Thought-Cloud Sorting

How to use it

1. Choose a thought card or make up a fictional example.
2. Sort it as an observation, guess, prediction, memory, question, unsure, or more than one.
3. Move the card if new information changes how you see it.

Reflection prompts

• Which categories were easy or hard to tell apart?
• What information would help you understand the thought better?
• How could you respond kindly while you are still unsure?

Facilitator guidance

Focus on the form and context of a thought rather than declaring it true, false, helpful, or harmful. Encourage curiosity and allow multiple categories.

Adaptations & accessibility

• Use icons, colors plus symbols, or physical sorting spaces.
• Read cards aloud or use spoken examples.
• Reduce the categories to observation, possibility, and unsure.

Review considerations

Standard licensed-clinician review required before use.