introduction
“Identifying Thinking Traps,” engages students to explore how the brain often makes predictions based on limited knowledge and sensory input. While helpful from an evolutionary standpoint, it can also get us into trouble when not applied with critical thinking. Through their inquiry, students consider the most common types of thinking traps and discuss how applying awareness and heedfulness can prevent sparks of emotion from turning into forest fires. This concept will enable students to begin the process of looking internally to understand how thinking traps can impact well-being as well as how we interact with others, such as how we follow the class agreements.