The Importance of Critical Thinking in Young Children

November 12, 2019 By Christina
Elementary Schoolers (Study Improvements)   

While spending time as a Behavior Interventionist in the classroom, one of the things that has come to my attention is how many children don’t end up learning from the lessons presented to them. The most surprising aspect is that this stems not because they can’t comprehend the material, but because they are having trouble attending to the lesson and relating it to the real world.

Here are 5 reasons why critical thinking is one of the most important aspects of learning for young children.

1.Identifying Fiction and Fact

Now this is something that children are working to understand every day of their lives (and the constant stream of media input they receive does not make this task any easier.) Strengthening critical thinking at a young age allows children to better identify the differences between make-believe scenarios vs. reality.

2. Answering the “Whys” Independently

As parents/caregivers answering all the “why” questions is a part of the job. However, building critical thinking skills is important, because it gives children their own access to answering their “why” questions when you aren’t around. Tasks such as processing through emotions at school, better understanding homework and tasks given to achieve independently and following instruction are made easier as a result.

3. Expand Social Learning

Children are laying down the bricks of the basic understanding of social learning that we see as common sense (such as showing empathy, having meaningful conversations with peers and understanding the concepts of perception/perspective). Higher critical thinking abilities help children have an easier time in social situations.

4. Relating Abstract Concepts to Real Life

Developing a child’s critical thinking can increase their ability to comprehend material in the classroom. If a child does not feel the material being taught is applicable to them, they will label it as unimportant and stop attending. Priming the use of critical thinking allows children to look at an assignment, associate it to their lives and retain the material.

5. Learning Becomes Fun!

When learning is made relatable it becomes entertaining! Critical Thinking Counts!

Tutors are here to assist to improve your child’s critical thinking. Try free lesson first to meet great tutors via Inizian site!

Tutor Christina has been tutoring students to improve their critical thinking and received many great feedbacks from students and their parents.