Bringing Inquiry to Every Student, Everywhere.
Pivoting During the Pandemic

Like pretty much everyone else in the world, we are rapidly adjusting to our new normal. This is just a beginning. We are developing our online platforms, training materials, and programming so that we can connect with and serve students, teachers, families and schools. The pandemic is broadening our reach!
Online Workshops

"I really enjoyed the Thinking Project Teen Workshops. It’s so helpful to learn how to stop when your thoughts are overpowering you and learn how to turn those thoughts around. I think if all teens would do at least one course, it could be very helpful. "
-Teen Participant

"I am fascinated by your work and your material... it is simply fantastic!"
-Parent/Teacher Workshop Participant

Colorado schools closed on March 13, 2020. Exactly three weeks later, our first online Adolescent webinar series was up and running. We have since hosted two more - a series to support teachers and parents and a deeper dive into inquiry for adolescents. This gave us the opportunity to adapt our lessons to an online context and build a base of online social-emotional lessons and materials.
New Website:
A Call to Action!

Last summer, we thought we could whip out a new website in a weekend (or, well... fairly quickly!). Little did we know that this “small” project would result in rebranding The Thinking Project with a new logo and all new graphics, as well as the development of a first iteration of an open-source platform. This platform will be a home for teachers, students, and parents who would like to engage with IBSR (Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction) and integrate it into their social-emotional learning curriculum. 

Working on the website has helped us refine, clarify and strengthen our mission and strategic goals as we move forward. It’s exciting to develop and host dynamic content as we work to fulfill our mission of “bringing inquiry to every student, everywhere.”

After months of hard and rewarding work, we’re almost ready to launch our new website! We would love your input. If you are willing to review the new site and provide feedback before its official launch, please reply to this email (Korinne@thethinkingproject.org) and Korinne will send you the links and feedback form.
Funding Status


The economic turmoil caused by the pandemic is not without consequence. We are blessed with generous, steadfast donors who champion The Thinking Project's work and mission. We are planning for the 2020-21 school year and beyond. We are almost halfway to our funding target and are interviewing fundraising consultants.
The Future

Will schools reopen in the fall? This is such a strange time... it is not easy to make plans! 

Yet, we are hopeful for the future. We are discovering that we can reach a far broader audience with a combination of online classes, compelling online and brick and mortar programming, and by making curriculum and materials available on our website. 

In response to uncertainty, The Thinking Project’s work is to build inspiring materials, programs and platforms that students and teachers everywhere, in a wide variety of contexts, can engage with as they learn IBSR.
Get Involved!

We need your help!

  1. Before our new website goes live, we would like feedback. If you'd like to help review the new site, email Korinne at: Korinne@thethinkingproject.org
  2. Fundraising Committee will collaborate to expand our donor base, write grants, and raise funds.
  3. Translating Committee will collaborate to translate curriculum and materials into different languages.

If you would like serve on our Fundraising Committee or our Translating Committee, contact Rachel at rachel@thethinkingproject.org
Thank you!
Resources!
Below are two activities we use to help students when they are stressed. These are precursors to IBSR because they build the skills of mindfulness, and finding new perspectives in a stressful situation. Try them out!
" I love how we usually do box breathing at the beginning of every class..." ~ teen participant
Box Breathing
This is a breathing technique we teach students to help them in any stressful situation. It helps them settle the mind enough to inquire.

We have a version with meditative music, though the students seem to prefer this silent version.
Brain Dump & New Perspectives
This activity helps students 'dump' all of their stressful thinking onto paper, and then reflect on new perspectives. This helps lay the groundwork for IBSR and the Turnarounds. Link to the Brain Dump sheet:

The Thinking Project is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. thethinkingproject.org
For more information about The Work of Byron Katie (IBSR) visit thework.com