critical thinking 5th grade

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6 Ways to Teach Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is an essential cognitive process that involves actively analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to form reasoned judgments and solve problems. John Dewey defined reflective thinking as the careful and deliberate determination of whether to accept, reject, or suspend judgment about a claim.

Critical thinking skills include conceptualization, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, synthesis, problem-solving, and openness to new ideas, fostering the ability to discern misinformation, eliminate bias, think independently, and make informed decisions. Thinking critically is vital for personal growth and career advancement. Find out how to develop and teach critical thinking to both adults and children.

Table of Contents

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is a set of skills and habits of mind to go beyond simply accepting information or ideas, but instead analyze the issue, evaluate information, and reason critically to make a conclusion or solve a problem. Thinking critically includes making creative connections between ideas from different disciplines.

American philosopher, psychologist, and educator John Dewey (1859–1952) called this “reflective thinking”. Dewey defined critical thinking as active, persistent, and careful consideration of a belief or supposed form of knowledge. It involves actively subjecting ideas to critical scrutiny rather than passively accepting their face value.

What are critical thinking skills?

Here are 7 core critical thinking skills.

• Conceptualize : Form abstract ideas and mental models that accurately represent complex concepts.
• Analyze : Break down information into components and relationships to uncover patterns, principles, and deeper meanings.
• Evaluate : Assess the credibility, accuracy, quality, strength, methodologies, and relevance of claims or evidence using logical standards to judge the validity or significance of the information.
• Reason : Applying logical thinking to conclude from facts or evidence.
• Synthesize : Combining different ideas, findings, or information to form a coherent whole or a new perspective.
• Solve problems : Identifying solutions to issues through logical analysis and creative thinking.
• Open to other possibilities : Being willing to consider alternative solutions, ideas, or viewpoints beyond the initial scope.

Why is critical thinking important?

Critical thinking is an important part of cognitive development for the following 8 reasons.

• Discern misinformation : Critical thinking helps us separate facts from opinions, spot flawed arguments, and avoid falling for inaccurate information.
• Identify and eliminate prejudice : It allows us to recognize societal biases and close-mindedness.
• Think independently : It enables us to develop rational viewpoints rather than blindly accepting claims, mainstream narratives, or fads. It also helps children form their own opinions, make wise decisions, and resist peer pressure.
• Make good decisions : It enables logical thinking for better judgment and making rational decisions, not influenced by emotions.
• Communicate clearly : It lets us understand others’ perspectives and improve communication.
• Get better solutions : It broadens our thought process and enables good problem-solving to achieve the best solutions to challenges.
• Cultivate open-mindedness and creativity : It spurs intellectual curiosity to explore new paradigms.
• Grow skills set : It facilitates wiser, more informed choices that affect personal growth, career advancement, and positive relationships.

Why is critical thinking hard to teach?

Critical thinking is hard to teach because to think critically on a topic, deep knowledge about a subject is required to apply logic. Therefore, critical thinking skills are hard to teach by itself. The analytical reasoning skills learned on one topic don’t transfer quickly to another domain.

What are examples of critical thinking?

Here are examples of critical thinking in real life.

• Solving a math problem : Breaking down complex math problems into smaller parts to understand and solve them step by step.
• Deciding on a book for a report : Reading summaries and reviews to select a book that fits the assignment criteria and personal interest.
• Resolving a dispute with a friend : Listening to each other’s perspectives, identifying the problem, and coming up with a fair solution together.
• Navigating social media safely : Assessing the credibility of online information and the safety of sharing personal data.
• Saving up for a toy : Comparing prices, setting a realistic goal, budgeting allowance money, and resisting impulse buys that derail the plan.
• Figuring out a new bike route : Studying maps for safe streets, estimating distances, choosing the most efficient way, and accounting for hills and traffic.
• Analyzing the motive of a storybook villain : Looking at their actions closely to infer their motivations and thinking through alternative perspectives.

How to develop critical thinking

To develop critical thinking, here are 10 ways to practice.

• Ask probing questions : Ask “why”, “how”, “what if” to deeply understand issues and reveal assumptions.
• Examine evidence objectively : Analyze information’s relevance, credibility, and adequacy.
• Consider different viewpoints : Think through other valid viewpoints that may differ from your own.
• Identify and challenge assumptions : Don’t just accept claims at face value.
• Analyze arguments : Break down arguments and claims into premises and conclusions, and look for logical fallacies.
• Apply reasoned analysis : Base conclusions on logical reasoning and evidence rather than emotion or anecdotes.
• Seek clarity : Ask for explanations of unfamiliar terms and avoid ambiguous claims.
• Discuss ideas : Share your ideas with others to gain insights and refine your thought processes.
• Debate respectfully : Engage in discussions with those who disagree thoughtfully and respectfully.
• Reflect on your thoughts and decisions : Question your thoughts and conclusions to avoid jumping to conclusions.

How to teach critical thinking to a child

To teach critical thinking to a child, encourage them to apply deeper thinking in any situation that requires decision-making in daily life. Here are 6 tips on teaching critical thinking.

• Start early and explain everything : Young children often ask lots of questions. Instead of saying, “That’s how it’s supposed to be,” explain things to them as much as possible from an early age. When children are taught from a young age how to ask different types of questions and formulate judgments using objective evidence and logical analysis, they grow up confident in their ability to question assumptions and reason with logic rather than emotions. When you can’t answer specific questions, you can say, “That’s a good question, and I want to know the answer, too!”
• Prioritize reasoned rules over blind obedience : Authoritarian discipline stifles critical thinking, as demonstrated by psychologist Stanley Milgram’s 1963 study titled “Behavioral Study of Obedience.” In the study, most subjects, under authoritative orders, would administer electric shocks to a stranger and escalate to potentially lethal levels without questioning the authority. Avoid using “because I said so.” Encourage children to inquire, discuss, and participate in rule-making. Help them understand the reasons behind rules to foster critical thinking. Allow children to question and discuss the legitimacy of what we say.
• Encourage problem-solving activities : Encourage your child to solve puzzles, play strategy games, or take on complex problems to strengthen their analytical skills.
• Foster curiosity : Thinking critically means being willing to have your views challenged by new information and different perspectives. Curiosity drives children to explore and question the world around them, challenging assumptions and leading to a deeper understanding of complex concepts.
• Teach open-mindedness : Keeping an open mind and flexible thinking when approaching a new problem is essential in critical thinking. Suggest different points of view, alternative explanations, or solutions to problems. Encourage children to solve problems in new ways and connect different ideas from other domains to strengthen their analytical thinking skills.
• Explain the difference between correlation and causation : One of the biggest impediments to logical reasoning is the confusion between correlation and causation. When two things happen together, they are correlated, but it doesn’t necessarily mean one causes the other. We don’t know whether it’s causation or correlation unless we have more information to prove that.

