Most of the time, science-related activites in the classroom are the ones that help develop children's critical thinking skills. However, we know that in real life situation and outside of the school, there are many ways that we can harness the way they think.

Any suggestion?

Word games, solving mysteries, writing "what if?" stories. Discerning fact from fiction is a great way to encourage critical thinking when reading short stories or poems.

I agree with Melos. THere are also ton's of everyday examples, in solving problems (laundry, cooking, even gardening choices) that provide excellent opportunities to think things throgh and find a workable solution.

The board game "Clue" is a good one, as is Yatzee, backgammon, and chess (we like games in our home). You could also do a treasure hunt or even let them set up a treasure hunt for you.

Kelkat - the treasure hunt is a method I use frequently for my sons. I make it pertain to whatever he is currently studying as well - for example, one of the clues would be a math problem telling him how many feet to go past the big tree (or whatever).

I think I might just have to steal that math treasure hunt idea. I may even use it at one of the play days we have so there is a little learning that goes on. Maybe I could put them in teams, have two different maps, and let them race to the finish line.

Thanks for the idea.

Those are all very good ideas and can even work on a 5 year old. I play yatzee with my son and he just loves it. He is always thinking of these weird crazy games with dice and his hot wheels cars. He is very creative in that way already.

I say kudos to all of these ideas and applications. Sounds like we have some pretty cool kids with lots of creative thinking skills!