critical thinking in elementary education

A Critical Thinking Framework for Elementary Students

Guiding young students to engage in critical thinking fosters their ability to create and engage with knowledge.

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Critical thinking is using analysis and evaluation to make a judgment. Analysis, evaluation, and judgment are not discrete skills; rather, they emerge from the accumulation of knowledge. The accumulation of knowledge does not mean students sit at desks mindlessly reciting memorized information, like in 19th century grammar schools. Our goal is not for learners to regurgitate facts by rote without demonstrating their understanding of the connections, structures, and deeper ideas embedded in the content they are learning. To foster critical thinking in school, especially for our youngest learners, we need a pedagogy that centers knowledge and also honors the ability of children to engage with knowledge.

This chapter outlines the Critical Thinking Framework: five instructional approaches educators can incorporate into their instruction to nurture deeper thinking. These approaches can also guide intellectual preparation protocols and unit unpackings to prepare rigorous, engaging instruction for elementary students. Some of these approaches, such as reason with evidence, will seem similar to other “contentless” programs professing to teach critical thinking skills. But others, such as say it in your own words or look for structure, are targeted at ensuring learners soundly understand content so that they can engage in complex thinking. You will likely notice that every single one of these approaches requires students to talk—to themselves, to a partner, or to the whole class. Dialogue, specifically in the context of teacher-led discussions, is essential for students to analyze, evaluate, and judge (i.e., do critical thinking ). 

The Critical Thinking Framework

Say it in your own words : Students articulate ideas in their own words. They use unique phrasing and do not parrot the explanations of others. When learning new material, students who pause to explain concepts in their own words (to themselves or others) demonstrate an overall better understanding than students who do not (Nokes-Malach et al., 2013). However, it’s not enough for us to pause frequently and ask students to explain, especially if they are only being asked to repeat procedures. Explanations should be effortful and require students to make connections to prior knowledge and concepts as well as to revise misconceptions (Richey & Nokes-Malach, 2015).

Break it down : Students break down the components, steps, or smaller ideas within a bigger idea or procedure. In addition to expressing concepts in their own words, students should look at new concepts in terms of parts and wholes. For instance, when learning a new type of problem or task, students can explain the steps another student took to arrive at their answer, which promotes an understanding that transfers to other tasks with a similar underlying structure. Asking students to explain the components and rationale behind procedural steps can also lead to more flexible problem solving overall (Rittle-Johnson, 2006). By breaking down ideas into component parts, students are also better equipped to monitor the soundness of their own understanding as well as to see similar patterns (i.e., regularity) among differing tasks. For example, in writing, lessons can help students see how varying subordinating conjunction phrases at the start of sentences can support the flow and readability of a paragraph. In math, a solution can be broken down into smaller steps.

Look for structure : Students look beyond shallow surface characteristics to see deep structures and underlying principles. Learners struggle to see regularity in similar problems that have small differences (Reed et al., 1985). Even when students are taught how to complete one kind of task, they struggle to transfer their understanding to a new task where some of the superficial characteristics have been changed. This is because students, especially students who are novices in a domain, tend to emphasize the surface structure of a task rather than deep structure (Chi & Van Lehn, 2012).

By prompting students to notice deep structures—such as the characteristics of a genre or the needs of animals—rather than surface structures, teachers foster the development of comprehensive schemata in students’ long-term memories, which they are more likely to then apply to novel situations. Teachers should monitor for student understanding of deep structures across several tasks and examples.

Notice gaps or inconsistencies in ideas : Students ask questions about gaps and inconsistencies in material, arguments, and their own thinking . When students engage in explanations of material, they are more likely to notice when they misunderstand material or to detect a conflict with their prior knowledge (Richey & Nokes-Malach, 2015). In a classroom, analyzing conflicting ideas and interpretations allows students to revise misconceptions and refine mental models. Noticing gaps and inconsistencies in information also helps students to evaluate the persuasiveness of arguments and to ask relevant questions.

Reason with evidence : Students construct arguments with evidence and evaluate the evidence in others’ reasoning. Reasoning with evidence matters in every subject, but what counts for evidence in a mathematical proof differs from what is required in an English essay. Students should learn the rules and conventions for evidence across a wide range of disciplines in school. The habits of looking for and weighing evidence also intersect with some of the other critical thinking approaches discussed above. Noticing regularity in reasoning and structure helps learners find evidence efficiently, while attending to gaps and inconsistencies in information encourages caution before reaching hasty conclusions.

Countering Two Critiques

Some readers may be wondering how the Critical Thinking Framework differs from other general skills curricula. The framework differs in that it demands application in the context of students’ content knowledge, rather than in isolation. It is a pedagogical tool to help students make sense of the content they are learning. Students should never sit through a lesson where they are told to “say things in their own words” when there is nothing to say anything about. While a contentless lesson could help on the margins, it will not be as relevant or transferable. Specific content matters. A checklist of “critical thinking skills” cannot replace deep subject knowledge. The framework should not be blindly applied to all subjects without context because results will look quite different in an ELA or science class.

