How to help your kids to think critically
At FunKe Science, we believe science is more than just facts—it’s about thinking critically, asking questions, and solving problems creatively. In today’s fast-paced world, critical thinking is an essential skill for kids to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners. But how can we teach this skill in a way that’s fun, engaging, and age-appropriate? Here’s our guide to nurturing critical thinking in young learners, one exciting activity at a time!
1. Encourage Questions! 🧐
Children are naturally curious, so let’s fuel that curiosity! Instead of just answering their questions, turn them into mini-investigators.
🔹 If a child asks, “Why is the sky blue?” instead of giving a straight answer, say, “That’s a great question! What do you think? Let’s find out together!”
💡 Ask open-ended questions like
- “What do you think would happen if we mixed milk and cooking oil?”
- “How would you design a house on Mars?”
Encouraging kids to explore possibilities boosts their reasoning and problem-solving skills!
2. Hands-On Learning! 🛠️
Nothing builds critical thinking like doing! We challenge kids to think, predict, and experiment while providing hands on activities. Here are some things you could try.
🔸 Sorting & Categorizing. Give kids random objects and ask them to sort them by size, color, or function. (e.g Separate toy animals into groups—mammals, reptiles, and birds. Or, arrange coloured pencils according to the colours of the rainbow )
🔹 Building Challenges. Using LEGO or recycled materials, ask them to build a bridge that can hold weight or a tallest possible tower. Let them test and improve their designs!
🔸 Science Experiments. Try fun home experiments like the baking soda & vinegar volcano 🌋 and ask questions like these:
- “What do you think will happen?” (Hypothesis)
- “What do you notice?” (Observation)
- “What could we change to get a different result?” (Critical thinking)
👉 Check out our FunKe Science Kits for more hands-on activities!
3. Pretend Play & Role-Playing 🎭
Kids love pretend play, and it’s one powerful way we use to teach problem-solving!
🔹 Set Up Scenarios.
- “You’re a shopkeeper! How will you organize your shop?”
- “You’re a scientist! How will you test your new invention?”
- “You’re an astronaut! What would you pack for space travel?”
💡 Why it Works. Role-playing encourages kids to think through problems, consider different perspectives, and be creative.
4. Project-Based Learning 🌍
During long holidays we provide project-based learning based on real world problems which allows learners to think about the problem longer. Give kids a real-world challenge and let them brainstorm, design, and test solutions.
🔸 Water Conservation Project. How can we save water at home? Let them come up with ideas and test them!
🔹 Sustainable Farm Model. Challenge kids to design a farm that grows food without harming the environment.
👩🔬 FunKe Science Tip. Turn everyday challenges into projects—ask kids to redesign a school backpack to make it lighter or create a device to clean up plastic waste.
5. Storytelling & Sequencing 📖
Stories aren’t just for entertainment—they build logic and reasoning! Some of the ways we found useful esp with young learners is by building stories about our learning activities.
🔹 Ask kids to retell stories in their own words or arrange events in order to improve comprehension.
🔸 Pause and Predict. Stop reading halfway and ask, “What do you think will happen next? Why?”
🔹 Character Decisions. Discuss choices made by characters and explore alternative endings.
👉 Try This. Let kids invent their own stories—maybe about a robot who can read minds or an island made of chocolate! 🍫
6. Games & Puzzles 🎲🧩
Playing games is an awesome way to build logic, strategy, and decision-making skills.
🎯 Great Games for Critical Thinking.
✔ Chess & Checkers – Teaches planning and strategy.
✔ Monopoly & The Game of Life – Helps with decision-making and financial thinking.
✔ Riddles & Brain Teasers – Boosts lateral thinking.
✔ Jigsaw Puzzles – Improves problem-solving and patience.
👉 Some riddles you could try. “The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?” (Answer: Footsteps!). “The more it dries, the wetter it becomes. What is it? (Answer:Towel) Find more riddles here
7. Chapati or Mandazis? 🤔
We use light-hearted debates to keep learns engaged and immersed. Debating teaches kids to think logically, consider different viewpoints, and express their ideas clearly.
🔹 Fun Debate Topics
- “Which is better: Chapati or Mandazis?” 🥞🍩
- “Should kids have a three-day school week?”
- “Should pets be allowed in classrooms?” 🐶
💡 Tip: Encourage kids to give reasons for their arguments, not just opinions!
8. “Why Did You Choose That?” ❓
Building on the previous point on debates, critical thinking is about understanding why we make decisions. Maybe that’s why they ask ‘why’ so much 😂. Help kids reflect by asking it back.
🔹 “Why did you choose that answer?”
🔸 “What would you do differently next time?”
🔹 “What did you learn from this mistake?”
👉 Try This. When kids pick a movie, snack, or game, ask them why they made that choice. This helps them practice evaluating options and making informed decisions. It also helps you gauge their level of understanding which helps you know how to answer their questions.
9. Foster Creativity 🎨🛠️
Creativity and critical thinking go hand in hand! This is evident in all the STEAM projects we undertake. Give kids creativity challenges and see their brains at work. Here are some examples.
🔹 “Invent a new gadget (eg straw) that solves a problem (eg becomes louder when you change the length)!”
🔸 “Create a new animal species and explain how it survives in the wild.”
🔹 “Design a time machine—where would you go and why?“
💡 Encouraging creativity teaches kids to think outside the box and explore new possibilities.
10. Let Kids See You Think! 🧠💭
Kids learn best by example! Show them how you think through problems in everyday life.
🔹 While shopping, say,
👉 “I’m choosing this snack because it has less sugar and more fiber. What do you think?”
🔸 When fixing something, think out loud,
👉 “Hmm… This chair is wobbly. What’s causing it? How can I fix it?”
Letting kids hear your thought process helps them develop their own reasoning skills!
11. Celebrate Oopsies! 🚀
Mistakes are part of learning! Instead of saying “That’s wrong,” encourage,
🔹 “Great effort! What can we try differently?”
🔸 “Mistakes help us learn—what did we discover?”
💡 FunKe Science Mindset. Every scientist makes mistakes—that’s how discoveries happen!
Final Thoughts – Keep It Fun & Consistent! 🎉
Teaching kids critical thinking doesn’t have to feel like “schoolwork.” By integrating these strategies into daily life—through play, exploration, and creativity—kids will develop the ability to analyze, problem-solve, and think independently.
🚀 At FunKe Science, we make learning hands-on, engaging, and FUN! Find out more by checking out our science kit and services or give us a call at 0728 440 834
Got a favorite critical thinking activity? Share it in the comments! 💡👇
Read more on critical thinking12
- https://www.monash.edu/student-academic-success/enhance-your-thinking/critical-thinking/what-is-critical-thinking ↩︎
- https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_thinking ↩︎