Helping children develop critical thinking skills takes time, patience, and consistency. Critical thinking is not an ability that comes naturally — it needs to be nurtured from an early age so children can grow to be more independent, creative, and capable of solving problems on their own.

Research shows that critical thinking skills can start to develop as early as three years old. At this age, children begin to absorb knowledge through movement, play, and communication. That’s why it’s important not to miss this golden opportunity to shape their critical mindset early on.

Here are 8 practical ways to develop critical thinking skills in your child from an early age.

1. Encourage curiosity

Children naturally have a lot of questions. Instead of giving them the answer right away, encourage them to explore and think for themselves.

For example, when playing with building blocks, let your child stack them high and observe what happens when they fall. Guide them to discover why the blocks fell and how they can build a more stable structure next time.

2. Read books together

Reading books is an effective way to sharpen your child’s analytical thinking. After reading a story together, ask them about their favorite character, the part of the story they enjoyed the most, or what lessons they learned. This helps them reflect and think more deeply.

3. Play brain-boosting games

Engage your child in activities that stimulate their brain, such as board games, puzzles, or strategy-based games. Choose age-appropriate games that challenge them to think, plan, and make decisions.

4. Teach problem-solving skills

When your child faces a problem, resist the urge to solve it for them. Instead, guide them to think about the root cause of the problem and help them come up with possible solutions. Encourage them to consider the pros and cons of each solution before making a decision.

5. Encourage them to express their opinions

Give your child space to share their thoughts and feelings. You can start by sharing your own stories or experiences and then ask for their opinion. Make it a habit to ask how their day was after school or during dinner time. This practice helps children become more open and confident in expressing their ideas.

6. Teach active listening

Critical thinking is closely tied to good listening skills. Teach your child to pay attention and wait their turn before responding. Sit face-to-face with your child during conversations and encourage them to focus on what you’re saying. This not only teaches patience but also helps them respect other people’s perspectives.

7. Ask open-ended questions

Open-ended questions invite longer and more thoughtful responses. Instead of asking questions that only require a “yes” or “no” answer, try questions that encourage discussion. For example, instead of asking, “Do you want vegetable soup or chicken soup?” ask, “What do you think would be a good dinner menu for tonight?” This allows them to think creatively and express their preferences.

8. Help them see different perspectives

Teach your child to look at situations from multiple points of view. For example, if your child gets into an argument with a sibling, facilitate a calm discussion where both sides can share their version of the story. Validate both of their feelings, and help them understand each other’s perspectives. This encourages empathy and critical thinking in conflict resolution.

Support your child’s critical thinking development with Sampoerna Academy

Teaching critical thinking skills can be challenging to do alone. That’s why Sampoerna Academy is committed to nurturing these skills through its learning approach, which encourages students to ask questions, gather information, experiment, and draw their own conclusions through project-based learning.

Sampoerna Academy also applies the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education model, allowing students to apply their knowledge across disciplines and in real-life situations. This helps children develop not only critical thinking but also holistic problem-solving skills that will benefit them throughout life.