Other readers may be thinking about high-stakes tests: how does the Critical Thinking Framework fit in with an overwhelming emphasis on assessments aligned to national or state standards? This is a valid concern and an important point to address. For teachers, schools, and districts locked into an accountability system that values performance on state tests but does not communicate content expectations beyond general standards, the arguments I make may seem beside the point. Sure, knowledge matters, but the curriculum demands that students know how to quickly identify the main idea of a paragraph, even if they don’t have any background knowledge about the topic of the paragraph.

It is crucial that elementary practitioners be connected to both evolving research on learning and the limiting realities we teach within. Unfortunately, I can provide no easy answers beyond saying that teaching is a balancing act. The tension, while real and relevant to teachers’ daily lives, should not cloud our vision for what children need from their school experiences.

I also argue it is easier to incorporate the demands of our current standardized testing environment into a curriculum rich with history, science, art, geography, languages, and novels than the reverse. The Critical Thinking Framework presents ways to approach all kinds of knowledge in a way that presses students toward deeper processing of the content they are learning. If we can raise the bar for student work and thinking in our classrooms, the question of how students perform on standardized tests will become secondary to helping them achieve much loftier and important goals. The choice of whether to emphasize excellent curriculum or high-stakes tests, insofar as it is a choice at all, should never be existential or a zero-sum game.

From Critical Thinking in the Elementary Classroom: Engaging Young Minds with Meaningful Content (pp. 25–29) by Erin Shadowens, Arlington, VA: ASCD. Copyright © 2023 by ASCD. All rights reserved.

Home » Tips for Teachers » Critical Thinking Strategies for Elementary Students: 7 Exercises and 5 Activities to Help

Critical Thinking Strategies for Elementary Students: 7 Exercises and 5 Activities to Help

Teaching students to think critically from an early age is essential. In order to excel in school and beyond, students need to learn and practice critical thinking skills.Being a critical thinker will aid students in making good decisions, both related to learning and to their personal lives. It will also be extremely helpful in helping them solve problems and overcome the various challenges that they are faced with.

As teachers, we always hear a lot about how important it is to help our students learn to think critically. What I’ve noticed, however, is that teachers don’t get enough support with the “how” of actually teaching their students to become critical thinkers.

I would like to help you learn more about what you can do to help impart these essential skills on your students. Continue reading, and I’ll share:

• Critical thinking games and activities you can play with your students →
• Why critical thinking is important →
• Critical thinking strategies for elementary student →
• Critical thinking exercises to use with elementary school students →

5 Critical Thinking Games and Activities

The games and activities shared below are great for helping your students develop and fine tune their critical thinking skills.

1. The Barometer

This activity can help students see that there are more than simply two opinions for any given topic. For this activity, come up with a list of semi-controversial issues appropriate for the grade you teach. Some examples include giving students no homework, setting limits on screen time, removing specials or recess, etc.

Then, label each side of the classroom with one of the two most extreme opinions related to the topic. Tell students that they need to place themselves on the continuum to designate where their opinion falls.In order for students to decide exactly where they should be standing, they’ll need to have discussions with other students to compare their opinions. This process will help expose them to the logic and reasoning that others are using to form their own opinions, even if they are different from those held by the student.

This could be an interesting lesson to record and reflect back on. You can discuss the different conversations students had with one another and how those conversations helped them decide where to stand.

2. Debating the Accuracy of a Globe vs a Map

This activity is ideal for older elementary school students studying geography. For the lesson, you can have students compare the relative sizes of Australia and Greenland on a map vs a globe. Then, discuss how one representation makes Greenland appear to be larger, and how the other makes Australia appear larger.

Encourage students to think about why this difference in representation may occur. Then, have a classroom debate about which geography tool is more accurate and why.You may want to project a world map using your document camera and have a few different globes available for students to examine.

This video shows a teacher leading his students through this critical thinking exercise. Watch it to see the lesson in action and see one teacher’s approach to using it with his students.

Do you think your students could benefit from this lesson? How do you see using it in your classroom?

3. Media Bias Scavenger Hunt

This activity can be especially beneficial in today’s world. Students will need to identify media bias in news stories and separate fact from fictionFor this activity, provide students with a few different news stories and hoaxes. Students will need to conduct research and determine which of the stories are real news and which are simply made-up hoaxes.

Encourage students to find at least two legitimate sources to back up the stories they classify as real news. After students have completed their work, you can have them share the sources they found to back up each true story on your interactive whiteboard.

This video shares more about this critical thinking activity. You can also learn more about a few additional activities you may want to try with your students.

4. Brain Teasers

Brain teasers are an excellent way to help students improve their critical thinking skills. In order to solve a brain teaser, students need to combine information from multiple sources, consider their background knowledge, and think outside of the box.

You can use this video with a brain teaser about a rooster laying an egg on the roof of a barn with your students. It sets up the scenario and even helps explain the correct solution and why such a ‘simple’ solution is overlooked by many.

Were you able to come up with the correct solution to the brain teaser? Or, did the misdirection with all the unnecessary key details take your focus off the fact that roosters can’t lay eggs?

