Tools for Thought

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Our inspiration

December 3, 2024

Following the joyful road (back) to reading

Young people are no longer reaching for a book in their downtime. What can we do to grow readers who choose to read for pleasure?

Our community

November 18, 2024

Tools Preschool visit: Ms. Wanta’s class joins together to play and learn!

Take a peek into a real Tools classroom! Meet our October Tools PreK Teacher of the Month, Tiffany Wanta, and see how much fun her Wisconsin preschoolers have as they develop playful and trusting relationships with their peers in her classroom.

Our community

November 12, 2024

Is Tools in my state?

Tools is growing! Early childhood teachers and leaders across the country are choosing Tools as their partner to support them in teaching children to learn how to learn.

Our community

October 17, 2024

Where are they now? Tools Alumni Spotlight: Catching up with twins

Tools preschoolers, like all preschoolers, eventually move on from preschool and…grow up! We caught up with a pair of Massachusetts 6th graders to see what they’re up to now and what they still remember from their Tools preschool classroom.

Our community

September 30, 2024

Tools Preschool visit: Ms. Schmidt’s class makes real-world connections

Take a peek into a real Tools classroom! Meet our September Tools PreK Teacher of the Month, Jolinda Schmidt, and see how her Wisconsin preschoolers are playing to learn this month.

Our community

September 10, 2024

Easing into the school year with playful learning at home

How can Tools families support children in a smooth start to the school year? Ease the transition by encouraging playful learning at home. Here are some tips to get started!

Our inspiration

September 3, 2024

Our youngest learners still struggle, years after COVID-19 closed schools

The COVID-19 pandemic shuttered schools—for over a year in some cases. Students struggled as they returned to classroom learning, and schools still battle the learning loss that resulted. But what about young children who only began school after the pandemic? They face challenges, too. Why?

Our inspiration

August 27, 2024

Preschool predicts positive outcomes for Boston children

The first big research study to examine the long-term impacts of a large-scale preschool program followed 4,000 children for 20 years to see whether preschool had implications for children's lives years later. The answer was a resounding ‘yes.’

Our community

August 20, 2024

A conversation with Berol Dewdney: Tools teacher and Maryland Teacher of the Year

Hear from an experienced Tools teacher, recognized by the state of Maryland for excellence in teaching and inspiring others, as she describes her professional journey and her passion for teaching children to learn.

Our inspiration

August 13, 2024

Growing self-directed learners: Goal-setting in kindergarten

Given opportunities to set goals for themselves, kindergarten children happily rise to the occasion. And the practice yields an array of powerful results.

Our thinking

August 6, 2024

Tools leaders highlight dramatization in recent NAEYC article

See how teachers can create playful learning opportunities that combine self-regulation development and literacy learning to impact kindergarteners’ skills in a “dramatic” way.

Our inspiration

July 24, 2024

International spotlight on playful learning

The UN recognizes play as so important to human development that it’s promoting it on the world’s stage, as an issue of international interest.

Our inspiration

July 16, 2024

What preschoolers learn when they talk to teachers more

One-on-one conversations develop children’s oral language skills, paving the way for a smooth transition to reading and writing down the road. A Florida professor has a simple tip to make sure children get the most out of these interactions.

Our community

July 5, 2024

Tools Kindergarten visit: Ms. Regal’s class reveals their writing!

Take a peek into a real Tools classroom! Meet our May/June Tools Kindergarten Teacher of the Month, Debra Regal, and see how her Wisconsin kindergarteners have developed their literacy skills and become enthusiastic writers.

Our inspiration

June 25, 2024

The building blocks of learning

Why is social and emotional learning, abbreviated SEL, important, and how does it benefit children in and out of school?

Our inspiration

June 20, 2024

More opportunities for administrators to embrace instruction

Knowing how much is on administrators’ plates, we may wonder how important it is for these busy leaders to think deeply about instruction. Turns out, it could be a determining factor for student success.

Our community

June 4, 2024

Multilingual learners thrive with Tools!

What does it look like to support multilingual learners in Tools classrooms? Tools is designed to support language development for all learners. See how that looks in one Tools classroom.

Our community

May 29, 2024

Tools Kindergarten visit: Ms. Grigoli’s class gets creative!

Take a peek inside a real Tools classroom! Meet our April Tools Kindergarten Teacher of the Month, Kimberly Grigoli, and see how much fun she and her kindergarteners have bringing themes to life in their New Jersey classroom.

Our inspiration

May 22, 2024

What states are doing about the science of reading

What decisions are states making to support high-quality literacy instruction aligned with the science of reading? The National Association of State Leaders in Early Education’s new brief highlights several.

