Strategies to Increase Critical Thinking Skills in Children

In today’s competitive and fast-paced world, children are expected to think critically from a young age. That’s why curriculums across the world are shifting their focus from regular reading and writing comprehension to developing critical skills.

Kids are expected to comprehend the information, examine, analyze and compare, debate, and give solutions instead of just learning new concepts.

So, how do you improve a child’s critical thinking skills?

Here’s how to increase children’s critical thinking skills, according to the expert teachers at our child development center in Lenexa.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Not too long ago, children were only taught to answer questions to score higher on tests. However, that’s not the case anymore. Instead, children have to acquire the necessary skills to answer more complicated questions.

One of the best ways to sharpen their critical thinking skills is by asking more open-ended questions that start with what, how, or why. Asking such questions allows children to answer with sound reasoning.

Afterward, ask them to elaborate on their point or give more examples to further sharpen and shape their thinking.

Encourage Project-Based Learning

We use critical thinking skills in every aspect of our lives. That’s why it’s vital that teachers provide opportunities for children to learn about topics that aren’t typically taught in the classroom.

One of the best ways to accomplish this is by encouraging project-based learning in the classroom. It’s a hands-on approach that enables kids to figure out and solve real-world problems. This way, you can introduce new concepts, ideas, and information that children can process through critical thinking skills.

It helps children move out of the classroom and into the real world. After all, critical thinking is a skill that’s more useful in ensuring success in life beyond school.

Use Stories to Introduce Concepts

Connecting stories to real-world concepts is a great way to improve critical thinking in students that goes beyond regular classroom learning. When students learn the fundamental meaning of a story, they identify the concepts and draw conclusions from them. This is why you should try and follow this up by introducing stories with similar concepts but new information.

Are you looking for a state-of-the-art daycare center or after-school program in Lenexa that can help foster critical thinking skills in your child?

Then consider enrolling your child in our child development center in Lenexa, Kansas.

At Whole Child Development Center in Lenexa, we offer a safe and supportive educational environment that stimulates better learning. Our programs are designed to teach necessary problem-solving skills that can help your child succeed in life.

So, contact us today to enroll your child in our programs or learn more about our affordable daycare in Lenexa.