5. Take a Side

For this activity, students will need to choose one of two sides representing opposing views to a question. For example, you can ask students to agree or disagree to a statement about a text they have read.Students should stand on one side of the room to show their opinion. Then, you can call on different students to share their reasoning for selecting whether they agreed or disagreed with the question.

After each student shares their rationale, provide an opportunity for students to switch to the other side of the room if they have changed their opinion.

Why Critical Thinking is Important

Critical thinking is important well beyond the school years. Students need to learn how to think critically and evaluate different options in order to make the right decision.Of course, these decisions could be related to academics, as with choosing the most logical answer to a question. However, critical thinking skills will also serve your students well as they grow older and need to decide about a future career, how to treat a friend, or even whether they should drink and drive.

Everyone has inherent biases. Teaching critical thinking to your students will allow them to identify these biases and try to focus on the facts of a situation. It also helps remove some of the emotions from a decision and allows students to clearly see the different points of views of others.Of course, part of your job as a teacher is to prepare your students for the real world and life after school. This includes helping them gain the skills they’ll need to be a successful candidate.

Monarch Elementary teachers have so many great ideas for inquiry instructional strategies and how that increases student engagement, rigor, and critical thinking! @voverman2 @markloach @MeganHoefe pic.twitter.com/z3AItMHnGQ — Katie Delloso (@Katie_Delloso) March 24, 2021

Classroom Q&A

With larry ferlazzo.

In this EdWeek blog, an experiment in knowledge-gathering, Ferlazzo will address readers’ questions on classroom management, ELL instruction, lesson planning, and other issues facing teachers. Send your questions to [email protected]. Read more from this blog.

Integrating Critical Thinking Into the Classroom

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(This is the second post in a three-part series. You can see Part One here .)

The new question-of-the-week is:

What is critical thinking and how can we integrate it into the classroom?

Part One ‘s guests were Dara Laws Savage, Patrick Brown, Meg Riordan, Ph.D., and Dr. PJ Caposey. Dara, Patrick, and Meg were also guests on my 10-minute BAM! Radio Show . You can also find a list of, and links to, previous shows here.

Today, Dr. Kulvarn Atwal, Elena Quagliarello, Dr. Donna Wilson, and Diane Dahl share their recommendations.

‘Learning Conversations’

Dr. Kulvarn Atwal is currently the executive head teacher of two large primary schools in the London borough of Redbridge. Dr. Atwal is the author of The Thinking School: Developing a Dynamic Learning Community , published by John Catt Educational. Follow him on Twitter @Thinkingschool2 :

In many classrooms I visit, students’ primary focus is on what they are expected to do and how it will be measured. It seems that we are becoming successful at producing students who are able to jump through hoops and pass tests. But are we producing children that are positive about teaching and learning and can think critically and creatively? Consider your classroom environment and the extent to which you employ strategies that develop students’ critical-thinking skills and their self-esteem as learners.

Development of self-esteem

One of the most significant factors that impacts students’ engagement and achievement in learning in your classroom is their self-esteem. In this context, self-esteem can be viewed to be the difference between how they perceive themselves as a learner (perceived self) and what they consider to be the ideal learner (ideal self). This ideal self may reflect the child that is associated or seen to be the smartest in the class. Your aim must be to raise students’ self-esteem. To do this, you have to demonstrate that effort, not ability, leads to success. Your language and interactions in the classroom, therefore, have to be aspirational—that if children persist with something, they will achieve.

Use of evaluative praise

Ensure that when you are praising students, you are making explicit links to a child’s critical thinking and/or development. This will enable them to build their understanding of what factors are supporting them in their learning. For example, often when we give feedback to students, we may simply say, “Well done” or “Good answer.” However, are the students actually aware of what they did well or what was good about their answer? Make sure you make explicit what the student has done well and where that links to prior learning. How do you value students’ critical thinking—do you praise their thinking and demonstrate how it helps them improve their learning?

Learning conversations to encourage deeper thinking

We often feel as teachers that we have to provide feedback to every students’ response, but this can limit children’s thinking. Encourage students in your class to engage in learning conversations with each other. Give as many opportunities as possible to students to build on the responses of others. Facilitate chains of dialogue by inviting students to give feedback to each other. The teacher’s role is, therefore, to facilitate this dialogue and select each individual student to give feedback to others. It may also mean that you do not always need to respond at all to a student’s answer.

Teacher modelling own thinking

We cannot expect students to develop critical-thinking skills if we aren’t modeling those thinking skills for them. Share your creativity, imagination, and thinking skills with the students and you will nurture creative, imaginative critical thinkers. Model the language you want students to learn and think about. Share what you feel about the learning activities your students are participating in as well as the thinking you are engaging in. Your own thinking and learning will add to the discussions in the classroom and encourage students to share their own thinking.

Metacognitive questioning

Consider the extent to which your questioning encourages students to think about their thinking, and therefore, learn about learning! Through asking metacognitive questions, you will enable your students to have a better understanding of the learning process, as well as their own self-reflections as learners. Example questions may include:

• Why did you choose to do it that way?
• When you find something tricky, what helps you?
• How do you know when you have really learned something?

