How to improve your child’s critical thinking abilities? A must-read for every parent
Children today are surrounded by a plethora of information. As a result, they need to evaluate it and form their own opinions. By developing critical thinking skills, a child will be able to perform well academically and make informed decisions and succeed professionally. Early childhood education can strengthen thinking abilities by encouraging them to analyze, observe, deduce, and apply information with reasoning and reflection.
Activities to Stimulate Thinking Abilities
Practising these skills in everyday life will benefit children by developing a sense of awareness and will also boost their confidence. Encourage your child to try the following activities that allow them to perceive and process information efficiently –
- Read All the Way
Reading is the first step to initiating critical thinking skills. It enables them to explore and analyze their communication, situation, and thought processes. Introduce your child to a variety of reading materials based on their preferences. For instance, if your kid loves cars – comics, magazines, and encyclopedias are a great way to keep them engaged and enhance their knowledge base. Ask children about what facts fascinated them and why. You can also present them with online learning materials like e-books or pictorial infographics. - Open-ended Questioning
One of the most effective ways to build a child’s critical thinking skills is to question them. The more children exercise their brain muscles, the more they develop their thinking skills. Instead of giving away answers to all possible questions that children come up with, they can test their comprehension skills. Instead, ask them open-ended questions like, “Why do you think it happened, or What are your views on a certain topic”. If they’re wrong, ask them for a logical reason behind their answer rather than correcting them. - Practice Metacognitive Strategies
It’s always easier to identify the problem than find a solution. So, through the metacognitive approach, create an environment and attitude of problem-solving. Let your kids take centre stage and allow them to think about their thinking. This activity will help them to self-reflect and form their strategies to solve any problems that come their way. Children who adapt this approach are more flexible with their thought processes and likely find a successful way of solving any problem. - Make Associations
Forming connections is a significant part of critical thinking. Upon being introduced to a situation, children should put two and two together. For example, knowing how a paragraph or a subject is related to the other can aid them in developing strong comprehension skills. Use simple examples and demonstrate to them how to connect the dots. - Revise and Summarize
The more kids revise their reading material, the better they’ll be able to retain crucial information. It simplifies their learning process and their communication abilities. When your child finishes a subject topic, ask them to summarize it as well. This exercise will enable them in identifying the essential parts and use critical thinking skills to eliminate irrelevant data.
By teaching your child how to think, you facilitate their holistic development and prep them to thrive and survive in our dynamic world. So, encourage them to think, question, and create their own set of values and beliefs in life. Then, practice these exercises to boost their thinking abilities and give them the power to be responsible and mindful in all situations.
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