References For Critical Thinking

• 1. Willingham DT. Critical Thinking: Why Is It So Hard to Teach? Arts Education Policy Review . Published online March 2008:21-32. doi:https://doi.org/10.3200/aepr.109.4.21-32
• 2. Quinn V. Critical Thinking in Young Minds . Routledge; 2018. doi:https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429445323
• 3. Hess RD, McDevitt TM. Some Cognitive Consequences of Maternal Intervention Techniques: A Longitudinal Study. Child Development . Published online December 1984:2017. doi:https://doi.org/10.2307/1129776
• 4. Slater M, Antley A, Davison A, et al. A Virtual Reprise of the Stanley Milgram Obedience Experiments. Rustichini A, ed. PLoS ONE . Published online December 20, 2006:e39. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0000039
• 5. Rimiene V. Assessing and Developing Students’ Critical Thinking. Psychology Learning & Teaching . Published online March 2002:17-22. doi:https://doi.org/10.2304/plat.2002.2.1.17
• 6. Dyche L, Epstein RM. Curiosity and medical education. Medical Education . Published online June 7, 2011:663-668. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.2011.03944.x
• 7. Schwartz S. The fallacy of the ecological fallacy: the potential misuse of a concept and the consequences. Am J Public Health . Published online May 1994:819-824. doi:https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.84.5.819

Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical concerns.

85 Fun Critical Thinking Questions for Kids & Teens

Have you ever thought about using fun questions to practice critical thinking?

Students may need a little guidance to think their way through questions that lack straightforward answers.

But it is that process that is important!

How the Right Questions Encourage Critical Thinking

Every parent knows how natural it is for children to ask questions. 

It should be encouraged. After all, asking questions helps with critical thinking.

As they grow older, however, training them to answer questions can be equally beneficial.

Posing questions that encourage kids to analyze, compare, and evaluate information can help them develop their ability to think critically about tough topics in the future. 

Of course, critical thinking questions for kids need to be age-appropriate—even better if you can mix a little fun into it!

That’s what I hope to help you with today. I’ve organized the questions below into three different ages groups:

• Upper elementary
• Middle school
• High school 

Get a Question-Based Critical Thinking Exercise—Free!

Introduce critical thinking gently & easily with thought-provoking exercises.

Upper Elementary

Students in upper elementary grades can be reluctant to put themselves out there, especially with answers that seem weird. 

In some cases, such hesitancy is actually fear of differing from their peers (and a barrier to critical thinking ). 

But that’s exactly why it’s important to practice answering ambiguous questions. 

We want our children to stand firm for their beliefs—not cave to peer pressure. 

Additionally, students may feel uneasy about answering serious questions, uncertain of tackling “big” problems. 

However, with careful use of creative questions for kids, it’s possible to engage even the most reluctant children in this age group. 

The idea is to simply get them interested in the conversation and questions asked.

If you have an especially reserved student, try starting with the funny critical thinking questions. 

Humor is a natural icebreaker that can make critical thinking questions more lighthearted and enjoyable. 

Of course, most younger kids just like to be silly, so playing upon that can keep them active and engaged.

With that said, here are some great questions to get you started:

1. Someone gives you a penguin. You can’t sell it or give it away. What do you do with it?

2. What would it be like if people could fly?

3. If animals could talk, what question would you ask? 

4. If you were ice cream, what kind would you be and why?

5. Do you want to travel back in time? If yes, how far back would you go? If no, why not?

6. What could you invent that would help your family? 

7. If you could stay up all night, what would you do?

8. What does the man on the moon do during the day?

9. What makes something weird or normal? 

10. Can you describe the tastes “salty” and “sweet” without using those words?

11. What does it feel like to ride a rollercoaster?

12. What makes a joke funny?

13. What two items would you take if you knew you would be stranded on an island and why?

14. Do you have a favorite way of laughing?

15. What noise makes you cringe and cover your ears? Why?

16. If you could be the parent for the day, what would you do?

17. If you could jump into your favorite movie and change the outcome, which one would you pick and why?

18. If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

19. What makes a day “perfect”?

20. If you owned a store, what kind of products would you sell?

21. If your parents were your age, would you be friends with them?

22. Would you still like your favorite food if it tasted the same as always, but now had an awful smell?

23. What would you do if you forgot to put your shoes on before leaving home?

24. Who would you be if you were a cartoon character?

25. How many hot dogs do you think you could eat in one sitting?

26. If you could breathe under water, what would you explore?

27. At what age do you think you stop being a kid?

28. If you had springs in your legs, what would you be able to do?

29. Can you describe the color blue to someone if they’re blind?

Middle School

At this point, students start to acquire more complex skills and are able to form their own conclusions based on the information they’re given. 

However, we can’t expect deep philosophical debates with 12 and 13 year olds. 

That said, as parent-teachers, we can certainly begin using more challenging questions to help them examine and rationalize their thought processes. 

Browse the fun critical thinking questions below for students in this age range. 

You might be surprised to see how receptive middle school kids can be to such thought-provoking (yet still fun) questions .

30. What would happen if it really did rain cats and dogs?

31. What does it mean to be lucky?

32. If you woke up in the middle of a dream, where would you be?

33. Is it ever okay to lie? Why or why not?

34. If you were solely responsible for creating laws, what one law would you make?

35. What makes a person a good friend?

36. What do you think is the most important skill you can take into adulthood?

37. If you had to give up lunch or dinner, which would you choose? Why?

38. How much money would you need to be considered rich?

39. If you knew you wouldn’t get caught, would you cheat on a test?

40. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?

41. What is your greatest strength? How is that an asset?

42. If you had an opportunity to visit the International Space Station, would you do it?

43. Is it better to keep the peace or speak your mind?

44. Imagine yourself as your favorite animal. How would you spend your day?

45. Would you be friends with someone who didn’t have the same values as you?

46. How much screen time do you think is too much?

47. Can you describe your favorite color without naming it?

48. If you suddenly became blind, would you see things differently?

49. Would you ever go skydiving?

50. Describe the time you were the happiest in your life. Why did this make you happy?

51. If you had a million dollars, what would you do?

52. If you had to move to a new city, would you change how you present yourself to others?

53. What do you need to do in order to be famous?

54. If you could rewrite the ending of your favorite book or movie, what changes would you make?

55. How would you tackle a huge goal?

56. How would you sell ice to an eskimo in Alaska successfully?

57. What makes you unique?

High School

Critical thinking takes on an entirely different role once students reach high school. 