‘Adventures of Discovery’

Elena Quagliarello is the senior editor of education for Scholastic News , a current events magazine for students in grades 3–6. She graduated from Rutgers University, where she studied English and earned her master’s degree in elementary education. She is a certified K–12 teacher and previously taught middle school English/language arts for five years:

Critical thinking blasts through the surface level of a topic. It reaches beyond the who and the what and launches students on a learning journey that ultimately unlocks a deeper level of understanding. Teaching students how to think critically helps them turn information into knowledge and knowledge into wisdom. In the classroom, critical thinking teaches students how to ask and answer the questions needed to read the world. Whether it’s a story, news article, photo, video, advertisement, or another form of media, students can use the following critical-thinking strategies to dig beyond the surface and uncover a wealth of knowledge.

A Layered Learning Approach

Begin by having students read a story, article, or analyze a piece of media. Then have them excavate and explore its various layers of meaning. First, ask students to think about the literal meaning of what they just read. For example, if students read an article about the desegregation of public schools during the 1950s, they should be able to answer questions such as: Who was involved? What happened? Where did it happen? Which details are important? This is the first layer of critical thinking: reading comprehension. Do students understand the passage at its most basic level?

Ask the Tough Questions

The next layer delves deeper and starts to uncover the author’s purpose and craft. Teach students to ask the tough questions: What information is included? What or who is left out? How does word choice influence the reader? What perspective is represented? What values or people are marginalized? These questions force students to critically analyze the choices behind the final product. In today’s age of fast-paced, easily accessible information, it is essential to teach students how to critically examine the information they consume. The goal is to equip students with the mindset to ask these questions on their own.

Strike Gold

The deepest layer of critical thinking comes from having students take a step back to think about the big picture. This level of thinking is no longer focused on the text itself but rather its real-world implications. Students explore questions such as: Why does this matter? What lesson have I learned? How can this lesson be applied to other situations? Students truly engage in critical thinking when they are able to reflect on their thinking and apply their knowledge to a new situation. This step has the power to transform knowledge into wisdom.

Adventures of Discovery

There are vast ways to spark critical thinking in the classroom. Here are a few other ideas:

• Critical Expressionism: In this expanded response to reading from a critical stance, students are encouraged to respond through forms of artistic interpretations, dramatizations, singing, sketching, designing projects, or other multimodal responses. For example, students might read an article and then create a podcast about it or read a story and then act it out.
• Transmediations: This activity requires students to take an article or story and transform it into something new. For example, they might turn a news article into a cartoon or turn a story into a poem. Alternatively, students may rewrite a story by changing some of its elements, such as the setting or time period.
• Words Into Action: In this type of activity, students are encouraged to take action and bring about change. Students might read an article about endangered orangutans and the effects of habitat loss caused by deforestation and be inspired to check the labels on products for palm oil. They might then write a letter asking companies how they make sure the palm oil they use doesn’t hurt rain forests.
• Socratic Seminars: In this student-led discussion strategy, students pose thought-provoking questions to each other about a topic. They listen closely to each other’s comments and think critically about different perspectives.
• Classroom Debates: Aside from sparking a lively conversation, classroom debates naturally embed critical-thinking skills by asking students to formulate and support their own opinions and consider and respond to opposing viewpoints.

Critical thinking has the power to launch students on unforgettable learning experiences while helping them develop new habits of thought, reflection, and inquiry. Developing these skills prepares students to examine issues of power and promote transformative change in the world around them.

‘Quote Analysis’

Dr. Donna Wilson is a psychologist and the author of 20 books, including Developing Growth Mindsets , Teaching Students to Drive Their Brains , and Five Big Ideas for Effective Teaching (2 nd Edition). She is an international speaker who has worked in Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Europe, Jamaica, and throughout the U.S. and Canada. Dr. Wilson can be reached at [email protected] ; visit her website at www.brainsmart.org .

Diane Dahl has been a teacher for 13 years, having taught grades 2-4 throughout her career. Mrs. Dahl currently teaches 3rd and 4th grade GT-ELAR/SS in Lovejoy ISD in Fairview, Texas. Follow her on Twitter at @DahlD, and visit her website at www.fortheloveofteaching.net :

A growing body of research over the past several decades indicates that teaching students how to be better thinkers is a great way to support them to be more successful at school and beyond. In the book, Teaching Students to Drive Their Brains , Dr. Wilson shares research and many motivational strategies, activities, and lesson ideas that assist students to think at higher levels. Five key strategies from the book are as follows:

• Facilitate conversation about why it is important to think critically at school and in other contexts of life. Ideally, every student will have a contribution to make to the discussion over time.
• Begin teaching thinking skills early in the school year and as a daily part of class.
• As this instruction begins, introduce students to the concept of brain plasticity and how their brilliant brains change during thinking and learning. This can be highly motivational for students who do not yet believe they are good thinkers!
• Explicitly teach students how to use the thinking skills.
• Facilitate student understanding of how the thinking skills they are learning relate to their lives at school and in other contexts.

Below are two lessons that support critical thinking, which can be defined as the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.

Mrs. Dahl prepares her 3rd and 4th grade classes for a year of critical thinking using quote analysis .

