It is very easy for children to learn about many of the serious situations that are faced in daily life…through news and social media, overhearing conversations, and observations.  Identifying the problem and learning how to deal with it can be overwhelming.  Children need to be taught how to develop analytic skills in order that they can make the best decisions possible as citizens, part of the workforce, and responsible adults.

Critical thinking starts with the basic questions of defining the challenge, deciding why it is important, the effect on me and others.  A good example is an election to public office.  How to choose someone not because they are charming or have a snappy campaign but on the candidate’s history and platform.  How will that person, if elected, represent me, the community and the issues I feel are important? 

This is all pretty weighty for a child.  However, there are some activities that can help them explore feelings on a more controllable level.

Gallery

Think of an art gallery and create a walk-through of cartoons, photos, or objects.  Help the child determine the theme of the display and why it was important.  How do the children feel about the images or objects?  Do different combinations make them feel different? 

Around the time of the annual Nobel prize awards, look at some of the winners of the Peace prize, especially someone less known to 21^st century students.  Discuss the recipient’s actions before and after the prize.  How did they use the monetary award?  Did they continue to live up to the reputation and responsibility?

Book and a Movie

Select a book and a movie adaptation.  Center the discussions around the differences between the book and film.  Not as much was one better than the other, but why the change was made.  To Kill a Mockingbird is an example of a “coming of age” book that cinematically focused on race relations. 

Facts and Opinions

It is sometimes very difficult to separate facts from opinions.  Since a fact is something that can be proven, the children can talk about how you would go about verifying a fact or how an opinion cannot have proof. Opinions are fine as long as they are based on facts. This is a natural lead to discussing bias and influence as well as assumptions. 

Conversations

Maintaining good conversations is important from the personal aspect of finding your soul mate to the practicality of being able to be successful in a job interview. Encouraging discussions is a good way for students to learn about sharing ideas non-confrontationally.  Breaking into smaller groups and then reporting back to the whole is also an option.

For even more ideas and techniques, look at braintrain.org  This is an app that is rich with learning and critical thinking activities for the young and the not so young.  It is conducted by professional teachers who are outstanding in their ability to deliver good information in a fun and yet challenging setting.  See how it can help you.