At Minnesota Children’s Museum, we believe in the power of play. Play is how children explore the world around them, navigate relationships, nurture curiosity and find joy. This post is part of a series showcasing seven powers of play: confidence, creative thinking, critical thinking, self-control, collaboration, communication and coordination.
Power of Play:
Critical Thinking
What it is
Critical thinking is a child’s ability to be curious and analytical, to evaluate different options, to make plans and to reflect.
What it looks like in action
Kids who think critically ask questions related to their task and about what happens around them. They test ideas and think about potential outcomes, making positive adjustments when things go wrong and drawing conclusions. When faced with options, they evaluate pros and cons. And because critical thinking supports kids’ ability to prioritize, they often make plans to meet short-term and long-term goals.
“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning” -Diane Ackerman, Author
Why it matters
Critical thinking is the skill that turns dreams into plans. Kids who think critically make decisions that support their goals and interests. They’re able to evaluate input and ideas from peers and media to determine credibility, risk and possible outcomes. Critical thinking also feeds kids’ curiosity and powers of observation. When kids think critically, the world becomes a fascinating and complex place worthy of their focus and attention.
How play helps
Play offers kids opportunities to be challenged in enjoyable ways, and often in partnership with peers. Critical thinking is developed as kids figure out what their challenge is and different ways to solve it. They learn through working with peers how to recognize credible ideas and push back on questionable ideas. They’re given time and space to be curious about the world around them and identify their interests and goals.
At home or on the go, caregivers can enhance children’s critical thinking by:
- Thinking out loud about your own processes and goals.
- Asking open-ended questions that spur conversations, such as “Why do you think that happened?” and “What do you want try next?”
- Modeling curiosity and abandoning the idea that adults should know all the answers.
- Guiding without taking over or revealing answers. Be a supportive sidekick!
Play prompts & activities to support confidence:
- Primary colors experiment
- DIY marble run
- Ask questions that encourage critical thinking
Powers of Play
Coordination
Power of Play: Coordination is a child’s awareness and control of their body and their ability to display strength, balance, precision and endurance.
Creative Thinking
Power of Play: Creative thinking is a kid’s ability to imagine, improvise, reinvent, innovate, and approach challenges from fresh perspectives.
Communication
Power of Play: Communication is how a child expresses thoughts and ideas, listens and responds to others, and engages in discussion.
(Self) Control
Power of Play: Self-control is a child’s ability to control how they express their feelings, desires and actions in ways that are safe and productive, particularly when faced with a temptation or a challenge.
Collaboration
Power of Play: Collaboration is how kids connect with others, cooperate, empathize and engage in teamwork.
Confidence
Power of Play: Confidence is a kid’s belief that they can accomplish something, or attempt something, based on their own abilities and mindset.