During Native American studies, her 4 th grade analyzes a Tuscarora quote: “Man has responsibility, not power.” Since students already know how the Native Americans’ land had been stolen, it doesn’t take much for them to make the logical leaps. Critical-thought prompts take their thinking even deeper, especially at the beginning of the year when many need scaffolding. Some prompts include:

• … from the point of view of the Native Americans?
• … from the point of view of the settlers?
• How do you think your life might change over time as a result?
• Can you relate this quote to anything else in history?

Analyzing a topic from occupational points of view is an incredibly powerful critical-thinking tool. After learning about the Mexican-American War, Mrs. Dahl’s students worked in groups to choose an occupation with which to analyze the war. The chosen occupations were: anthropologist, mathematician, historian, archaeologist, cartographer, and economist. Then each individual within each group chose a different critical-thinking skill to focus on. Finally, they worked together to decide how their occupation would view the war using each skill.

For example, here is what each student in the economist group wrote:

• When U.S.A. invaded Mexico for land and won, Mexico ended up losing income from the settlements of Jose de Escandon. The U.S.A. thought that they were gaining possible tradable land, while Mexico thought that they were losing precious land and resources.
• Whenever Texas joined the states, their GDP skyrocketed. Then they went to war and spent money on supplies. When the war was resolving, Texas sold some of their land to New Mexico for $10 million. This allowed Texas to pay off their debt to the U.S., improving their relationship.
• A detail that converged into the Mexican-American War was that Mexico and the U.S. disagreed on the Texas border. With the resulting treaty, Texas ended up gaining more land and economic resources.
• Texas gained land from Mexico since both countries disagreed on borders. Texas sold land to New Mexico, which made Texas more economically structured and allowed them to pay off their debt.

This was the first time that students had ever used the occupations technique. Mrs. Dahl was astonished at how many times the kids used these critical skills in other areas moving forward.

Thanks to Dr. Auwal, Elena, Dr. Wilson, and Diane for their contributions!

Please feel free to leave a comment with your reactions to the topic or directly to anything that has been said in this post.

Consider contributing a question to be answered in a future post. You can send one to me at [email protected] . When you send it in, let me know if I can use your real name if it’s selected or if you’d prefer remaining anonymous and have a pseudonym in mind.

You can also contact me on Twitter at @Larryferlazzo .

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10 Critical Thinking Skills for Elementary Learners

As students dive into the complexities of the world, it’s crucial to equip elementary learners with strong critical thinking skills. One study shows that developing these skills can really boost students’ academic performance and problem-solving abilities. 

When we foster these skills early, we’re setting up our young learners to analyze information, make smart decisions, and adapt to new situations with confidence and creativity. So, let’s jump in and check out some critical thinking skills activities that can help spark curiosity and strengthen these essential skills in elementary students! 

Fostering Adaptability in Elementary School

Adaptability is the ability to embrace new ideas and adjust perspectives based on fresh evidence or insights.

Imagine being a superhero, using your powers to tackle various challenges—that’s the essence of adaptability! For young learners, developing this crucial skill helps them navigate new situations, embrace change, and recover from setbacks. As they learn to adjust their approaches, they build confidence and resilience that will benefit them throughout their lives. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster adaptability skills in elementary students.

Adaptability Activities for Elementary School

Flexible Schedule Allow students to create their own schedule for a day or a week, but introduce changes along the way (e.g., shifting activities around). This helps them practice adjusting their plans and managing time effectively, giving them a realistic glimpse into daily life!

Team Building Games : Engage students in activities like or “ Tower Building ” with limited materials. As they work together, introduce new rules or challenges to see how they adapt their strategies.

Mystery Object Present an object and ask students to come up with multiple uses for it. This fosters flexibility in thinking and encourages them to view challenges from different angles. You might be surprised by the imaginative solutions they come up with.

Bonus: Solo-Cup Engineering Challenge

Enhancing Analysis Skills in Elementary Students

Analysis is the ability to break down complex information into smaller parts, identifying patterns and relationships.

Imagine taking a complex puzzle and breaking it into manageable pieces—now that’s a skill to cherish! It’s all about spotting patterns and relationships that help clarify the big picture. For elementary learners, developing analysis and critical thinking skills is crucial; it empowers them to ask questions, solve problems, and think independently. Here are some fun activities designed to help young students build this essential, future-ready skill. Let’s jump in!

Analysis Activities for Elementary School

Story Mapping Have students create a visual map of a story, identifying characters, setting, problem, and resolution. This helps them break down and analyze the narrative structure. Plus, it’s a creative way for them to visualize the story elements and see how they connect!

Compare and Contrast Provide two similar books or stories and ask students to identify differences and similarities in themes, characters, and settings. They can use a Venn diagram to organize their thoughts. This activity not only sharpens their analytical skills but also encourages lively discussions about what makes each story unique. You can find tools to create your own Venn diagrams here .

Data Sorting Use a simple dataset (like class survey results) and have students categorize the data, creating graphs or charts to represent their findings. This hands-on activity allows them to engage with real information, making analysis feel relevant and exciting!

