Thinking Critically = Empowerment.
Everybody has heard the term 'Fake News'.
Being able to think critically is an essential skill in today's world. There is so much information available that being able to analyse it and evaluate it is incredibly important. Teaching children to be able to look past the words and consider the point of view, the biases and the word tricks to see the actual message needs to start early. It is a skill that has to be taught.
With that as a theme for the day, we looked at how we can do that - and have some fun - and make it interesting for the learners - and use every variety of text - at any level.
Using the Rules for Talk, providing a 'Provocation' rather than a question encourages discussion rather than an answer. It provides a chance for further reading as ideas need to be justified. It allows for many points of view. As there is no right/wrong answer, it lets everyone express their ideas.
Where to next? I will be modelling more of this to the reading groups, explaining what I am doing, why and why it is important.
Kia ora Wayne,
ReplyDeleteGreat to have you back for Day 7, and to read your reflection on critical thinking. I agree, it's so important that our learners are able to interrogate what they are reading rather than just believing it wholeheartedly without being critical. Modelling is a great way to start showing learners what it looks like to think critically, by thinking aloud as you read. I am sure your learners will benefit from the intentionality you're going to gift them with!
See you next time,
Georgie