At this age, they have a greater sense of right and wrong (and what makes things so) as well as a better understanding of the world’s challenges.

Guiding teens to delve deeper and contemplate such things is an important part of developing their reasoning and critical thinking skills. 

Whether it’s fun questions about hypothetical superpowers or tough critical thinking questions about life, older teens typically have what it takes to think their way to a logical conclusion . 

Of course, use your discernment as you choose discussion topics, but here are some questions to help get you started:

58. How can you avoid [common problem] in the future?

59. Do you think it’s okay to take a life in order to save 5, 10, 20 or more people?

60. If you could go back and give your younger self advice, what would it be?

61. Is it better to give or receive a gift?

62. How important is it to be financially secure? Why?

63. If it was up to you, what one rule would you change in your family?

64. What would you do if a group of friends wanted to do something that you thought was a bad idea?

65. How do you know that something is a fact rather than an opinion?

66. What would it take to get you to change your mind?

67. What’s the most important thing in your life?

68. If money were of no concern, what job would you choose and why?

69. How do you know if you’re happy?

70. Do you think euthanasia is moral?

71. What is something you can do today that you weren’t able to do a year ago?

72. Is social media a good thing or not?

73. Is it right to keep animals in a zoo?

74. How does your attitude affect your abilities?

75. What would you do if you found out a friend was doing something dangerous?

76. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?

77. What will life on Earth look like in 50 years?

78. Which is more important, ending world hunger or global warming?

79. Is it a good idea to lower the voting age to 16? Why or why not?

80. If the electrical power went out today, how would you cook if using wood wasn’t an option?

81. If you could magically transport yourself to any other place, where would that be and why?

82. When should teenagers be able to stay out all night?

83. Does the number zero actually exist?

84. What defines a generous person?

85. Does an influential person influence everyone?

Feel free to print out these fun critical thinking questions and incorporate them into your homeschool week!

will your children recognize truth?

About the author.

Jordan Mitchell

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20 Critical Thinking Activities For Elementary Classrooms: Navigating Fact And Fiction (+Resources)

December 1, 2023 //  by  Seda Unlucay

With the barrage of mainstream news, advertising, and social media content out there, it’s vital for students to think independently and learn to differentiate between fact and fiction.

This series of critical thinking activities, STEM-based design challenges, engaging Math puzzles, and problem-solving tasks will support students in thinking rationally and understanding the logical connection between concepts.

1. Teach Students How to Obtain Verifiable News 

There’s probably no 21st-century skill more important than differentiating between real and fake sources of news. This editable PowerPoint bundle covers traditional media, social networks, and various target audiences and teaches students how to find verifiable facts.

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

2. Watch and Discuss a Critical Reasoning Video

This kid-friendly video teaches students to break arguments down into claims, evidence, and reasoning. Armed with this lifelong learning tool, they will be able to make more informed decisions when consuming all types of information.

Learn More: Brain Pop

3. Complete a Critical Design Challenge

This science and designed-based classroom activity challenges students to find ways to prevent a falling egg from breaking. Pairing it with the classic Humpty Dumpty nursery rhyme is sure to inspire many creative ideas.

Learn More:  Education

4. Critical Community Engagement Activity 

This community engagement activity requires analytical skills to determine what items can be recycled in the classroom and in their neighborhood. By creating recycling bins from reusable cardboard boxes, students have an opportunity to contribute to the environmental well-being of their community while practicing social responsibility.

Learn More: Kaboom

5. Develop Logical Skills with a Then and Now Activity

We may no longer use candles for reading or quill pens for writing, but can your students identify the objects that have replaced them? This activity engages their writing, drawing, and logical skills while giving them a chance to reflect on all the changes in our modern world.

Learn More: Education

6. Play a Critical Thinking Game

This active learning activity requires students to use their critical thinking skills to make comparisons and create meaningful analogies. The fun animal safari theme is sure to inspire many funny and creative ideas!

7. Develop Social-Emotional Problem-Solving Skills 

Through this lesson, students will understand that while conflicts are a normal part of life, it’s vital to have problem-solving skills to resolve them. This is also an excellent opportunity for developing their social awareness and relationship skills.

Learn More: ED Foundations

8. Desert Island Survival Game 

This classic game is sure to inspire student engagement, as they use their critical thinking skills to survive being stranded on a desert island. Students have to watch out for ideological assumptions and question ideas in order to determine the appropriate items to bring.

9. Play a Problem-Solving Treasure Hunt Game 

This exciting game for kids requires them to use key math skills to break a series of codes. With ample time, designated progress monitors, and sharp critical thinking skills, students are sure to find the hidden treasure.

Learn More: Twinkl

10. Use Writing to Increase Critical Empathy

This activity builds writing fluency while giving students a chance to show appreciation for each other. As they reflect emphatically on their classmates’ contributions and character, their base level of kindness and sense of ethical responsibility is bound to increase.

Learn More: Edutopia

11. Learn How to Make Logical Inferences

This activity for kids teaches the critical academic skill of making inferences from a series of texts. Students will surely enjoy playing the role of detective in order to draw their own logical conclusions.

Learn More:  Study

12. Think Critically About Cultural Assumptions 

This engaging activity for students challenges them to think critically about why people from a variety of cultures decorate their bodies. It helps them to break through cultural assumptions while comparing and contrasting the different forms of hand and body painting around the world.

Learn More:  Harmony

13. Big Paper Silent Reflection Activity 

After posing some open-ended questions, students silently write their responses with colored markers on large chart paper. After each group has circulated around the room, students can share their critical reflections and learn from the various perspectives of their classmates.

Learn More:  Slideshare

14. Watch a TED Video About the Socratic Method

Socrates is one of the forefathers of critical thinking, who focused on making his students thinking visible by questioning their logic and reasoning. The accompanying quiz and discussion questions are an excellent way to reinforce student learning.

Learn More:  Ted Ed

15. Brainstorm Ways to Help a Homeless Person

This lesson in civic responsibility teaches students about the causes of homelessness and guides them to find ways to help the homeless in their communities. It develops key problem-solving skills while building critical empathy.

Learn More:  National Homeless.org

16. Guess the Object Game

This video features a series of twenty zoomed-in mystery objects. Students will love using their critical thinking skills to guess each one!

Learn More:  Andy – The ESL Guy

17. Solve Some Challenging Math Brain Teasers

This abundant series of brain teasers is the perfect choice if you’re looking to test your children’s memory and problem-solving skills. Encourage them to use their knowledge of numbers to complete these tricky math problems that are not only designed to challenge your little brainiacs but are also compiled in an easy-to-use format.