Bonus: Make”Choose Your Own Adventure” Stories with Google Forms and AI

Collaborative Learning for Elementary Students

Collaboration is working effectively with others, sharing ideas, and integrating different perspectives to reach a common goal. Imagine a group of young explorers navigating a treasure map together—that’s the essence of collaboration for elementary students! For young learners, developing collaboration skills is essential as it empowers them to communicate, share ideas, and build strong relationships. By fostering collaboration early on, students lay the groundwork for teamwork in future endeavors. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate collaboration skills in elementary learners.

Collaboration Activities for Elementary School

Group Story Creation Have students sit in a circle and collaboratively create a story, with each student contributing a sentence. This encourages them to listen to each other and build on ideas, fostering communication and teamwork. Try using Story Dice to engage your students.

Team Building Games Organize simple team-building games, “Pass the Hula Hoop,” that require students to work together to achieve a goal. These activities promote trust and cooperation among classmates. A favorite activity from young learners to adults is Save Fred . Give it a go!

Collaborative Art Project Provide a large piece of paper or canvas for a group art project where each student adds their own element. This encourages creativity and collaboration as they negotiate how to combine their ideas into a cohesive piece.

Bonus: Friendship Quilts Bring History, Math, and SEL Together

Building Communication Skills Early

Communication is the ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. 

Imagine a group of young friends excitedly sharing their favorite stories—that’s the essence of communication for elementary students! For young learners, developing strong communication skills is essential as it empowers them to express their thoughts, collaborate with peers, and build relationships. By fostering communication skills early on, students lay a solid foundation for future academic and social success. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate communication skills in elementary learners.

Communication Activities for Elementary School

Show and Tell Organize regular “Show and Tell” sessions where students bring in an item of personal significance and explain its importance to the class. This encourages them to practice speaking in front of others and articulating their thoughts clearly. Explore six communication games and activities for elementary students here . 

Story Circle Create a story circle where students take turns adding a sentence to a group story. This activity promotes listening skills and encourages them to build on each other’s ideas, enhancing their verbal communication.

Role-Playing Have students engage in role-playing scenarios that mimic real-life situations, such as ordering food at a restaurant or interviewing for a job. This helps them practice conversational skills and learn how to communicate effectively in different contexts.

Bonus: 14 Editable SEL Check-In Templates

Nurturing Creativity in Young Minds

Creativity is the ability to generate original ideas and think outside the box, an essential skill for students as they navigate a rapidly changing world. 

Imagine cultivating a garden of ideas where each student can plant their own unique vision—that’s the power of creativity! For elementary learners, fostering creativity means encouraging imaginative play and exploration. It empowers them to express their thoughts freely and develop problem-solving skills through innovative projects. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to help elementary school students nurture this vital, future-ready skill. Let’s jump in!

Creativity Activities for Elementary School

Creative Storytelling Provide students with a set of random images or objects and ask them to create a unique story connecting them. This activity enhances imagination and narrative skills, making it a fun way to develop storytelling abilities. Try the Emoji Writing Prompt generator for some added fun.

Invent a New Game Challenge students to design a new game with specific rules and objectives. This encourages teamwork and creative thinking, allowing students to express their ideas in a playful context.

STEAM Projects Integrate STEAM concepts into art by having students create projects that blend creativity with science and technology. For example, they can design a simple machine that performs a specific task using everyday materials or create art using coding platforms. For more inspiring ideas, check out this resource STEM-Tastic Activities .

Empowering Decision-Making in Students

Decision-making is weighing options and outcomes to make choices that align with goals and values. Imagine being a captain, steering your ship through uncharted waters—that’s what decision-making is all about! For elementary learners, developing this skill is crucial as they begin to understand how to evaluate options and make thoughtful choices. As they practice decision-making, they learn to think critically, consider consequences, and build confidence in their decisions. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster decision-making skills in elementary students, helping them become empowered, thoughtful individuals ready for future challenges.

Decision-Making Activities for Elementary School

Classroom Discussions Initiate discussions about a story or topic where students must share their opinions and justify them. This encourages them to think critically about their perspectives. Worried about the quieter students? You can find tips here to help everyone participate!

Mystery Box Place several items in a box and have students guess their purpose. They must explain their reasoning, which promotes observation and analytical skills. This hands-on activity makes decision-making fun and interactive.

What If Scenarios Present hypothetical scenarios (e.g., “What if animals could talk?”) and have students discuss the implications. This activity fosters imaginative and critical thinking, allowing them to explore different outcomes and their effects. You can find 320 creative questions from Making English Fun to get started. 

Evaluation Skills for Elementary Students

Evaluation is assessing the credibility of sources, arguments, and evidence to make informed judgments.

Imagine being a judge, carefully assessing options and making informed decisions—that’s the essence of evaluation! For elementary learners, developing this skill is key to understanding how to analyze information, weigh pros and cons, and make thoughtful choices. As they practice evaluating different scenarios, they boost their confidence and enhance their critical thinking abilities. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster evaluation skills in elementary students, helping them become discerning thinkers ready for future challenges.

Evaluation Activities for Elementary School

Picture Books Comparison Have students read two different picture books and evaluate the illustrations, themes, and messages. They can create a chart to compare their findings and share them with the class. This not only hones their evaluation skills but also promotes a love for reading!

