Critical Thinking – A Must-Have Skill for Children in the 21st Century
- steamologyhcmc
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
In the 21st century – an era of rapid information technology development – critical thinking is one of the most essential mindsets children need to equip themselves with. It is not a standalone skill, but a foundational way of thinking that helps children analyze, evaluate, and respond flexibly to all situations in life.
What is critical thinking?
Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly, logically, and systematically in order to evaluate information, arguments, or ideas before making a decision or judgment. In other words, a critical thinker does not blindly believe information without first checking and assessing the reliability of its source.
In today’s fast-paced digital age, where social media dominates, both children and adults are exposed to vast amounts of information daily—some true, some false. Without the ability to analyze and filter this information, it's easy to be misled or make poor decisions.
Critical thinking also enhances problem-solving, creativity, and effective communication, making it a valuable skill not only for learning and working but also for building healthy relationships in everyday life.
What are the benefits of developing critical thinking skills in children?
Critical thinking is not just a skill but a mindset that helps children navigate everyday situations. Therefore, this way of thinking brings valuable benefits to children in almost every aspect of life.
Develop the ability to make thoughtful and well-considered decisions
When facing with choices, children with critical thinking skills won’t act on impulse — they will analyze the pros and cons and make careful decisions. For example, your child might come across a popular YouTuber claiming that “dropping out of school still made me a billionaire,” promoting a lifestyle where success comes just from making videos. Without critical thinking, a child could easily be influenced and lose motivation to study. But if trained in critical thinking, the child will ask questions like: “Is their success sustainable?”, “What did they go through to get there?” This kind of rational decision-making empowers children to take responsibility and be more proactive in navigating life’s challenges.
Develop independent thinking and the confidence to express personal opinions
One key benefit of critical thinking is that it encourages children to think independently and confidently express their own opinions — even when those opinions differ from the majority. For example, in class, if the teacher moves too quickly or says something unclear, a child with critical thinking skills won’t hesitate to raise their hand and ask, “Why is that so?” instead of staying quiet out of fear of embarrassment. Being able to calmly analyze right and wrong, express a clear point of view with respect and solid reasoning helps children avoid being overly influenced by others. Over time, this builds strong personal confidence in learning, relationships, and even their future careers.
Support more effective and deeper learning
Children with critical thinking skills don’t just memorize facts — they seek to understand the reasoning behind what they learn. For instance, when studying a math formula, instead of simply memorizing it, they might ask, “Why does this work?” or “Is there a faster way to solve this?” As a result, they gain a deeper understanding, retain knowledge longer, and can apply it flexibly to different types of problems. This makes learning more engaging and proactive. Moreover, they can easily connect knowledge across subjects and handle open-ended questions or real-life situations with greater confidence, rather than relying solely on step-by-step instructions.
Enhance problem-solving skills and adaptability in everyday life.
Life is full of unexpected situations, and critical thinking helps children analyze problems, and find reasonable solutions. For example, when conflicts arise during group work, instead of getting upset or placing blame, a child with critical thinking skills will ask, “Where did the issue start?” or “How can we help everyone understand and work better together?” With the ability to view problems from multiple perspectives and seek solutions proactively, children become more adaptable to new environments, respond more flexibly to challenges, and build stronger resilience in both learning and everyday life.
How to Develop Critical Thinking Skills in Children
Encourage children to ask “Why” in every situation.
Instead of immediately answering children's questions, guide them to think for themselves by asking back: “What do you think?”, “Why do you think that is?” Asking questions helps children develop the habit of analyzing and continuously exploring the root of a problem, rather than simply memorizing or following others.
Create opportunities for children to join classes or summer camps that focus on developing thinking skills.
Programs such as debate, STEAM, creative design, and problem-solving provide ideal environments for children to learn how to analyze, think critically, collaborate, and confidently express their opinions. In Ho Chi Minh City, parents can enroll their children in extracurricular skill-building classes or STEAM summer camps offered by organizations like STEAMology and Snapology. These programs give children structured, hands-on opportunities to develop essential skills beyond the limits of textbooks.
"Snapology and STEAMology encourage students to foster critical thinking by engaging them in a variety of STEAM-based activities, including Robotics, Engineering, and themed LEGO building. Through these hands-on experiences, students are encouraged to identify problems, analyze possible solutions, and continuously improve their designs to make them more effective and efficient. This process helps sharpen their problem-solving abilities and nurtures a mindset of innovation and resilience." - Ms. Kelly - Snapology lead instructor. |
Give children more real-life experiences.
Going on field trips, visiting museums, going to the supermarket with parents, cooking together, or even watching the news as a family — each of these experiences is an opportunity for children to observe, compare, ask questions, and connect knowledge to real life. Everyday life is the best “laboratory” for children to develop critical thinking skills.
Build a culture of healthy debate within the family
Encourage children to express their thoughts and discuss everyday topics with their parents, such as: “Should we have breakfast at home or at school?” or “What do you find challenging about working in a group?” Through these discussions, children learn how to present arguments in a respectful way, listen to others, and appreciate different perspectives without feeling judged or forced to agree.
Leverage technology to support critical thinking
Apps like Kahoot, Osmo, BrainPOP, or games like Thinkrolls and Minecraft Education help children develop thinking skills through puzzles, scenario analysis, or virtual projects. When used properly, technology can be more than just entertainment—it becomes a powerful tool for training the brain.
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