Learn More: Mental Up

18. Complete a STEM Elevator Challenge

In this design and engineering-based lesson, students have to build a functional elevator that can carry an object to the top of a structure. It’s a terrific way to encourage cooperative learning while sharpening their problem-solving skills.

Learn More:  Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers

19. Create the Perfect Farm 

There’s no better way to develop critical thinking skills than by solving real-world problems. This video encourages students to think about ways to feed a growing global population in an environmentally sustainable way.

20. Solve Logic Grid Puzzles

These logic grid puzzles will motivate students to use logical reasoning skills and the process of elimination to solve a series of clues. But be warned, they are highly addictive and difficult to put down once you get started!

Learn More:  Puzzle Baron’s Logic Puzzles

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Developing Students' Critical Thinking Skills Through Whole-Class Dialogue

• Resources & Preparation
• Instructional Plan
• Related Resources

Students take positions all the time. They defend their love of a television show or character with evidence or support that justifies their position. However, students may struggle to think critically about the books they've read and take a position about events from those books. In this lesson, students either listen to the instructor read a book aloud or read the book silently. (The book used in this lesson is My Freedom Trip by Frances Park and Ginger Park.) After reading, students answer an open-ended question about an issue that could have multiple perspectives. Students take positions, then identify reasons to support their positions. They then evaluate the reasons and draw their own conclusions. The lesson may be followed by additional whole-class discussion sessions that place emphasis on dialogue, eventually transferring more and more responsibility to the students for their learning.

From Theory to Practice

• Dialogical-Thinking Reading Lessons (D-TRLs), in which students articulate their thoughts in response to literature through dialogue, go beyond the question-and-answer and recitation methods that usually deal only with literal thinking.
• Students develop critical thinking as they learn to justify their reasons for a certain position on a story-specific issue.
• The basic format of a D-TRL provides practice with identifying and evaluating reasons as well as drawing conclusions. As more responsibility for the elements of the D-TRL is transferred to students, they receive additional practice in formulating hypotheses and identifying central themes and issues
• When students have opportunities to pose questions, they assume more responsibility for determining what needs to be understood and for directing their own learning processes.
• Literature discussions based on student-posed questions address an array of reading, writing, and oral language core curriculum objectives.
• When student questioning reigns in literature discussions, students generate many questions, help one another clarify questions, listen carefully to their peers, engage in critical thinking, and appreciate the opportunity to reflect on their own questions.

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

• 3. Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
• 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
• 11. Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.
• 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Materials and Technology

• My Freedom Trip by Frances Park and Ginger Park (Boyds Mills Press, 1998)
• Chart paper, board, or overhead

Central Question Chart

Preparation

Student Objectives

Students will

• Develop and demonstrate critical thinking skills as they take positions in response to a question, consider other viewpoints, identify reasons in support of their positions, evaluate supporting reasons for truth and acceptability, and draw final conclusions based on discussion
• Take responsibility for their own learning and for evaluating their own thoughts
• Participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical persons in respectful dialogue with one another

Instruction and Activities

Before reading (15 minutes) Open the lesson with an informal discussion of what students already know about the Korean War. Tell them that they will be reading and discussing a book about one girl's experience during that war. Can they make predictions about the book based on its title and cover and what they already know about the war? Let students know that after reading the book, they're going to be asked a question that will take the whole class to answer-and everyone's answer could be different. What will be important is whether they can provide acceptable reasons to support their answers. Reading phase (about 15 minutes, depending on the length of the text and the reading comprehension method you use) Depending on your students' needs and the availability of book copies, you can read the book to your students using the guided reading approach, have the students partner/group read, or have the students read silently. The important thing to consider when conducting the reading phase is to make sure students understand the text entirely. This will allow them to fully participate in the discussion phase to follow.

• With the guided reading approach, intermittent discussion should take place. The discussion breaks should be informal and focus on sharing an understanding of what is happening in the text.
• If you use another approach, check in with the individuals or groups to ensure understanding by asking questions during or after the reading. Keep the questions focused for now on students' comprehension of the book, making sure everyone understands the basic story well enough to be able to participate in the discussion phase to follow.

Discussion phase (30 to 60 minutes, depending on class size) There are four basic components to this part of the lesson:

• Posing a central question and possible answers
• Identifying reasons to support the possible answers
• Evaluating the truth and acceptability of the supporting reasons
• Drawing final conclusions on the merit of the possible answers

As students become familiar with the critical-thinking process, these components can be modified to give students greater responsibility for their learning. (See Modifications for examples.) Before proceeding with the discussion, make sure to establish a few guidelines with the students. These guidelines can include

• Listening carefully to other students' questions, opinions, and reasons and responding to them in a helpful manner
• Respecting everyone's questions and everyone's responses
• Agreeing or disagreeing, but giving reasons to support your opinion
• Respecting everyone's opportunity to speak and waiting your turn