Classroom Voting Present a few ideas for a class project or theme and have students discuss the pros and cons of each. They can then vote, explaining their reasoning for their choice. This activity encourages critical thinking and helps them understand the decision-making process. Need a tool to help with your polling? Try one of these resources .

Product Reviews Provide students with a simple product (like a toy or game) and have them evaluate its features, benefits, and drawbacks. They can create a poster or a short presentation to share their reviews. This fun activity allows them to practice articulating their evaluations in a creative way.

Inference Skills in Elementary Education

Inference is drawing logical conclusions based on available information and data, even when not all details are clear.

Imagine being a detective, piecing together clues to uncover hidden meanings—this is the essence of inference! It’s all about reading between the lines and drawing conclusions from evidence, which is crucial for navigating complex texts and situations. For young students, developing inference skills is essential; it boosts their confidence as readers and thinkers, helping them understand and engage with the world around them. Here are some engaging activities designed to spark their curiosity and strengthen this important skill.

Inference Activities for Elementary School

Picture Walk Before diving into a book, take a picture walk ! Have your students look at the illustrations and make predictions about the story based on visual clues. This engaging activity encourages them to discuss their inferences as they read, making the story come alive! Story Predictions Before finishing a story, ask students to predict the ending based on clues provided throughout the text. Encourage them to share their predictions and the evidence they used to support their inferences. This not only enhances their analytical skills but also fosters a deeper connection with the narrative.

Character Inference Read a story and pause at key moments to ask students to infer what a character might be thinking or feeling based on their actions and dialogue. This activity helps them develop empathy and critical thinking as they consider different perspectives.

Problem-Solving for Elementary Schoolers

Problem-solving is the ability to develop strategies to tackle challenges, including identifying root causes and generating creative solutions.

Imagine facing a fun challenge and figuring out how to overcome it—that’s the heart of problem-solving! For younger students, developing this skill is key to navigating obstacles, thinking creatively, and building resilience. As they tackle simple problems, they gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment that lays the groundwork for future challenges. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster problem-solving skills in elementary learners.

Problem-Solving Activities for Elementary School

Puzzle Challenges Provide students with a variety of puzzles (e.g., jigsaw, logic puzzles, digital breakouts or word searches) that require them to think critically to find solutions. This fun and interactive approach encourages them to collaborate and strategize. Check out these puzzle resources and digital breakouts for a quick start!

Math Word Problems Create real-life scenarios that require students to use math to solve problems, encouraging them to identify the necessary steps to find a solution. This practical application of math not only sharpens their problem-solving skills but also helps them see the relevance of math in everyday life. You can find several examples of real-world math problems here .

Building Structures Use materials like blocks or recycled items to challenge students to build a structure that meets specific criteria (e.g., height, stability). This hands-on activity fosters teamwork and creative problem-solving, allowing students to learn through trial and error as they bring their ideas to life.

Bonus: The Dump Truck-Incident: An Elementary Problem-Solving Challenge

Research Skills for Young Students

Research is the ability to gather information, analyze it critically, and draw informed conclusions. 

Imagine a group of curious young detectives exploring their world, seeking answers to intriguing questions—that’s the essence of research for elementary students! For young learners, developing research skills is essential as it empowers them to seek knowledge, ask questions, and develop a love for learning. By fostering research skills early on, students build a strong foundation for future academic success. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate research skills in elementary learners.

Research Activities for Elementary School

Question of the Week Present a new question each week related to a subject the class is studying. Have students research the answer using books, articles, and online resources, then present their findings to the class. This encourages curiosity and helps them practice gathering information.

Nature Journals Encourage students to keep nature journals where they document observations about plants, animals, and the environment. They can research facts about their observations and incorporate the concepts of Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) to structure their findings. This approach helps them analyze their observations and articulate their understanding more clearly. 

Classroom News Report Have students create a classroom news report about a recent event or topic they researched. They can include interviews, facts, and their opinions, helping them learn to synthesize information and present it in an engaging format.

Bonus: Resources to Teach Students about News Validity

Incorporating these critical thinking skills into elementary classrooms helps create a strong foundation for young learners. As they engage in activities that promote analysis and adaptability, students are better equipped to face future challenges with confidence. So, what types of activities are you using to foster critical thinking in your classroom? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Sara Qualls

Sara Qualls is the Digital Marketing Specialist at TCEA. She has been in the world of digital marketing since 2008. She is passionate about helping businesses communicate their ideas and stories through social media and all forms of digital marketing including SEO, email marketing, automation, content marketing, analytics, advertising, and more.

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Home » Blog » General » A Beginner’s Guide to Teaching Critical Thinking in Elementary School

A Beginner’s Guide to Teaching Critical Thinking in Elementary School

Welcome to my blog! In this post, we will explore the importance of teaching critical thinking skills in elementary school and discuss strategies to incorporate critical thinking into the curriculum. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or caregiver, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to help children develop their critical thinking abilities.

