Love and Logic Tips - Questions to Invoke Critical Thought

This year, in particular, I have heard about how important it is to build critical thinking and problem solving within our kids.  More and more, CEOs, bosses and administrators are looking less for someone who had a really high GPA, but more for candidates who have the ability to think on their feet, utilize multiple perspectives, and are able to find creative strategies for solving real life problems.  Our staff has been consistently discussing ways we can build critical thinking - strategic questioning, design challenges, and thinking about our thinking (metacognition).  I came across these tips from Love and Logic (http://www.loveandlogic.com/) and wanted to share.  I encourage everyone to subscribe to their weekly emails - full of helpful tips - and give yourself some time to check out the website.  See below for tips or check out this site:  http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/email/newsletter/1411144641.

The more questions we ask,

the better thinkers our kids will become.

 

People who understand Love and Logic also understand that the human brain seeks closure. When we use plenty of questions, children's brains are so busy searching for closure that they have less energy left over for power-struggles.

 

The more questions we ask,

the fewer power-struggles we will have.

 

Kids grow the healthiest and strongest brains when they're fortunate to spend time around adults who say things like:

• "I don't know. What do you think?"

• "Are you sure that's the best idea?"

• "How do you think that's going to work out for you?"

• "Would you like to hear what some other kids have tried?"

• "Do you think that's going to work out well or ________?"

• "What do you think you are going to do?"

• "Which one of these is the best solution to your problem?"

• "Do you have enough money to pay for any possible damage?"

• "Is that a wise decision?"

In our audio Raising the Odds for Responsible Behavior, we teach a variety of additional tools for giving children the gift of good thinking skills. Perhaps the quickest way to start giving this gift is to get into the habit of asking instead of telling.

 

Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.

 

Dr. Charles Fay

 

 

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