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What is Critical Thinking?<\/h2>\n
Critical thinking is a skill that every individual needs to master in order to succeed in their professional and personal lives. By being able to rely on data, analysis, evaluation, inference and reasoning, a person is able to make sound decisions as well as come up with innovative and creative solutions.<\/p>\n
The importance of critical thinking as a 21st century skill lies in the fact that it needs to be honed and developed over time \u2013 starting as early as during early childhood education.<\/p>\n
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Characteristics of a Critical Thinker<\/h3>\n
The main characteristics of a critical thinker include:<\/p>\n
\u25cf Having the ability to reflect on what was learned and think reasonably.<\/p>\n
\u25cf Being confident enough to make decisions and passionate enough to learn new concepts.<\/p>\n
\u25cf Having the ability to put things into context and the awareness to self-correct.<\/p>\n
\u25cf Being able to engage in purposeful judgement based on analysis and reasoning.<\/p>\n
\u25cf Being able to use their cognitive skills in a variety of settings.<\/p>\n
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Critical thinking skills during early childhood education<\/h3>\n
Recent educational research shows that even 3-year-olds can begin developing their critical thinking skills, largely because, at this age, they are already starting to attain knowledge through communication and gestures.<\/p>\n
In order to establish a foundation for critical thinking in the future, preschool students should be enrolled in a play-based educational facility with a focus on visual and auditory experiential learning.<\/p>\n
\u200d<\/p>\n \u200d<\/p>\n No one is born a critical thinker. In fact, critical thinking can be a difficult skill for adults to master, which is why it’s important that young children begin building the foundation for critical thinking during their early childhood education.<\/p>\n These are a few ways that educators and parents can help preschool students become critical thinkers:<\/p>\n \u25cf Encourage preschool children to ask questions. <\/strong>They are naturally curious at this age, and their curiosity should be nurtured. When they do ask a question, make sure they receive a respectful and age-appropriate response. The responses can also be questions directing them to finding the answers themselves.<\/p>\n \u25cf Become their playmate.<\/strong> Preschool children learn through play, and they often model the behaviour of those around them. By playing with them, you are doing more than forging a bond with them; you are teaching them the hard work of being creative and using their imagination.<\/p>\n \u25cf Ask them to consider an alternative solution. <\/strong>This will help them understand that not every question has one distinct answer and will give them the ability to consider other possibilities.<\/p>\n \u200d<\/p>\n \u200d<\/p>\n \u25cf Hear them out.<\/strong> Encourage them to use their own words to showcase their understanding of a topic. You may prompt them by asking thought-provoking questions but do allow them to speak their minds.<\/p>\n \u25cf Give them opportunities to be independent.<\/strong> It can be so easy to help children by taking care of a task because you can do it faster. However, when you give them opportunities to be independent, they will naturally become confident and self-assured.<\/p>\n \u25cf Read with them and encourage them to tell the story themselves.<\/strong> Three-year-olds are probably not going to be reading on their own, but you can ask them to share what they think the story is about based on the pictures.<\/p>\n \u25cf Provide them with interactive STEAM activities. <\/strong>This will guide them as they identify problems, come up with their own solutions and test their theory in order to see the results.<\/p>\n \u200d<\/p>\n At GIIS, we have created an early childhood programme that supports holistic development in a student-centred environment. Preschool students enjoy engaging in activities in an immersive classroom environment they can safely explore on their own terms. Our preschool is anchored by the award-winning Global Montessori Plus (GMP<\/a>) programme, which is supported by five pillars:<\/p>\n \u25cf <\/strong>Excelerate Programme: This pillar works to accelerate students’ speaking, reading, listening, writing and numeracy skills.<\/p>\n \u25cf <\/strong>Multiple Intelligences: This pillar allows for multifaceted learning, based on Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences through music, art, movement and more.<\/p>\n \u25cf <\/strong>iC<\/em>are: This pillar encourages students to become involved in their communities and the world around them.<\/p>\n \u25cf <\/strong>iPlay: This pillar provides extensive opportunities for play-based learning.<\/p>\n \u25cf <\/strong>Future Ready Learning: This pillar encourages the use of age-appropriate STEAM activities and introduces young learners to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.<\/p>\n By combining outdoor activities with a play-based curriculum, GIIS naturally develops critical thinking skills in preschool students.<\/p>\n \u200d<\/p>\n Also read: <\/strong>How an international preschool is beneficial for your child<\/a><\/p>\n \u200d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/uploads-ssl.webflow.com\/5dcd55e0046a8a43b6f6e2a1\/63898f2042ab4a541dbc8415_preschool%20pic%202.jpg\")
<\/div>Transforming preschool students into Critical Thinkers<\/h3>\n
![\"Campus](\"https:\/\/globalindianschool.org\/sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Campus-Tour-banner-min-jpg.webp\")
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GIIS\u2019 Preschool Extended programme:<\/h3>\n