Understanding Critical Thinking

Before we dive into the strategies, let’s first understand what critical thinking is. Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information to make informed decisions and solve problems. It involves logical reasoning, creativity, and the ability to think independently.

Key components of critical thinking include:

• Questioning assumptions
• Examining evidence
• Considering different perspectives
• Identifying biases
• Problem-solving

Developing critical thinking skills at an early age has numerous benefits. It enhances academic performance, fosters creativity, improves decision-making abilities, and prepares children for future challenges.

Strategies for Teaching Critical Thinking in Elementary School

Now that we understand the importance of critical thinking, let’s explore some effective strategies to teach it in elementary school.

1. Encouraging open-ended questions

Open-ended questions promote critical thinking by encouraging students to think deeply and express their thoughts. These questions have multiple possible answers and require students to analyze, evaluate, and justify their responses.

For example, in a science class, you could ask, “Why do you think plants need sunlight to grow?” This question encourages students to think about the role of sunlight in photosynthesis and consider the scientific principles behind it.

2. Promoting problem-solving activities

Problem-solving activities provide opportunities for students to apply critical thinking skills in real-life scenarios. By presenting challenges or puzzles, students are encouraged to think independently, analyze information, and develop creative solutions.

For instance, you could give students a math problem that requires them to use different strategies to find the solution. This not only strengthens their math skills but also enhances their critical thinking abilities.

3. Engaging in collaborative learning

Collaborative learning fosters critical thinking by encouraging students to work together, share ideas, and consider different perspectives. Group activities promote active engagement, communication, and the ability to analyze and evaluate information collectively.

For example, you could assign a group project where students research a historical event and present different viewpoints. This activity not only develops critical thinking skills but also enhances social and communication skills.

4. Introducing decision-making exercises

Decision-making exercises provide students with opportunities to analyze options, consider consequences, and make informed choices. By teaching the decision-making process, students learn to evaluate information, weigh pros and cons, and think critically about the outcomes.

Role-playing activities can be an effective way to teach decision-making. For example, you could create a scenario where students have to make choices based on different perspectives and then discuss the consequences of their decisions.

5. Analyzing and evaluating information

Teaching students to question information and think critically about its validity is crucial in today’s information age. By engaging in activities that require analysis and evaluation, students develop the skills to distinguish between reliable and unreliable information.

For instance, you could provide students with an article or a news story and ask them to identify any biases, evaluate the credibility of the source, and analyze the evidence presented.

Integrating Critical Thinking into the Curriculum

Now that we have explored various strategies, let’s discuss how critical thinking can be integrated into different subjects in the curriculum.

1. Language Arts

In language arts, reading comprehension activities can be designed to promote critical thinking. Encourage students to analyze characters’ motivations, evaluate the author’s message, and make connections between the text and real-life situations. Writing prompts that require students to think critically and express their opinions also enhance their critical thinking skills.

In math, problem-solving tasks should be incorporated to develop critical thinking skills. Present students with real-life math problems that require them to analyze the situation, identify relevant information, and apply appropriate strategies to find the solution. Math games that involve logical reasoning and strategic thinking are also effective in promoting critical thinking.

Science provides ample opportunities for critical thinking. Encourage students to conduct experiments, make observations, and analyze scientific data. Ask questions that require students to think critically about cause and effect relationships, make predictions, and draw conclusions based on evidence.

4. Social Studies

Social studies offers a platform to explore different perspectives and develop critical thinking skills. Engage students in debates and discussions on historical events, current issues, and societal problems. Encourage them to analyze primary and secondary sources, consider multiple viewpoints, and form their own opinions based on evidence.

Assessing and Supporting Critical Thinking Skills

Assessing critical thinking skills can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help. Here are some approaches to assess and support critical thinking skills:

1. Strategies for assessing critical thinking skills

Observe students’ thinking processes during class discussions, group activities, and individual assignments. Document their ability to analyze information, ask thoughtful questions, and provide logical reasoning. Rubrics and checklists can also be used to assess critical thinking skills based on specific criteria.

2. Providing feedback and reinforcement

Recognize and praise students’ efforts in applying critical thinking skills. Provide specific feedback that highlights their strengths and areas for improvement. Offer constructive feedback that guides them in developing their critical thinking abilities further.

In conclusion, teaching critical thinking skills in elementary school is essential for children’s academic and personal development. By incorporating strategies such as encouraging open-ended questions, promoting problem-solving activities, engaging in collaborative learning, introducing decision-making exercises, and analyzing and evaluating information, we can help students become critical thinkers.

Integrating critical thinking into the curriculum across subjects like language arts, math, science, and social studies provides students with opportunities to apply critical thinking skills in various contexts.

Assessing and supporting critical thinking skills through observation, documentation, rubrics, and feedback ensures continuous growth and improvement.

So, let’s embrace the power of critical thinking and start nurturing this valuable skill in our elementary school students. Together, we can empower them to become independent thinkers and problem solvers.

Are you ready to start teaching critical thinking in your elementary school? Start your EverydaySpeech Free trial today and access a wide range of resources and activities to support critical thinking development in your students.

Related Blog Posts:

Implementing Effective SEL Programs for Schools: Best Practices and Strategies

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