Critical Thinking

There is so much information and disinformation out there. Today the skill is about searching, interpreting and challenging what we find on Google. In an age where ready made answers are so common, it is helpful to instil in your child a healthy sceptical mind, that probes and quizzes any solution until fully satisfied.
Each of the coaching cards below takes no more than five minutes and requires zero preparation. Since they are broadly for 5 - 15 year olds, we have tagged them as easy / medium / hard to help you pick the most appropriate for your child.
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4 Gallons

How do you fill a bathtub with 4 gallons of water, using only a 3 and 5 gallon jug?

Test your child's logic skills with this popular exercise.
Easy
Guidance
A popular logic test, used even in a Die Hard movie!
Prompts if stuck
1) How do you get the first 3 gallons?

Guidance

A popular logic test, used even in a Die Hard movie! Getting the first 3 gallons is simple enough.  But the trick is then to be able to measure 1 more gallon - which you do by emptying 5 gallon in to 3 gallon, twice, and so there will be 1 gallon left in 5 gallon jug.

Prompts if stuck

1) Fill the 3 gallon jug up first. How much water do you have?

2) Now how can you get just 1 more gallon?

3) What happens if you empty the 3 gallon jug into the 5 gallon jug? (twice)

4 Gallons

How do you fill a bathtub with 4 gallons of water, using only a 3 and 5 gallon jug?

Test your child's logic skills with this popular exercise.
Easy

Guidance

A popular logic test, used even in a Die Hard movie! Getting the first 3 gallons is simple enough.  But the trick is then to be able to measure 1 more gallon - which you do by emptying 5 gallon in to 3 gallon, twice, and so there will be 1 gallon left in 5 gallon jug.

Prompts if stuck

1) Fill the 3 gallon jug up first. How much water do you have?

2) Now how can you get just 1 more gallon?

3) What happens if you empty the 3 gallon jug into the 5 gallon jug? (twice)

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No Meeting

We never need to physically meet other people - right?!

Help your child to develop debating skills.
Medium
Guidance
This activity suggests a seemingly crazy idea, but asks your child to find all the arguments to support it.
Prompts if stuck
Other "crazy" ideas: 1) We should remove Wednesday's from each week 2) We should sleep in trees 3) We don’t need the number zero?

Guidance

This activity suggests a seemingly crazy idea, but asks your child to find all the arguments to support it. They will have to dig deep but see if they can make a reasonable case for it (eg virtual meetings possible, never catch flu from others, make friends in other countries) since it is a great debating skill if they can. Use any other crazy suggestion that comes to mind instead / as well.

Prompts if stuck

1) There must be an advantage to this. What is it?

2) What are the disadvantages and how can you counter them?

3) Which people would be most supportive of your argument?

No Meeting

We never need to physically meet other people - right?!

Help your child to develop debating skills.
Medium

Guidance

This activity suggests a seemingly crazy idea, but asks your child to find all the arguments to support it. They will have to dig deep but see if they can make a reasonable case for it (eg virtual meetings possible, never catch flu from others, make friends in other countries) since it is a great debating skill if they can. Use any other crazy suggestion that comes to mind instead / as well.

Prompts if stuck

1) There must be an advantage to this. What is it?

2) What are the disadvantages and how can you counter them?

3) Which people would be most supportive of your argument?

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Desert Island

What ONE thing would you bring with you to a desert island?

Encourage your child to think about prioritisation.
Easy
Guidance
Explain the classic scenario of being stuck on a desert island but can only bring one thing with you.
Prompts if stuck
1) Why did you chose that?

Guidance

Explain the classic scenario of being stuck on a desert island but can only bring one thing with you. Encourage your child to brainstorm a list and consider pros and cons, before selecting one. Your discussion can be as practical (bring food) or fun (bring games) as you want!

Prompts if stuck

1) There is so much to choose from. Let's make a list first before deciding?

2) What are the pros and cons to having that, compared to other things?

3) What do you think I would chose and why?

Desert Island

What ONE thing would you bring with you to a desert island?

Encourage your child to think about prioritisation.
Easy

Guidance

Explain the classic scenario of being stuck on a desert island but can only bring one thing with you. Encourage your child to brainstorm a list and consider pros and cons, before selecting one. Your discussion can be as practical (bring food) or fun (bring games) as you want!

Prompts if stuck

1) There is so much to choose from. Let's make a list first before deciding?

2) What are the pros and cons to having that, compared to other things?

3) What do you think I would chose and why?

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