Central question. At this point, introduce a question that will be of interest to students and in response to which they will each have to take a position. The question should be thought-provoking, the answer to which can be debated. A sample question for this book (as listed on the Central Question Chart ) is, "Why did Mr. Han try to convince the soldier to let Soo go across the river instead of himself?" Once you have a question, you should offer two hypotheses (or positions) as answers to it. Record the two positions on chart paper, the board, or overhead. Sample positions are listed on the Central Question Chart. (Until students have practiced the subsequent processes of identifying and evaluating reasons, it is important to limit the position options for now to two.) Once the two positions are listed, ask each student to decide which position he or she thinks best answers the central question and to be prepared to explain why. Let students know that they can change their positions after the discussion. Identifying reasons . Have students explore each position by identifying supporting reasons for it. Talk to a student who supports the first position, for example. Ask the student why he or she believes it's correct. How about a student who supports the second position? Get the students to begin talking to each other, with you acting as facilitator between them. This may be a good time to abandon a rule of raising hands; instead, let students dialogue freely but respectfully. As they cite reasons, encourage them to use examples from the text, from their own background knowledge of not only the Korean War but any experiences they have had that help them understand the text, and from what they feel makes sense. Record all reasons on the chart underneath their respective positions, even those that make little sense or seem wrong. (In the course of the discussion, students will be evaluating the truth and acceptability of the reasons. If you filter out reasons according to your judgment, it will deny students the opportunity to evaluate their own thinking.) Evaluating reasons. After all the reasons are listed (and perhaps even as they are being listed), students should decide whether they are completely true, completely false, or are true or false depending on certain factors. As the facilitator, put each reason before the group for discussion and let students decide amongst themselves the truth and acceptability of each reason. For each reason, ask students the following kinds of questions (and eventually encourage them to ask each other and themselves): What makes this reason true? Or what makes it false? Are there times that it could be true, but other times when it could be false? What examples can you give from the book to support a reason as acceptable? Does it make sense? Why or why not? Should we accept this as a supporting reason for the position? Throughout this discussion, you may need to question the students or rephrase their ideas to help them formulate their thoughts. However, be sure not to put words in students' mouths. As students discuss the reasons, record their decisions about the reasons in the truth column of the chart. You can use a 'T' for true, 'F' for false, and 'D' for depends. For the 'T' and 'D' reasons, mark what makes them acceptable: 'TXT' for text support, 'BK' for background knowledge support, and 'LOG' for logical support. Students themselves may not know at first that an acceptable reason is based on text, background knowledge, or logic (i.e., what seems to make sense), but they should be able to decide if it's acceptable or not. As you classify the reasons, help them to understand why you are categorizing them as you are-that their discussion is leading you to figure out the kind of support each reason is based upon. Guide them in this thought process until they are able to tell you what justifies the reasons. Drawing conclusions. After all reasons have been evaluated, give students the opportunity to say what their positions are based on the discussion. Has anyone changed his or her mind? For those who are sticking with their original positions, do they feel more strongly about them now? Also, give students the option to say they have not made up their minds (for the ability to withhold judgment is central to critical thinking). Another way to end the lesson could be to have the students write their conclusions and justify their reasons in a journal entry or a more formal writing assignment. Modifications After a few lessons with the same book or subsequent readings, students will have had practice identifying and evaluating reasons for positions you hypothesize. Next, allow them to generate several positions of their own to new central questions. This will help them to develop hypothesizing skills. After practice at hypothesizing, move on to allowing them to generate their own central questions. You will have to determine their readiness for identifying central themes and issues, but also, you can expect by this time for students to help guide each other in this process. Another modification as students become more and more responsible for their own learning may include switching to peer discussion groups, which then report their results in writing or to the class.

My Freedom Trip does not have a great deal of factual information, so creating a K-W-L chart may help lead the class into a research project as an extension of the book. Ask the students what they already know about Korea and the issues that arose around the Korean War. Use the W column in the K-W-L as a springboard for research. As examples, students could research why the soldiers divided the country of Korea or why North Korea was oppressed while South Korea was "the freedom land." Since My Freedom Trip has a theme of bravery and not giving up, ask each student to write a personal narrative about a time when he or she was faced with a tough situation, but stuck it out. Remind students that their stories do not have to be of the same magnitude and that we all face challenges, big and small. You may want to take these pieces through the entire writing process to publication. Invite people who have lived through challenging situations to speak to the class about their ordeals. Send a letter to parents and community members to see if they would like to share their experiences. Students can respond to guest speakers' experiences through discussion afterward or in journal entries.

Student Assessment / Reflections

Observe the following in students:

• Do they participate in the discussion before the book is read, as well as during the reading (whether using the guided reading approach or other method)?
• Do they offer reasons for their positions that can be verified by the text, background knowledge, or logic?
• Do they rightfully evaluate and dismiss reasons that are not acceptable or valid?
• Do they participate fully in the discussion, giving due regard for differing opinions and viewpoints?

Provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their critical thinking skills with the following assessment:

• Have students read a new text or read it aloud to the entire class
• Present students with a central question and two positions
• Have students, on an individual basis, provide support for both positions and evaluate each as they did in the lessons
• Have students give a written response regarding one of the positions
• Evaluate the written response the same way as the journal entry (see below)

Evaluate student journal entries on the following (minimum) criteria:

• Do the students justify their conclusions using reasons supported by the text, background knowledge, or logic?
• Do the students' writing responses reflect your expectations for them?
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Critical Thinking Skills Grade 5

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Grade 5 – Critical Thinking

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Grade 5 – Critical Thinking Skills

• Identifying and analyzing arguments
• Evaluating evidence and sources
• Recognizing and understanding logical fallacies
• Formulating and asking thoughtful questions
• Applying problem-solving strategies
• Comparing and contrasting different perspectives
• Interpreting and analyzing data and information
• Drawing logical conclusions
• Recognizing patterns and making connections
• Generating creative and innovative ideas
• Considering multiple viewpoints
• Developing and defending opinions with evidence
• Identifying cause and effect relationships
• Recognizing bias and propaganda
• Applying critical thinking skills to real-life situations

Grade 5 – Critical Thinking Curriculum

Grade 5 critical thinking: developing skills for success.

Critical thinking is a vital skill that empowers students to analyze, evaluate, and solve problems effectively. In grade 5, students are introduced to various topics that enhance their critical thinking abilities. These topics encourage students to think critically, make informed decisions, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Let’s explore the key areas covered in grade 5 critical thinking:

1. Logical Reasoning

Logical reasoning is the foundation of critical thinking. In grade 5, students learn to identify and evaluate arguments, distinguish between facts and opinions, and recognize logical fallacies. They develop the ability to construct well-reasoned arguments and support their claims with evidence. Through activities and discussions, students enhance their logical reasoning skills and learn to think critically about various issues.

2. Problem Solving

Problem-solving is an essential aspect of critical thinking. Grade 5 students are introduced to various problem-solving strategies and techniques. They learn to define problems, analyze different solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness. Students are encouraged to think creatively and develop innovative approaches to solve complex problems. Through real-life scenarios and hands-on activities, students develop their problem-solving skills and become more confident in tackling challenges.

3. Decision Making

Grade 5 critical thinking also focuses on developing students’ decision-making skills. Students learn to gather relevant information, consider multiple perspectives, and evaluate the consequences of their decisions. They explore ethical considerations and learn to make responsible choices. Through case studies and group discussions, students develop the ability to make informed decisions and understand the impact of their choices on themselves and others.

4. Analytical Thinking

Grade 5 students are introduced to analytical thinking, which involves breaking down complex information into smaller parts and examining them critically. They learn to identify patterns, make connections, and draw logical conclusions. Students develop skills in data analysis, interpretation, and evaluation. Through activities that involve analyzing texts, graphs, and data sets, students enhance their analytical thinking abilities and become more proficient in drawing evidence-based conclusions.

5. Creative Thinking

Creative thinking is an integral part of critical thinking. Grade 5 students are encouraged to think outside the box, generate innovative ideas, and explore different perspectives. They learn to express their thoughts creatively through various mediums such as writing, art, and presentations. Students engage in brainstorming sessions, problem-solving activities, and open-ended projects to foster their creative thinking skills and develop a sense of imagination and originality.

6. Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial for critical thinking. Grade 5 students learn to express their thoughts clearly, listen actively, and engage in meaningful discussions. They develop skills in presenting their ideas, supporting their arguments, and respectfully challenging others’ viewpoints. Students also learn to critically evaluate information from different sources and communicate their findings effectively. Through collaborative projects and debates, students enhance their communication skills and become more confident in expressing their thoughts.

Grade 5 critical thinking encompasses a wide range of topics that equip students with essential skills for success. By developing logical reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, analytical thinking, creative thinking, and communication skills, students become empowered critical thinkers who can navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and competence.

Project Helper for Grade 5 – Critical Thinking Project-Based Learning (PBL)

Ask your xtutor, step 1: understand the learning goals.

Your teacher will explain what you’re going to learn from the project. These goals will be connected to what you’re supposed to learn in your grade level.

Step 2: GET CURIOUS ABOUT A QUESTION

During the second stage of the project you will choose a big, interesting question that your project will help answer. This question is meant to get you thinking and asking more questions. We have included 10 projects ideas as a starting point. You can discuss these ideas with your teacher as well as your XTutor before you decide on a final question.

Project Topics and Driving Questions to Start From:

1. Invent It! Design Challenge: Select a problem or challenge and use critical thinking to design an innovative solution. Create a prototype or a detailed plan to showcase your invention. Present your ideas and explain your thought process to your classmates.

2. Mystery STEM Boxes: Create mystery boxes filled with materials or objects. Challenge your classmates to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to determine the purpose and function of each item. Formulate hypotheses and test them out to uncover the mysteries.

3. Logical Reasoning Puzzles: Solve logical reasoning puzzles that require critical thinking skills. These puzzles often involve patterns, sequencing, and deductive reasoning. Engage in brain-teasing puzzles that challenge your analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

4. Data Analysis Project: Collect and analyze data on a topic of interest, such as favorite foods, movie preferences, or after-school activities. Use critical thinking to interpret the data, create visuals like graphs or charts, and present your findings to your classmates.

5. Engineering Challenge: Take on an engineering challenge, such as building a bridge with limited materials or constructing a tower that can withstand certain constraints. Use critical thinking to problem-solve, test different designs, and refine your solutions.

6. Current Events Debate: Explore current events or social issues and organize a classroom debate. Research different perspectives, develop arguments, and engage in critical thinking to articulate your opinions and support them with evidence.

7. Mapping Adventures: Design a map of a fictional or real location, such as a treasure island or your own neighborhood. Use critical thinking to consider scale, landmarks, and directions as you create an accurate and visually appealing map.

8. Investigative Science Project: Conduct a science experiment that requires critical thinking and problem-solving. Develop a hypothesis, design the experiment, collect data, and analyze the results. Draw conclusions based on your findings and present your project to your classmates.

9. Historical Detectives: Choose a historical event or figure and engage in a detective-style investigation. Research primary and secondary sources, analyze evidence, and use critical thinking to draw conclusions and present your findings to your classmates.

10. Socratic Seminars: Host Socratic seminars to engage in critical thinking discussions on various topics of interest. Prepare thought-provoking questions, listen actively, and provide evidence-based arguments while respectfully engaging with your peers in a structured conversation.

Step 3: PLAN YOUR PROJECT

With help from your XTutor or teacher, you and your classmates will plan out your project. This includes deciding what tasks need to be done, when they should be finished, and what materials you might need.

Remember: You can ask your XTutor to help you to create an action plan.

Step 4: START YOUR PROJECT

Your teacher will kick off the project, going over the big question, the project requirements, and the timeline. Then, it’s time to get started!

Step 5: LEARN AND EXPLORE

You and your classmates will work together to research the big question and learn new things. Your teacher will help guide you, but you’ll have a lot of control over where your learning goes.

Remember: Your XTutor is always here to help guide you with any questions or difficulties you might have.

Step 6: CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Your teacher will check in with you regularly to see how you’re doing, give you feedback, and help you if you’re stuck. It’s important to make sure you stay on schedule and on task.

Step 7: SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW

Throughout the project, you’ll show your teacher what you’re learning through smaller assignments. At the end, you’ll complete a final project or test to show everything you’ve learned. You and your classmates can also create quick presentations to showcase the knowledge you have gained as well small quizzes to test each other’s understanding of the topic.

Step 8: SHARE YOUR WORK

Once your project is finished, you’ll share it with your classmates, your school, or even your community. This could be a presentation, a demonstration, or a showcase of your work.

Step 9: REFLECT ON YOUR LEARNING

After the project, you’ll think about what you learned, what you liked, what was hard, and how you can use your new knowledge in the future.

Step 10: REVIEW THE PROJECT

Finally, you’ll think about the project as a whole. What worked well? What didn’t? How can you do better on the next project? This will help you do even better on your next PBL project.

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5th Grade Homeschool Highlights: Logic & Critical Thinking

• Posted by by Maddie
• October 22, 2020

One of the principles of a classical education is the study of logic. This might seem overwhelming to a mom who has never formally studied the topic, but it doesn’t have to be!

There are many great programs available today that will guide you and your students. Studying logic and developing strong reasoning skills is an important and necessary skill.

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Puzzles and games are a great way to start teaching logical thinking.  

Think of them as a logic “warm-up” – a time when 5th & 6th graders can learn the terminology (syllogisms? fallacies? – it’s like another language!) of logic by working on puzzles and games.

It’s also the perfect time to introduce critical thinking workbooks and programs, which will strengthen a student’s ability for abstract thought.

Depending on the child’s growth and maturity you can start a more formal program in the 7th-9th grades.

When To Teach Children Logic

There are some critical thinking programs that start as young as kindergarten and first grade.

However, those early years are best spent focusing on the basics – learning to read, beginning writing, and basic mathematics.

A few logic games could be fun, but don’t spend a lot of time on ‘critical thinking’ at this stage. Young brains really aren’t ready for the kind of abstract thought that’s necessary for true critical thinking.

The best time to start is when kids reach that ‘pert’ stage that Dorothy Sayers mentions in The Lost Tools of Learning – when they begin to question things that they used to take for granted.

Now is the time to teach those logical thinking skills – so, while they are arguing with you, at least they’ll be logical about it!

How To Teach Children Logic

How do you start teaching logic?

With games and puzzles!

Save those heavy logic courses for later grades. 5th and 6th graders are just dipping their toes into the logic waters, learning the terminology, and beginning to develop their capacity for abstract thought.

So, find programs that you can work on together. Discuss current events. If you’ve never formally studied logic, learning along with your child can be a wonderful tool for discussion.

