Nowadays, with the proliferation of social media and so much information available at our fingertips, it becomes even more imperative for our children to develop critical thinking skills. Critical thinking fosters creativity and innovation–both skills needed to thrive in the world we live in today. It is a necessary skill for effective leadership and allows our children to discern truth from error.
First and foremost, for our children to think critically, they must be able to identify truth. I find it imperative to go to the source of all truth daily. Studying the scriptures, listening to the revealed words of prophets, and praying and receiving individual revelation allow us to know what truth is, so we can easily discern and recognize its counterfeit.
I have heard that those who are tasked with finding counterfeit money, study what real money looks like so in-depth and so precisely, that when imitation money shows up, it can easily be spotted. Satan is the great counterfeiter. We are wired to recognize truth, so he must disguise his lies in 99% truth to trick us. If we study the truth and align ourselves with the truth, we will be much more able to discern the deceptions of the adversary.
Studying the scriptures and praying together as a family is the foundation of helping our youth discern truth. Encouraging them and modeling for them the importance of doing this for themselves cannot be overstated. Research shows that for the truth to stick, our children must have their own personal experiences with God. Whenever possible, invite them to go directly to the source to find their answers rather than relying on you.
Encourage questioning. Ask your children questions that go beyond information regurgitation. Ask them, “What do you think?” “Why do you think that happened?” and “How could you solve this problem?” Asking good questions, allows our children to start practicing critical thinking skills and apply these skills to their lives.
Involve youth in problem-solving. You can do this by presenting real-life problems and asking for their opinion on how to solve them. When I ask my boys for help with something difficult for me, they feel respected and proud they have something to offer. You can also use puzzles, logic games, and open-ended activities that encourage children to problem-solve. When our children meet obstacles, don’t be too quick to jump in and rescue them. Show them you believe in their ability to figure things out.
Model critical thinking. Demonstrate your thought process when making decisions or solving problems. Talk aloud as you analyze information, weigh options, and come to conclusions. This helps children see critical thinking in action and know it is part of becoming a grown-up.
Encourage open-ended discussions. Reading books together and then asking open-ended questions is a great way to encourage critical thinking. Go beyond knowledge questions and ask questions that invite your children to apply principles of truth to their thinking. Ask application questions about what they might do if they were in the same situation as the character in the book. Ask how something in this book relates to something else they have read. Ask why a particular part of the book matters. Show there is not one right or wrong answer.
Engage your children in scenarios they may encounter in real life, ask them how they might handle the situation, and talk about the results of what might happen based on different choices. Role-play these situations and invite them to think and make decisions before encountering them.
Teach children how to analyze information. Help them differentiate between fact and opinion. Show them how to check sources, evaluate evidence, and compare it to the truth they DO know. Show that all information is not equally valuable. For example, spiritual knowledge to me is paramount. Knowing you are a child of God with infinite worth and potential is far more important than knowing what frogs live in South America.
As much as I hate to say it, encouraging debates is another great way to foster critical thinking skills! Sometimes, I dislike the debates that seem to be constantly going on in our house, but debating–especially learning to do it with respect for the other side and openness to being wrong, teaches children how to construct and support their arguments, listen to opposing views, and respond thoughtfully.
Invite your children to be part of making decisions whenever possible. This can be done in family meetings or otherwise. Discuss the pros and cons of each option. Through this process, you are again modeling how to make difficult decisions.
Encouraging reflection also promotes critical thinking skills and creates an environment of safety for children to make mistakes. Invite your children to think about what worked, what didn’t, and what they might do differently next time. This develops their ability to think and plan for the future.
In today’s confused world, developing critical thinking skills in our children is more important than ever before. By guiding them to identify truth, encouraging curiosity and questioning, involving them in problem-solving, and modeling thoughtful decision-making, we lay a strong foundation for their future success. These skills not only prepare them to discern truth from deception but also help them become compassionate leaders, creative innovators, and effective problem-solvers. As homeschool mamas, our role is to foster an environment where these essential skills can flourish, equipping our children to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
