Active learning is learning that occurs through play or as part of everyday life. This type of learning makes information seem much more relevant and can help your child develop connections and think critically. A 2001 study published in "Nurse Educator," found a direct correlation between active learning and critical thinking skills. Rather than relying on workbooks or flashcards, you can help your child learn within her environment. For example, if she's playing a video game, you can show her how math can help her plan strategy. If she's an animal lover, you can use this to help her learn biology and physiology.
The textbook "Child Psychology" reports that authoritative parents, who set clear boundaries while encouraging children to ask questions and discuss disagreements, produce children with strong critical thinking skills. You can encourage your child to develop his own opinions, rather than expecting him to agree with you on everything. When there's a conflict in your home, you can ask your teen or preteen what he thinks, encouraging him to express his opinion respectfully. If your child can develop a good argument and an alternative solution, you may even consider changing your mind.
Students who build connections between multiple subjects tend to have stronger critical thinking skills, according to the Foundation for Critical Thinking. You can help your child see that math, science, reading and social studies are not discrete topics, pointing out the math in poetry and the science in history. If your child dislikes a particular subject, another approach may help her master it. For example, if she is struggling with social studies, but loves literature, she may read historical novels to learn about how history affects individual people.
Open-ended questions about daily interactions, schoolwork, opinions and family dynamics can play a key role in helping your child hone his critical thinking skills, according to "Child Psychology." These questions allow him to think more holistically and come up with novel solutions to problems. For example, rather than asking him how his day was, you can ask about the best and worst parts of his day. Parents who share their opinions and who use open-ended questions as an opportunity to catch up and build closeness can help their children build strong critical thinking skills.