When elementary children learn about a new topic or read a new book, teachers and parents can encourage critical thinking by asking the right questions. Instead of simply asking students to retell events or complete a math procedure, teachers and parents should ask students why events happened the way they did or why a math procedure works. They should encourage students to consider different opinions and defend their beliefs. Elementary children can also benefit from discussing their own thinking processes and analyzing their own work.
There are games that elementary children can play to improve their critical thinking skills. Online games (see resources) like Pipe Mania and the 3D Thinking game encourage students to solve logic problems in the context of a game. PBS Kids Go (see resources) also has games that improve critical thinking skills, such as Comic Creator and Fidgit. Board games like chess, Ticket to Ride, The Settlers of Catan and Qwirkle also encourage students to think and analyze and synthesize information.
The elementary child can also develop critical thinking skills through the appropriate projects. Designing and building a model (from Legos, craft sticks or whatever objects the child chooses) or invention helps children analyze and evaluate. Starting and maintaining a business like a lemonade stand or a used toy exchange is another critical thinking project. Children can also develop their own board games based around a particular topic (such as dinosaurs) or subject (such as math).
Elementary children can analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge by solving real world problems in math. Have them measure the space and furniture for a room, then evaluate the best way to arrange the furniture in it. Allow them to survey their fellow students to discover the most popular cafeteria offerings or after-school classes, then analyze the data to help reform the school menu or after-school programs. Give them the chance to raise money for a school field trip or popular purchase by evaluating all the fund-raising options available.