I really like the Logic Liftoff series for these beginning stages ( Logic Countdown , Logic Liftoff , and Orbiting with Logic ) because it introduces a wide variety of logical and critical thinking puzzles.

You’ll cover analogies, sequencing, syllogisms, illogical reasoning, and other topics, through the three books in the series. Each book covers the same topics, getting a bit more difficult with each level.

A second resource that we really like is Red Herring Mysteries . We like to figure out a few of the mysteries over dinner as a family. It’s very fun trying to figure out what the ‘red herring’ is in the story and come up with a plausible solution.

Games are also a great way to practice abstract thought. I listed some of our favorites in this post about favorite math & logic games.

Teaching logic doesn’t have to be intimidating. You just need a willingness to learn and a plan.

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For elementary students who are just learning to write, you can use worksheets to practice letter formation. Students in middle and high school can use learning stations to learn how to write and revise essays. With plenty of TPT resources at your fingertips, you can sharpen your student's writing skills in no time. Extend writing activities beyond the classroom and observe as your child nurtures their imagination, enriches their vocabulary, and enhances their storytelling prowess.

Fun and engaging writing activities to try

Here are a few ideas for writing activities — from our teacher-created resources — that you can find on TPT and that are designed to teach students how to write effectively. (Pro tip: These worksheets serve as an excellent complement to our reading materials.)

Encourage students to keep daily journals where they can freely express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This practice helps them develop their writing style and build the habit of writing regularly.

Writing Prompts

Provide engaging prompts that encourage imaginative storytelling. For instance, you could ask students to write about a world without the internet, or ask them to describe something only using one of their five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste).

Peer Editing

Have students exchange their written work with a peer for feedback. This helps them strengthen their ability to identify and correct mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling; give constructive criticism; and revise their writing based on feedback.

Sentence and Paragraph Construction

Provide sentence and paragraph building exercises to help students understand the basic structure of writing and how to organize their ideas coherently.

Letter Writing

Ask students to write letters to real or fictional recipients. They could compose formal letters, persuasive letters on specific topics, thank-you notes, or postcards.

Create a classroom blog where students can publish their writing for a wider audience. This teaches them to write for a purpose and consider their audience's perspective.

Research Papers

Guide students through the process of researching and writing informative or argumentative essays. Teach them how to construct persuasive arguments and counterarguments on various topics, include evidence, and cite sources.

Poetry Writing

Explore different forms of poetry, such as haikus, sonnets, and free verse. Encourage students to experiment with imagery, rhythm, and metaphor.

By incorporating these (and other!) writing activities into your lesson plans, you can nurture a love for writing.

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We've put together this easy-order subject book bundle so you don't have to.

This bundle offers our top-selling Grade 5 products at a 35% discount*, so you get more for less.

Did you know you can customize your bundle contents? Simply click on the "Bundle Contents" tab to pick and choose which items you'd like (in case you already own an item) and then add the bundle to your cart.

The more you buy, the more you save! Minimum $85 order required. Discount is applied as a promotion after the bundle is added to cart.

*Discount Tiers: $85+ = 25% Off $170+ = 30% Off $255+ = 35% Off

Note: This bundle includes a mix of both complete curriculum and supplemental titles. Complete curriculum titles are labeled with "Full Curriculum." The other titles in the bundle are supplemental and do not cover all of the standards.

If you are not completely satisfied with your bundle, please call 800-458-4849 for return information, and we will gladly help you with an exchange, credit, or refund. Return information form is included with every order. 

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SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT

IMPORTANT-READ CAREFULLY

This is a legal agreement between you (a single entity, company, or educational institution) and The Critical Thinking Co.™ for the software accompanying this agreement, which includes computer Software and associated Documentation. By installing this Software on a computer, you agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of this agreement, promptly erase all copies of the software in your possession and return any Software packaging associated with this order within sixty (60) days of purchase to the place from which you obtained it for a full refund.

The Critical Thinking Co.™ hereby grants to you a non-exclusive license to use the software product identified above (the "Software") and the accompanying printed materials and User Manual (the "Documentation") on the terms set forth below.

1. GRANT OF LICENSE. The Critical Thinking Co.™ grants you the right to install and use this Software Product, provided that this software will be installed only in the quantity and for the computer system(s) indicated at the time of your order for the Software.

2. COPYRIGHT. The Software Product and Documentation are protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. Therefore, you must treat the Software Product like any other copyrighted material. You may not remove, modify, or alter any of The Critical Thinking Co.'s™ copyright or trademark notices from any part originally contained in or otherwise created by the Software Product, including any notices contained in the Documentation.

3. RESTRICTIONS. You may not modify, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or create derivative works based on the Software, or any portion thereof. The Software Product is licensed as a single product. This Software Product can be installed on a computer as a whole and shall not be separated in parts or disassembled to parts or pieces. You may not rent, lease, or lend the Software or Documentation to any other party without the written permission of The Critical Thinking Co.™. The License is in effect until terminated. The License will terminate automatically if you fail to comply with the limitations described herein. On termination, you must destroy all copies of the Software and Documentation.

4. WARRANTIES. The Critical Thinking Co.™ expressly disclaims any warranty for the Software Product. The Software and Documentation is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the implied warranties or merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. The entire risk arising out of use or performance of the Software remains with you. If media within this package is defective, remove the software application from your device(s) and return any software packaging associated with this order to The Critical Thinking Co.™ within 60 days of the date of purchase, and they will replace it at no charge.

5. NO LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. In no event shall The Critical Thinking Co.™ or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use this Software Product, even if The Critical Thinking Co.™ has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states/jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.

6. MISCELLANEOUS. This Agreement represents the complete agreement concerning this license between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and representations between them. This Agreement may be amended only in writing executed by both parties. The acceptance of any purchase order placed by you is expressly made conditional on your assent to the terms set forth herein, and not those contained within your purchase order. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be reformed only to the extend necessary to make it enforceable and the remainder of this Agreement shall nonetheless remain in full force and effect. If you acquired this product in the United States, the laws of the State of California govern this Agreement. If this product was acquired outside the United States, then local laws may apply. Should you have any questions concerning this Agreement, or if you desire to contact The Critical Thinking Co.™ for any reason, please write to The Critical Thinking Co.™, PO Box 1610, Seaside, CA 93950-1610, USA; send a fax to 831-393-3277; send email to [email protected]; call 800-458-4849; or refer to The Critical Thinking Co.™'s Website at http://www.criticalthinking.com/ .

Bundle Content

Customer reviews, other products in the same series view product series page.

