philanthropic funding to develop iScaffold, an innovative on-demand professional development app for Tools preschool and kindergarten teachers. iScaffold provides multiple ways for teachers to learn how to implement key steps in every Tools activity, individualize instruction, scaffold each learner and modify activities for their unique classroom and context.
2011
We receive philanthropic funding to develop iScaffold, an innovative on-demand professional development app for Tools preschool and kindergarten teachers. iScaffold provides multiple ways for teachers to learn how to implement key steps in every Tools activity, individualize instruction, scaffold each learner and modify activities for their unique classroom and context.
2011
We receive philanthropic funding to develop iScaffold, an innovative on-demand professional development app for Tools preschool and kindergarten teachers. iScaffold provides multiple ways for teachers to learn how to implement key steps in every Tools activity, individualize instruction, scaffold each learner and modify activities for their unique classroom and context.
2011
We receive philanthropic funding to develop iScaffold, an innovative on-demand professional development app for Tools preschool and kindergarten teachers. iScaffold provides multiple ways for teachers to learn how to implement key steps in every Tools activity, individualize instruction, scaffold each learner and modify activities for their unique classroom and context.
2007
Science Magazine publishes an article about a groundbreaking NIEES research study of self-regulation development in Tools of the Mind classrooms. This study demonstrates the power of Tools’ theory in practice influencing neuroscience and the field of early childhood education.
2007
Science Magazine publishes an article about a groundbreaking NIEES research study of self-regulation development in Tools of the Mind classrooms. This study demonstrates the power of Tools’ theory in practice influencing neuroscience and the field of early childhood education.
2007
Science Magazine publishes an article about a groundbreaking NIEES research study of self-regulation development in Tools of the Mind classrooms. This study demonstrates the power of Tools’ theory in practice influencing neuroscience and the field of early childhood education.
2007
Science Magazine publishes an article about a groundbreaking NIEES research study of self-regulation development in Tools of the Mind classrooms. This study demonstrates the power of Tools’ theory in practice influencing neuroscience and the field of early childhood education.
2006
Basics of Assessment, A Primer for Early Childhood Educators, is co-authored by Oralie McAfee and Tools founders Drs. Bodrova and Leong. A NAEYC publication, this much-needed book demystifies assessment while empowering educators to better understand child assessment.
2006
Basics of Assessment, A Primer for Early Childhood Educators, is co-authored by Oralie McAfee and Tools founders Drs. Bodrova and Leong. A NAEYC publication, this much-needed book demystifies assessment while empowering educators to better understand child assessment.
2006
Basics of Assessment, A Primer for Early Childhood Educators, is co-authored by Oralie McAfee and Tools founders Drs. Bodrova and Leong. A NAEYC publication, this much-needed book demystifies assessment while empowering educators to better understand child assessment.
2006
Basics of Assessment, A Primer for Early Childhood Educators, is co-authored by Oralie McAfee and Tools founders Drs. Bodrova and Leong. A NAEYC publication, this much-needed book demystifies assessment while empowering educators to better understand child assessment.
2004
Educator, writer and researcher Barb Wilder-Smith joins the Tools team to bring Tools theory into practice. Over the next two decades, she leads Tools to be more actionable for teachers and impactful for students. Meaningful improvements include Tools professional development model, new editions of Tools teachers' manuals and technology innovations including iScaffold, PowerTools, the Digital Writing Assessment and TREE.
2004
Educator, writer and researcher Barb Wilder-Smith joins the Tools team to bring Tools theory into practice. Over the next two decades, she leads Tools to be more actionable for teachers and impactful for students. Meaningful improvements include Tools professional development model, new editions of Tools teachers' manuals and technology innovations including iScaffold, PowerTools, the Digital Writing Assessment and TREE.
2004
Educator, writer and researcher Barb Wilder-Smith joins the Tools team to bring Tools theory into practice. Over the next two decades, she leads Tools to be more actionable for teachers and impactful for students. Meaningful improvements include Tools professional development model, new editions of Tools teachers' manuals and technology innovations including iScaffold, PowerTools, the Digital Writing Assessment and TREE.
2004
Educator, writer and researcher Barb Wilder-Smith joins the Tools team to bring Tools theory into practice. Over the next two decades, she leads Tools to be more actionable for teachers and impactful for students. Meaningful improvements include Tools professional development model, new editions of Tools teachers' manuals and technology innovations including iScaffold, PowerTools, the Digital Writing Assessment and TREE.