Our thinking

May 13, 2024

Tools co-founder Elena Bodrova featured in Starting strong: Developing foundational life skills in kindergarten

Wondering why building self-regulation in kindergarten is so important? Take a peek at highlights from a compelling recent webinar to find out.

Our thinking

May 6, 2024

Just released! New edition of Tools of the Mind book

Exciting news from Tools! Co-founders Dr. Elena Bodrova and Dr. Deborah Leong have just released the 3rd edition of 'Tools of the Mind: The Vygotskian Approach to Early Childhood Education'

Our community

April 30, 2024

Tools Kindergarten visit: Ms. Fraser’s class dives into the ocean!

Curious to see what’s happening in real Tools classrooms? Meet our March Tools Kindergarten Teacher of the Month, Annemarie Fraser, and take a peek as she and her Wisconsin kindergarteners learn the secrets of the ocean.

Our inspiration

April 22, 2024

Getting more from assessment

If teachers and parents look at children’s skill development as well as their content mastery, we can get a better understanding of how to help children grow.

Our community

April 15, 2024

Tools Preschool visit: Ms. Gilbert’s class gets healthy!

Wondering what’s happening in real Tools classrooms? Meet our February (and March!) Teacher of the Month Michelle Gilbert, whose New Jersey preschoolers became medical professionals (and patients!) as they played their way through the medical theme.

Our inspiration

April 8, 2024

Beyond phonics: a closer look at language development

With the recent push to incorporate the Science of Reading into state literacy requirements, educators are focusing on phonics. It’s undoubtedly a crucial component of reading instruction. But is it enough?

Our community

April 1, 2024

Tiny Tigers Pizza Palace

Even for those who had been to a restaurant before (and very likely, some hadn’t!), their recent experience dining at Tiny Tigers Pizza Palace is definitely one Riley Preschool Annex children will remember forever.

Our thinking

March 25, 2024

The Breakthrough Years: A brand-new book by Ellen Galinsky

Tools Board Member and best-selling author Ellen Galinsky’s new book is getting rave reviews from experts, but this super-readable guide, filled with insights and advice, is a go-to for parents and teachers alike.

Our thinking

March 18, 2024

Unlocking innovation: Tools featured for new assessment model

Overdeck Family Foundation featured Tools of the Mind and the development of our innovative new self-regulation assessment in their 2023 impact report and web panel. What could SEED look like in your classroom?

Our thinking

March 4, 2024

Building better brains: Making the most of play

Tools Director of Partnership Development Angie Alvis shares a few highlights from the Tools NAEYC 2023 conference session she co-led, diving deeply into play.

Our community

February 20, 2024

Tools Preschool visit: Ms. Sabatte-Doyle’s class digs into learning at the buffet

Curious to see what’s happening in real Tools classrooms? Meet our January Tools Preschool Teacher of the Month, Mariana Sabatte-Doyle, and watch her Denver preschoolers go into the restaurant business!

Our community

February 12, 2024

Tools Kindergarten visit: Ms. Connell’s Kindergarten is off to the Amazon!

Curious to see what’s happening in real Tools classrooms? Meet our January Tools Kindergarten Teacher of the Month, Christin Connell, and see how she and her Kindergarteners brought the Amazon Rainforest to Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey.

Our inspiration

February 6, 2024

Building literacy foundations through background knowledge

Knowledge children build by learning content deeply can help improve reading comprehension more than learning isolated reading strategies. It makes good sense and mirrors the spirit and some practices of Tools teaching.

Our thinking

January 30, 2024

Adele Diamond, neuroscience pioneer, on executive function

Listen to neuroscientist pioneer Adele Diamond talk about the impact of self-regulation on school and life. Diamond led groundbreaking research studies about Tools preschool in 2007 and Tools kindergarten in 2019.

Our community

January 22, 2024

Tools Preschool visit: Ms. Wingard’s PreK opens a fancy restaurant

Curious to see what’s happening in real Tools classrooms? Meet our December Tools Preschool Teacher of the Month, Grace Wingard, and see how she and her Denver preschoolers are bringing the Tools curriculum to life.

Our inspiration

January 16, 2024

Life Lessons from Adam Grant on the Today show

Listen in as organizational psychologist Adam Grant is featured on the Today show talking about his new book and explaining why play and self-regulation skills can help us all to reach our “hidden potential.”

Our inspiration

January 9, 2024

Civic engagement sparked in preschool

There are many possible explanations for why some young adults choose to vote and others don’t. Could a focus on self-regulation in preschool years earlier have anything to do with it? Researchers say yes.

Our inspiration

January 2, 2024

Academics alone aren’t enough: the power of SEL integration

Schools struggle to puzzle together schedules that make time for children’s social-emotional needs and academic requirements. Is there a better way?

