Critical Thinking
The Journey to Critical Thinking
Choosing a school for your child is an important decision that can set the stage for his or her school career. There are many options and differing educational approaches to choose from. One thing that most child development experts agree upon is the importance of helping children build critical thinking skills. A Montessori education, as offered at Endeavor Montessori, is designed to foster the critical thinking skills that are vital to success in school and in life.
What is Critical Thinking?
Critical thinking includes different skills that help us learn to make our own decisions. When you think critically about an issue or a problem, it means that you can evaluate, be open-minded, and consider different ways of looking at possible solutions. As children grow up, their critical thinking skills become essential to helping them make judgments independently of their parents.
Is Preschool Too Early to Build Critical Thinking?
The art of critical thinking begins to form in childhood! According to the Foundation for Critical Thinking, “A rich intellectual environment — alive with curious and determined students — is possible only with critical thinking at the foundation of the educational process.” This foundation can begin with even the youngest students. Quality educational programs, such as the modernized Montessori programs offered at Endeavor Montessori, seek to build a foundation of critical thinking skills right from the start of a child’s educational journey.
Building Critical Thinking Skills at Endeavor Montessori
Children are naturally curious. Curiosity is the desire to learn more, to look for evidence, to remain open to new ideas. Experts often say curiosity is the driving force of intellect. Helping preschoolers build critical thinking skills involves tapping into their natural curiosity. Montessori materials are specifically designed to tap into this natural curiosity and engage critical thinking skills. And just like any other skill, critical thinking takes practice.
Endeavor Montessori offers a unique approach to learning. Unlike many traditional preschools and elementary schools which focus on memorizing then moving on, we encourage children to soar beyond memorization to a higher goal of active critical thinking and creative problem solving. Our Montessori-trained teachers ask open-ended questions that require your child to think, such as “What would happen if…?” instead of asking them to simply repeat information they’ve memorized. Children are asked to predict an ending to a story, discuss other choices a storybook character could have made, and imagine how the characters feel. All of these approaches help to build critical thinking skills.
At Endeavor Montessori, we encourage the natural curiosity within each child to prepare students who will become the best critical thinkers of their generation.
To find out more about how we’re developing critical thinkers at Endeavor Montessori School, please call to schedule your private tour!