• PreKindergarten Multi-Subject Curriculum Book Bundle Toddler-PreK
• Kindergarten Multi-Subject Curriculum Book Bundle K
• Grade 1 Multi-Subject Curriculum Book Bundle 1
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• Grade 3 Multi-Subject Curriculum Book Bundle 3
• Grade 4 Multi-Subject Curriculum Book Bundle 4
• Grade 6 Multi-Subject Curriculum Book Bundle 6
• Grades 7-8 Multi-Subject Curriculum Book Bundle 7-8
• Grades 9-12+ Multi-Subject Curriculum Book Bundle 9-12+

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14 Powerful Reading Comprehension Strategies To Teach Students

When students understand what they read, reading is meaningful and fun.

Comprehension is the goal of reading. If students don’t understand what they read, well, reading is a meaningless activity. The good news: Reading comprehension can be taught, practiced, and mastered. As students become readers, you can teach strategies that students can learn and add to their toolbox.

What is reading comprehension?

Think about reading comprehension as a combination of skills. Students need to get the words off the page ( fluency , word reading) and understand the language they are reading (language structure, knowledge, vocabulary, and reasoning). If a student does not have strong language comprehension skills in particular, they won’t understand what they read, even if their fluency and word reading is strong. Reading comprehension strategies focus on building students’ language comprehension and teach them how to tackle text when they don’t understand. 

Scarborough’s Reading Rope is a way to visualize the skills that go into reading. The top five skills ( background knowledge, vocabulary, language structure, verbal reasoning, and literacy knowledge) become more strategic over time as students learn how to apply strategies to different kinds of text. The bottom three skills (phonological awareness, decoding, and sight recognition) become more automatic as students master each skill.

Learn more: What Is Reading Comprehension? 

Reading Comprehension Strategies

Here are our favorite reading comprehension strategies to help students develop and strengthen their reading comprehension.

1. Establish a purpose for reading

Reading comprehension starts before students open a book. Teach students to set a purpose for reading, weather that’s to enjoy a story or to answer a specific question. Having a purpose helps students focus on the most important information and sift out less important details. 

2. Graphic organizers

Graphic organizers are a tried-and-true strategy. Students can use an organizer that aligns with the text they are reading. So, if they are reading a nonfiction article about an event, they may use a sequencing graphic organizer. If they are reading a section of a textbook, they may use a main idea and detail graphic organizer. The key is to teach students the types of graphic organizers that exist, the type of text each is used for, and how to use each one during reading.

Try it: Free Printable Reading Comprehension Graphic Organizers  

3. Activate background knowledge

The more knowledge students have about a topic, the more they will understand. Prior knowledge includes information about a topic (sharks, weather) and information about how text works (anticipating that the first chapter of a novel will include information about the main character, setting, and problem). It’s not about teaching students all the facts, but teaching them how to reflect on what they know before they read. If they know a lot, they can dive in. If they don’t know much, they may want to preview the text for key words and images to build some background knowledge.

Learn more: What Is Background Knowledge?  

4. Predict and infer

Making predictions or inferences involves combining multiple pieces of information to either predict or think about what will happen next, or to infer meaning that’s not stated in the text. Teach students to make predictions with a graphic organizer that prompts them to combine information from the text with their own ideas and thinking to predict or infer.  

Try it: Free Printables: Predictions and Inferences

5. Ask and answer questions

Questioning is another proven reading comprehension strategy. When we can ask and answer questions as we read, it means we’re thinking about what we read. Teach students how to question by modeling with a think-aloud. Then, have students jot questions on sticky notes as they read and return to their questions to answer them as they read to build comprehension.

Learn more: Improving Reading Comprehension With Think-Alouds

6. Summarizing

When students can summarize text, they’ve grasped the main points and are able to retell what they learned. One great way to summarize is a book talk , where students summarize a book and try to convince others to read it (or not). 

Another way to support summarizing for fiction text is with a graphic organizer that helps them retell: Somebody … wanted … but … so … then. For nonfiction, use a main idea and details graphic organizer. 

Try it: Free Summarizing Graphic Organizers

7. Visualization

When authors write, they create images and scenes. Even in nonfiction, authors create scenes that we can imagine. Being able to visualize makes reading more interesting (like watching a movie in your head). Teach students to visualize by starting small. Read sentences and have them draw what they see. Then, expand this strategy as you engage students in visualizing scenes.

8. Metacognition

Metacognition means understanding our own thought processes. In reading, this means knowing if we understand what we’re reading, and how to stop and review if we aren’t understanding. Teach students to notice what they’re thinking when they read. Are they asking questions? What do they wonder? Which parts make them laugh? Are there any big surprises in what they read? 

Learn more: What Is Metacognition?

9. Monitoring comprehension

Monitoring comprehension is the process readers use to determine if they understand what they are reading. Have students stop at the end of a paragraph and page and think What did I read? If they can summarize what they read, they go on. If they cannot, they use a fix-up strategy, like rereading the section or looking up vocabulary words. 

10. Making connections

When students make connections, they’re building knowledge. Model and teach three main types of connections:

• Text to self: How does the text connect with your life or experiences? 
• Text to text: How does this part of the text connect to what you read in this text or what you have read in other texts? 
• Text to world: How does what you’re reading connect with what you know? 

Learn more: Using hexagonal thinking

11. Determining importance

Sometimes students get overwhelmed by the amount of information they’re reading. Teach them to calculate the importance of details they read. Students highlight or record the details they read, and then put each through a “funnel” where they think about whether or not it is actually important. Only the most important details make it through the funnel. 

12. Recognizing story structure

Stories have a predictable structure that students can use to comprehend them. Knowing that stories start by explaining the character, setting, and problem can help students anticipate looking for this important information as they get into a story. And knowing that the story will hit a climax before the problem resolves also helps students anticipate the end of the story. Use story map graphic organizers to help improve students’ understanding of narrative by focusing on important information while they’re reading.

Try it: Free Story Map Printable Worksheets

13. Retelling

Retelling is a strategy that involves telling the most important information. Have students do a five-finger retell. They hold their hand up and point to each finger as they explain the characters, setting, events one, two, and three, and the conclusion. Students point to their palm and share an opinion of the story or how the story made them feel. Using this prompt reminds students to include the main aspects of a story.

14. Build vocabulary

The more words a student knows, the more words they can learn, and the deeper they understand what they read. And the more times a student engages with a word, the more likely they are to actually remember and use the word. Teach words using visuals and activities, like creating sentences with vocabulary. And teach students how to engage with words in text. For example, practice reading “around” a word to define it—when students read on their own, they can use the same strategy when they’re stuck on a word.

Try it: Free Printable Vocabulary Worksheet Bundle   

Reading about reading? Check out What Is the Science of Reading?  

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