Radio Commentary
Throughout
childhood and adolescence, children’s brains are developing in important ways.
One sign of this development is the ability to think
about abstract concepts, such as “truth” and “justice.”
During
middle school, children become better at abstract thinking, but they still need
guidance.
Parents can
initiate activities and conversations that involve these skills. Here are some
examples that have worked for others:
• Challenge accepted ideas. Ask, “Why
shouldn’t athletes cheat?” or “Why don’t children go to school on the
weekends?”
Making
young people support their accepted beliefs helps them understand the concept
behind them.
•
Talk with your child about imaginary situations. Ask: “What if you won the
lottery?” or “What if eating ice cream became illegal?”
•
Do science experiments. Have children guess what will happen. Ask: “If we shine
a lamp on this plant, will it grow faster or slower?”
•
Play games that require thinking ahead. “Battleship,” checkers, and chess are
good examples of games that require some strategy.
• Let your children
make choices. It’s OK if they make minor mistakes, such as spending allowance
too quickly. They’ll soon learn to plan differently.
• Play
“Twenty Questions.” Use categorical questions in general terms. Ask: “Is it a
city?” instead of “Is it Miami?”
All these
strategies help critical thinking skills.
