Thunkies - Think with Imagination

Think with Imagination

Rhodes' Educational Trust: The Purpose

Imagination, creativity and the skills of metacognition are among the essential tools of the mind for your children now and for their future, especially with AI. The Trust brings all these skills to you and your family, drawn from Jerry Rhodes’ unique research and world-wide teaching on Thinking-Intentions, affectionately known as ‘Thunks’ and for children called ‘Thunkies’.

For Families

Parents are the most important educators of their children. You are developing their imagination and thinking skills as you listen, talk and play with them. Our family-friendly books, games and activities will help you enrich what you do. They give you easy access to the creative resources of a new pathway into metacognition with Thunkies for children.

First, you need to learn about your own Thinking-Intentions and how metacognition plays into your family life. Our unique resources will take you on a new journey into your own mind.

Metacognition in everyday life: we all do it

Metacognition for the future

Uniquely, due to Jerry Rhodes special interest in creativity, the results of his research integrates imagination with critical thinking and emotional intelligence, including empathy. This integration will give you an understanding of how your imagination drives your mind, usually unrecognised and unacknowledged.

Corporate leaders are way ahead of schools in realising how vital these methods are and that’s why, even though he is an experienced teacher, Jerry chose to undertake his research and teaching in leading businesses rather than in schools. The corporate sector understands that effective metacognition is good for business, since a wholistic appreciation of what people can bring to their work transforms the ethos in a company.

Inspired by the many men and women he met in business who asked whether he would bring his Thinking-Intentions to families, Jerry set up his educational trust to do just that. Both Jerry, and his associates, have taken them to schools and families in the UK, US, Canada and New Zealand. Now, for the first time, you can access the Thinking-Intentions resources on this site.

Home Alone Harry

Our First Children’s Picture Book

Harry is a mischievous young dog, adored by his family, Dad and Mum, Maisie and Max. Meet the magical Thunkies for metacognition and discover how they save Harry when he causes chaos in the home.

What people think about Home Alone Harry

“I read this to my 4 year old, Lily-May and the dog, Alfie, who joins us every evening for story time. This was a fun book to read together. At just 4 years old Lily-May understood why Harry was seen as being ‘naughty’”

Happy L-M

“This is such an intriguing concept. A children’s book that is so much more than just a picture book, instead it teaches young children the basics of something called ‘metacognition’ or ‘thinking about thinking’”

Emma R

“I like the positive ethos of this story, which reinforces the idea, that things are not always perfect the first time. Sometimes, you have to work at understanding how someone thinks before you can live or work together in harmony.”

Jane H

“Written by experts, Home Alone Harry is the perfect book to help young children understand both the HOW and WHY of dog training. I absolutely love it! If you have young children and are welcoming a dog into your house, you need this book.”

Lexi R