Developing strong problem-solving skills is a crucial part of a child’s lifelong development. It allows them to apply higher level thinking to analyze, understand, apply reasoning, and form conclusions.
When children have the ability to tap into existing knowledge and experience, they’re better able to make connections when they learn new things. They become independent thinkers who can form their own ideas and come to their own conclusions, as well as find or investigate potential answers and solutions.
At Kiddie Academy®, we turn everyday activities into opportunities for children to develop critical thinking skills. This might include reading a story or picture book aloud and asking open-ended questions such as “What is happening here? What emotions does the boy have in the story and why do you think he feels that way?” or “What do you see in this picture?”, encouraging them to make connections on their own. We also utilize our Blocks and Engineering center to experiment, explore, question, make predictions, and more. For example, children might use different materials to build bridges of varying widths or create various structures using cups.
A child’s ability to think critically early on has a profound impact on their ability to successfully navigate life in the future. Through our Life Essentials® curriculum, we’re able to set up a foundation that extends beyond the classroom.