Our community

December 25, 2023

Case study: Tools makes a difference in Long Branch

There’s lots to think about when bringing a new curriculum to your district. Take a look at how one district made the leap and see what things look like now for Long Branch, NJ, students and teachers.

Our community

December 18, 2023

Unleashing the power of video coaching with TREE

What if teachers could experience continuous, meaningful professional development without even leaving their classrooms? What if that professional development was tailored to target each teacher’s individual growth? Learn about Tools TREE video coaching from educators who are using it and loving it.

Our thinking

December 11, 2023

Ellen Galinsky on “the most important skills” to teach

Researcher and best-selling author of Mind in the Making, Ellen Galinsky describes why building executive functions through a curriculum like Tools is so powerful.

Our inspiration

December 4, 2023

Is self-regulation like riding a bike?

A study finds that "unconstrained" skills like self-regulation, that develop over time, really last. The boost children get from preschool learning benefits them for years to come.

Our thinking

November 27, 2023

Giving teachers Tools to address challenging behaviors

Can Tools help develop self-regulation in children whose parents say they struggle with attention? Yes! In fact, these children seem to benefit the most.

Our community

November 20, 2023

Case study: Something special at Christina Seix Academy

A private school for economically disadvantaged children is not something you see every day. Learn why the Christina Seix Academy chose Tools for their early childhood program.

Our community

November 2, 2023

“They don’t want to miss school!”

Children fall behind when they miss school and absence rates are higher than ever before. Yet Tools children don’t want to miss a minute and their teachers connect it directly to their investment in their learning.

Our inspiration

November 1, 2023

Play isn't just for early childhood

Everyone loves to play - not just our youngest children. And the very same theory behind playing to learn in Tools applies to older students as well. Students and teachers agree that the joy of play increases motivation and learning in the classroom.

Our inspiration

October 31, 2023

Chasing equity in higher ed? Let’s go back to PreK

At Tools, we know that investing in young children can change their long-term learning trajectories. But can public preschool attendance predict which students will go on to pursue 4-year college degrees? A new study of Tulsa preschool alums says it can.

Our inspiration

October 30, 2023

Getting the word out: Boosting TK enrollment in California

California has joined a growing number of states striving to offer preschool to all of its students. Both quality and enrollment of its universal TK (transitional kindergarten) program have been steadily improving. Now, to take it to the next level, they want to get everyone involved.

Our community

October 28, 2023

Tools in the news: Learning through play in Tulsa classrooms

The Tools approach is so powerful that it made the news in Tulsa, OK. Check out our seasoned Tools Preschool teachers, Jennifer Ladner and Amanda Teague, as they share how play-based learning delivers on both academics and social-emotional development.

Our inspiration

October 27, 2023

How Oklahoma became our country’s best model for universal PreK

For a peek at how Oklahoma became the first state in the country to roll out universal PreK, join us as we listen in on this riveting, recently rebroadcast segment of This American Life.

Our thinking

October 26, 2023

The power of play: Meet Tools co-founder Dr. Deborah Leong

Ready to immerse yourself even deeper in the Tools of the Mind approach? Check out the interview with Tools Co-founder Dr. Deborah Leong. You’ll learn even more about the power of make-believe play.

Our inspiration

October 25, 2023

Cookie Monster models self-regulation

We’re grateful for our longstanding relationship with Sesame Street. And we appreciate that they’ve brought self-regulation to the forefront of their programming through the years. Find out what Cookie Monster has to say (rather sing!) about self-regulation.

Our thinking

October 25, 2023

Can play make children smarter, stronger and kinder?

How can play empower children to become smarter, stronger and kinder? Find out in this impactful article from Tools co-founders Dr. Elena Bodrova and Dr. Deborah Leong.

Our community

October 23, 2023

The science of reading? We’ve got that!

Listen in as experienced school leader Lauren Ellis highlights how easy it is to pair Tools curriculum with the science of reading. She’ll show you how Tools supports language development, word recognition, comprehension and verbal reasoning skills.

Our thinking

October 19, 2023

Start your classroom’s prop making journey today

Teachers, get ready to take your preschool art and play to the next level. Find out how prop making merges art and make-believe play. Discover the lasting benefits of this kind of learning. And get some actionable tips to start using prop making in your classroom.

Our community

October 16, 2023

Standby, Mission Control

New Jersey teachers Kimberly Grigoli and Paige Majka, both Tools of the Mind Endorsed Educators, share the joy and excitement of learning during make-believe play.

