Critical thinking skills are key for any child’s development in letting them be independent thinkers, be mindful about their decisions, and helping a child be a team player as well. It’s a core skill that everyone should be using on a regular basis in order to make informed decisions and work well with others.
To help your child in developing their critical thinking skills, here are some top tips recommended by this prep school in Surrey.
Play board games
Board games for the most part are designed to make you think carefully about your next move, and what could be the most beneficial move you can make. Start by showing your child easy-to-understand games, like child’s Monopoly or Jenga. Give your child enough time to think about these decisions, and try not to rush the game ahead if you can. Let your child have the space to think clearly about their next moves.
Allow them to make mistakes, and learn from them
Like with board games, you can make mistakes and end up losing the game if you take a wrong turn. Your child can easily get upset if things don’t go their way, but you can turn this around by offering them advice to guide them through it for next time. Show your child that it’s okay for them to make mistakes, but it can help them work on their critical thinking skills for next time. There’s a lot to be said about thinking before speaking!
Pause and wait
Part of thinking critically is having the time, space and patience to think clearly. For children, it’s essential. As they won’t have all of the skills adults have just yet, it’s best to give your child the space to work on their next decision. If they jump in too quickly on a decision it can hinder their progress, and in some cases it can make them feel less motivated.
Praise your child for good effort
Doing well in school is one thing, but you should also praise your child for doing the best they can in the circumstances. Your child will have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to share with them how they can improve upon their skills naturally. Part of this will involve your child thinking critically about how they see themselves and where they can identify areas of improvement, but it’s also about giving your child the motivation to succeed as well.
