Critical thinking skills are a key part of the Montessori primary classroom. These skills promote the idea of students being actively engaged in their own learning and help them learn to consider multiple perspectives and solve problems independently.
Many parents wonder how they can encourage the development of critical thinking skills outside of the classroom. If that sounds like you, consider how the following four fun activities can help you reach your goal of setting your child up for success in every area of life.
1. Writing the Sequel
If you read with your child often, try infusing some creativity into your time together by mapping out a possible sequel for the story once you’re done. First, recap what happened in the story you just read. Then, ask your child what they think could happen next if they were to write the next book in the series.
This activity helps children develop critical thinking skills by requiring them to reflect on the events in the book and make predictions based on that information. They’ll also need to understand character traits and book themes to imagine what particular characters might do and say and what situations they may find themselves in.
2. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Observing the world has long been a core Montessori primary principle. One of the best ways to observe the world is to take your primary-aged student on a nature walk with you. This can happen right around your home, or you may opt to take your child to a local park.
Once there, you can encourage your child to engage in exploration and think critically about what they see. For example, you may ask them why the leaves fall from the trees in the wintertime or make a crunching sound when you step on them. Because nature has so many elements, there are endless opportunities for your child to compare and contrast things they see to make connections between them.
3. Floor Puzzles
Montessori primary students are no strangers to puzzles. Floor puzzles are a great way to teach critical thinking skills to your children because they offer a clear challenge that needs to be solved. Right out of the box, your child must start thinking about ways to fit the pieces together to mimic the picture.
To complete the puzzle, your child must analyze each piece and hypothesize where it should go. They must also test their hypothesis through trial and error by placing different pieces of the puzzle where they think they should go to see if the piece fits.
Each time they do this, your child must take in new information, synthesize it with the information they already have, and make a decision about their next move.
4. Volunteering Together
Volunteering with the family is a great way to help children develop critical thinking skills because it requires your child to consider a real-world problem and understand how they can play a role in solving it.
Involve your child in selecting the activity, and make sure to ask them to explain their reasoning for wanting to be involved in a particular cause. When the project is over, let them help you brainstorm additional ways to help in the future.
A Montessori Education Encourages the Development of Lifelong Skills
Montessori primary education isn’t just about building skills inside of the classroom. It’s also about ensuring children can use the skills they develop in any setting. Reinforcing critical thinking skills at home and school helps them accomplish this.
If you’re looking for a Montessori primary program to prepare your child to become a confident, self-directed individual, Montessori West can help. Our program offers cultural, sensorial, and practical life activities that encourage children to hone their ability to think outside the box. Contact us today to learn more and see how we can help your child develop a lifelong love of learning.
