Tips to Help Kids Get Better at Critical Thinking
In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to think critically is a fundamental skill that children need to thrive. Strong critical thinking skills are essential for applying information in new situations, solving problems, evaluating information they hear or see, and many other areas of learning and life. Here are six practical strategies to help children develop and refine their critical thinking skills:
#1: Talk Through Potential Outcomes
Engage children in discussions about various scenarios and potential outcomes. Encourage them to think about different possibilities, weigh the pros and cons, and consider the consequences of their actions. This helps them develop the ability to anticipate outcomes and make informed decisions, seeing the possibilities of what could happen as a result.
#2: Play Logic and Strategy Games
Introduce children to logic puzzles, board games, and strategy games that require them to think critically and strategically. Games like chess, Sudoku, and logic puzzles not only provide fun entertainment but also challenge children to analyze situations, plan ahead, and adapt their strategies based on changing circumstances.
Check out this list of great games for logic, strategy, and critical thinking >>
#3: Critical Thinking Workbooks
It can be helpful to provide children with workbooks or worksheets specifically designed to develop critical thinking skills. These resources typically include a variety of activities such as puzzles, brainteasers, and thought-provoking questions that encourage children to use logic, reasoning, and problem-solving skills to find solutions.
Here’s one of our favorites (for kids in grades 4-12) >>
#4: Encourage Outside-the-Box Thinking for Everyday Situations
Encourage children to think creatively and consider alternative perspectives when faced with everyday problems or challenges. Encourage them to brainstorm multiple solutions, think outside the box, and explore unconventional approaches. This fosters flexibility and adaptability in their thinking process.
One way to do this is to ask your kids to complete a daily task in a way that’s out of order or different in their daily routine. They’ll need to engage their critical thinking skills to still make sure everything is done, even though it’s in a different way than they normally would.
#5: Expose Kids to Diverse Perspectives and Experiences
Exposing children to diverse cultures, beliefs, and experiences through books, movies, art, and conversations opens them up to think from different perspectives. Encourage them to empathize with people from different backgrounds and experiences, fostering a broader understanding of the world and promoting open-mindedness.
#6: Investigate Cognitive Skills
Explore activities and exercises designed to improve cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and processing speed. Activities like memory games, attention-building exercises, and problem-solving tasks help strengthen the foundational skills necessary for effective critical thinking.