2001
Tools is named an “exemplary educational intervention” by the International Bureau of Education, a UNESCO program. This is an important distinction because UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
2001
Tools is named an “exemplary educational intervention” by the International Bureau of Education, a UNESCO program. This is an important distinction because UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
2001
Tools is named an “exemplary educational intervention” by the International Bureau of Education, a UNESCO program. This is an important distinction because UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
2001
Tools is named an “exemplary educational intervention” by the International Bureau of Education, a UNESCO program. This is an important distinction because UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
1996
Drs. Bodrova and Leong collaborate on a book, Tools of the Mind: The Vygotskian Approach to Early Childhood Education. This book is recognized for its down-to-earth explanation of the Vygotskian approach and how it can be applied in classrooms. The second edition is released in 2007 and is translated into multiple languages.
1996
Drs. Bodrova and Leong collaborate on a book, Tools of the Mind: The Vygotskian Approach to Early Childhood Education. This book is recognized for its down-to-earth explanation of the Vygotskian approach and how it can be applied in classrooms. The second edition is released in 2007 and is translated into multiple languages.
1996
Drs. Bodrova and Leong collaborate on a book, Tools of the Mind: The Vygotskian Approach to Early Childhood Education. This book is recognized for its down-to-earth explanation of the Vygotskian approach and how it can be applied in classrooms. The second edition is released in 2007 and is translated into multiple languages.
1996
Drs. Bodrova and Leong collaborate on a book, Tools of the Mind: The Vygotskian Approach to Early Childhood Education. This book is recognized for its down-to-earth explanation of the Vygotskian approach and how it can be applied in classrooms. The second edition is released in 2007 and is translated into multiple languages.
1993
Dr. Deborah Leong and Dr. Elena Bodrova begin working together in early childhood classrooms. Their first priority is to create Vygotskian-based instructional strategies that work in U.S. classrooms, which have different cultural demands than those in Russia where Dr. Bodrova had worked. They design activities with a consistent theoretical framework and internal logic to create a coherent comprehensive curriculum and approach to teaching and learning.
1993
Dr. Deborah Leong and Dr. Elena Bodrova begin working together in early childhood classrooms. Their first priority is to create Vygotskian-based instructional strategies that work in U.S. classrooms, which have different cultural demands than those in Russia where Dr. Bodrova had worked. They design activities with a consistent theoretical framework and internal logic to create a coherent comprehensive curriculum and approach to teaching and learning.
1993
Dr. Deborah Leong and Dr. Elena Bodrova begin working together in early childhood classrooms. Their first priority is to create Vygotskian-based instructional strategies that work in U.S. classrooms, which have different cultural demands than those in Russia where Dr. Bodrova had worked. They design activities with a consistent theoretical framework and internal logic to create a coherent comprehensive curriculum and approach to teaching and learning.
1993
Dr. Deborah Leong and Dr. Elena Bodrova begin working together in early childhood classrooms. Their first priority is to create Vygotskian-based instructional strategies that work in U.S. classrooms, which have different cultural demands than those in Russia where Dr. Bodrova had worked. They design activities with a consistent theoretical framework and internal logic to create a coherent comprehensive curriculum and approach to teaching and learning.
1920s
Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky is the first to study the connection between social interactions and cognitive growth. He theorizes that to successfully function in school and beyond, children need to learn more than a set of facts and skills. They need to master a set of mental tools—tools of the mind. While it will be almost 70 years before Tools is founded, his work sets the stage for all that Tools will become.
1920s
Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky is the first to study the connection between social interactions and cognitive growth. He theorizes that to successfully function in school and beyond, children need to learn more than a set of facts and skills. They need to master a set of mental tools—tools of the mind. While it will be almost 70 years before Tools is founded, his work sets the stage for all that Tools will become.
1920s
Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky is the first to study the connection between social interactions and cognitive growth. He theorizes that to successfully function in school and beyond, children need to learn more than a set of facts and skills. They need to master a set of mental tools—tools of the mind. While it will be almost 70 years before Tools is founded, his work sets the stage for all that Tools will become.
1920s
Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky is the first to study the connection between social interactions and cognitive growth. He theorizes that to successfully function in school and beyond, children need to learn more than a set of facts and skills. They need to master a set of mental tools—tools of the mind. While it will be almost 70 years before Tools is founded, his work sets the stage for all that Tools will become.
Tools is the comprehensive early childhood program that develops every child’s self-regulation in every activity. Research shows that self-regulation is the biggest predictor of success in school and life.
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Tools of the Mind gives teachers the tools to ensure every child becomes a successful learner and reaches their highest potential.
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