Hot Thinking, Cold Thinking: Think Fast or Slow Down?

Hot thinking (intuitive, automatic, and reactive) and cold thinking (deliberate, controlled and reasoned) both have an appropriate place in our mental processes. Adolescents in particular need reminders to use cold thinking, especially when making choices that impact their future. The information in the Educator Guide and activities in this kit will help students understand the difference between hot and cold thinking, and to be intentional about how much of each kind they use in a given situation.

Hot Thinking, Cold Thinking Guide (20)
This 16-page guide includes research insights describing hot and cold thinking and when to use them, several classroom activities to introduce students to this idea and advice for teachers on how to help students manage their thinking. Click here to download the PDF.

Peace Coloring Postcard (100)
One of the best ways to "pause" hot thinking is to step back, interrupt the instant response, and give cold thinking a chance. These postcards are designed to be doodled on, with anything from markers to a pencil, and the message of peace is a reminder to shift mental gears. To make more, click here to download the PDF of four postcards, print on cardstock, and cut in four pieces.

Hot and Cold Thinking: Finding the Right Mix Handout (20)
Students can use this handout to reflect on situations from their own life experience and how much hot and cold thinking would be most effective. Click here to download the PDF.

Which Line is Longer and Which Middle Circle is Bigger Handouts (1 of each) 
These optical illusions can be used to introduce hot and cold thinking as part of the classroom activity described in the Guide. Click here to download "Which Line is Longer" or click here to download "Which Middle Circle is Bigger."

Pause Before You Post™ Backpack Tag (40)
These tags coordinate with our buttons, posters and other materials that remind students to pause and consider the consequences before they post on social media. Available for purchase at http://www.JostensRenaissance.com/store.

Educational Push Messages (1)
These messages can be used on Twitter or Facebook, school announcements or newsletters. Push messages for this month are focused on how hot and cold thinking have been described by a variety of writers and leaders. Click here to download the PDF for easy copying and pasting.

Meme: Pause Before You Post™
Use on your email blasts, Facebook, your district/school website or other social media sites to share this reminder with your entire school and community. Click here to download the JPG file.

NEED MORE? For additional items from the kit, contact your Jostens rep or email: renaissance@jostens.com.

One-Minute Message for Administrators: Hot Thinking, Cold Thinking (April Kit Theme)

We all have at least two systems for processing information and making decisions. One system is automatic, impulsive or reactive, which we call "hot" or fast. The other system is more analytical and controlled, which we term "cold" or slow. Both systems operate in students, and a key task of growing up is developing self-control strategies and positive attitudes and habits so that each system is working for their goals and growth, not against them.

Why It Matters: Developing self-control is essential for students to be able to persevere toward goals. Self-control involves engaging "cold" thinking whereas "hot" thinking lies behind biases, negative habits, and risk-taking often causing poor judgment and decisions. It’s been shown that long-term rewards, benefits, or consequences can be overshadowed by the immediate feedback to "hot thinking," which is more in tune with the emotional and social dynamics of the moment.

What You Can Do: Assess the school environment and practices for triggers that set off students’ "hot" thinking. At the same time, review student recognition opportunities to ensure they balance shorter-term and longer-term progress, recognizing that long-term rewards and goals are harder to focus on. Finally, provide information to staff and parents about hot and cold thinking. Encourage them to model strategies for controlling impulsive reactions that distract from growth and learning.