Our community

October 13, 2023

Tools Preschool visit: Ms. Ladner’s PreK opens a deli

Here’s your chance to take a peek at what’s happening in real Tools classrooms. Meet our October Tools Preschool Teacher of the Month Jennifer Ladner and see how she and her preschoolers are bringing the Tools curriculum to life.

Our inspiration

October 11, 2023

Let’s talk about play: Hear from educators, psychologists and more

To know Tools is to know that we value and appreciate play. Experts and educators share their ideas of how to make this year the most playful year in history.

Our thinking

October 5, 2023

How to create a regulated, inclusive community

School leaders, want to start bringing self-regulation development to your school community? This just might be a great topic for your next staff development. And it’s straight from the minds that created Tools of the Mind.

Our community

October 2, 2023

Tools Kindergarten visit: Mrs. Beekman’s K builds a pyramid

Here’s your chance to take a peek at what’s happening in real Tools classrooms. Meet our October Tools Kindergarten Teacher of the Month Michelle Beekman and see how she and her kindergarteners are bringing the Tools curriculum to life.

Our thinking

September 29, 2023

How do you create a community of learners?

Creating a classroom full of self-regulated learners doesn’t happen on its own, but once you’ve helped your students build those skills, your classroom just might start to run itself.

Our thinking

September 19, 2023

Sesame Street sings about Play Planning

Find out what some of your favorite Sesame Street characters have to say about Play Planning. That’s right, thanks to our friends at Sesame Street, Tools Play Planning was featured on national television. Check it out now.

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Following the joyful road (back) to reading

Tools Preschool visit: Ms. Wanta’s class joins together to play and learn!

Is Tools in my state?

Where are they now? Tools Alumni Spotlight: Catching up with twins

Tools Preschool visit: Ms. Schmidt’s class makes real-world connections

Easing into the school year with playful learning at home

Our youngest learners still struggle, years after COVID-19 closed schools

Preschool predicts positive outcomes for Boston children

A conversation with Berol Dewdney: Tools teacher and Maryland Teacher of the Year

Growing self-directed learners: Goal-setting in kindergarten

Tools leaders highlight dramatization in recent NAEYC article

International spotlight on playful learning

What preschoolers learn when they talk to teachers more

Tools Kindergarten visit: Ms. Regal’s class reveals their writing!

The building blocks of learning

More opportunities for administrators to embrace instruction

Multilingual learners thrive with Tools!

Tools Kindergarten visit: Ms. Grigoli’s class gets creative!

What states are doing about the science of reading

Tools co-founder Elena Bodrova featured in Starting strong: Developing foundational life skills in kindergarten

Just released! New edition of Tools of the Mind book

Tools Kindergarten visit: Ms. Fraser’s class dives into the ocean!

Getting more from assessment

Tools Preschool visit: Ms. Gilbert’s class gets healthy!

Beyond phonics: a closer look at language development

Tiny Tigers Pizza Palace

The Breakthrough Years: A brand-new book by Ellen Galinsky

Unlocking innovation: Tools featured for new assessment model

Building better brains: Making the most of play

Tools Preschool visit: Ms. Sabatte-Doyle’s class digs into learning at the buffet

Tools Kindergarten visit: Ms. Connell’s Kindergarten is off to the Amazon!

Building literacy foundations through background knowledge

Adele Diamond, neuroscience pioneer, on executive function

Tools Preschool visit: Ms. Wingard’s PreK opens a fancy restaurant

Life Lessons from Adam Grant on the Today show

Civic engagement sparked in preschool

Academics alone aren’t enough: the power of SEL integration

Case study: Tools makes a difference in Long Branch

Unleashing the power of video coaching with TREE

Ellen Galinsky on “the most important skills” to teach

Is self-regulation like riding a bike?

Giving teachers Tools to address challenging behaviors

Case study: Something special at Christina Seix Academy

“They don’t want to miss school!”

Play isn't just for early childhood

Chasing equity in higher ed? Let’s go back to PreK

Getting the word out: Boosting TK enrollment in California

Tools in the news: Learning through play in Tulsa classrooms

How Oklahoma became our country’s best model for universal PreK

The power of play: Meet Tools co-founder Dr. Deborah Leong

Cookie Monster models self-regulation

Can play make children smarter, stronger and kinder?

The science of reading? We’ve got that!

Start your classroom’s prop making journey today

Standby, Mission Control

Tools Preschool visit: Ms. Ladner’s PreK opens a deli

Let’s talk about play: Hear from educators, psychologists and more

How to create a regulated, inclusive community

Tools Kindergarten visit: Mrs. Beekman’s K builds a pyramid

How do you create a community of learners?

Sesame Street sings about Play Planning

Ready to bring the power of Tools to your school?