Critical Thinking is a skill that is needed by everyone almost every day. Every day we have to face so many situations such as making sound decisions, solving problems, or understanding our actions. Do people really use Critical Thinking in everyday life? Critical thinking helps people not to just plan the day but instead plan the whole future and whatever comes in between. Critical thinking comes instantly to one who is more focused and has some self-control. Some people have these qualities from the start and some can acquire them just by working on themselves. There are three important life skills that make critical thinking possible - Connection pieces, thinking about perspective, and communicating. Critical thinking combined with these skills can bring you closer to your goals.
How can you teach your kids the importance of teaching critical thinking in children? Children are very curious and they have the ability to question and inquire about everything which is the foundation for critical thinking. But, you need to be sure that your kid is using critical thinking correctly in every situation. So you will need to teach them so they can understand the information, interpret measure, contrast, reason, and demonstrate high thinking skills. It becomes more important now because the world is changing at a very fast pace and there is so much information that we come across every day. Kids are spending a lot of time on mobiles, TV, computers, and books so they need to think for themselves and ask questions.
Today we at Bhartiyam International School will point out the importance of teaching critical thinking in Children. These are some of the skills that will help them become better students and professionals later in their life.
Ways to Improve Your Child’s Critical Thinking Skills
Now that you know how critical thinking is important for your kids. Let us talk about how to improve your child’s critical thinking skills. We will tell you about the different ways in which you can encourage and teach your kids to think critically. You are a parent and your role will be to ask questions and guide the thinking process.
Provide Play Opportunities
You should provide your kids with as many play opportunities as possible. Because once your kid goes out and plays with friends they get to see the real world on their own. They observe many things while they are out and will often ask you questions when they are back. Children while playing indoor or outdoor games explore the world around them and they learn to think and react. Such activities will build the foundation of critical thinking abilities in your kids.
Stop and Wait
Whenever your kid asks you a question don’t just answer it in a hurry. Make it a point to wait a while and give time to your kid to process what he has asked. Then ask them what do you think the right answer would be? In this way, their mind will continuously work and try to think of a solution. Similarly, any task they do such as playing or solving a problem always let them be on their own. Do not unnecessarily help them where it is not needed. This will increase their observation and thinking skills.
Don’t Answer Immediately
Do not correct your child immediately. Observe what they are doing and see their body language and thought processes. React only when they are not able to solve the problem after they have tried many times. Instead of telling them the right answer motivate them to solve on their own. Do not do any task for your child instead, you must ask them to try to do it on their own. This way you will be able to see how they think and do their job.
Ask Questions
Always try to make conversation with your kids more interesting by asking them questions. Even if they ask you questions don’t just reply with an easy answer. Instead cross-question them like - “Why do you think this is happening?” Why do you think this? There are so many questions you can ask them. Whenever they give an answer you should always compliment them whether it is right or wrong.
Conclusion
These are some of the ways you can teach your kids the importance of teaching critical thinking in children? We have been programmed to think creatively and this has become an intrinsic part of our daily life. As adults, we have learned to think critically from our childhood and also according to the circumstances of our personal and professional life. Bhartiyam International School has always emphasized the importance of teaching critical thinking skills to its students. Our goal is to teach students academically and holistically.