Adaptability is more than just a buzzword; it’s a crucial skill that empowers middle school students to navigate the complexities of their rapidly changing environment. Think of adaptability as the chameleon of skills — able to shift colors to fit its surroundings. For middle schoolers, mastering this ability means being open to new ideas, adjusting to shifting social dynamics, and embracing the unexpected. As they encounter new experiences, adaptability becomes essential for effective collaboration and problem-solving. Dive into a variety of engaging activities designed to emphasize the top critical thinking skills middle school students should develop to set themselves up for success both in and out of the classroom.

Building Adaptability in Middle School

Adaptability is being open to new ideas and willing to change perspectives based on new evidence or insights.

Now, think about being a chameleon, changing your colors to fit in with your environment—that’s the essence of adaptability! For middle schoolers, honing this skill is vital as they encounter new experiences and shifting social dynamics. It encourages them to embrace change, think on their feet, and collaborate effectively with others. By learning to adjust their strategies and perspectives, they become more flexible problem-solvers. Here are some targeted activities to enhance adaptability skills for middle school learners.

Adaptability Activities for Middle School

Group Problem-Solving
Assign students a group challenge that requires them to adapt to unexpected changes (like a shift in resources or time constraints) and find a solution together. This collaborative effort not only fosters adaptability but also enhances their teamwork and communication skills.

Technology Integration
Have students complete a project using a new technology or app they haven’t used before. Encourage them to explore and adapt as they learn to navigate the new tool. This hands-on experience with technology not only builds adaptability but also prepares them for a digital world.

Debate with a Twist
Organize a debate where, halfway through, students must switch sides. This forces them to adapt their arguments and understand opposing viewpoints, promoting critical thinking and empathy. For more resources on debates, dive into these materials.

Analyzing Skills for Middle Schoolers

Analysis is the ability to break down complex information into smaller parts, identifying patterns and relationships.

Think of tackling a challenging puzzle and breaking it into bite-sized pieces—that’s a skill every middle schooler should cultivate! It’s all about recognizing patterns and relationships that help clarify the bigger picture. For middle school students, honing analysis and critical thinking skills is essential; it empowers them to ask deeper questions, tackle real-world problems, and develop independent thinking. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to help middle school learners strengthen this vital, future-ready skill. Let’s dive in!

Analysis Activities for Middle School

Current Events Analysis
Assign students to read a news article and identify the main argument, supporting evidence, and any potential bias. They can present their analysis to the class, fostering discussion and critical thinking. You can find a variety of current event resources to use in the classroom here.

Case Studies
Present students with a real-world case study related to a subject they’re studying. They should analyze the situation, identify key issues, and suggest potential solutions based on their findings. This connects analysis to practical applications. 

Character Analysis
In literature, have students choose a character and analyze their motivations, actions, and growth throughout the story. They can create a character trait chart to visually represent their findings. This activity encourages deeper engagement with the text and fosters critical thinking about character development.

Collaborative Learning for Middle School

Collaboration is working effectively with others, sharing ideas, and integrating different perspectives to reach a common goal.

Picture middle school students as dynamic team players, each bringing unique talents to the game—that’s the essence of collaboration for this age group! Developing collaboration skills is crucial as students learn to navigate group dynamics, share responsibilities, and support one another. By enhancing their ability to collaborate, middle schoolers prepare for more complex teamwork in high school and beyond. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to strengthen collaboration skills in middle school learners.

Collaboration Activities for Middle School

Project-Based Learning Groups
Assign students to work in small groups on a project that requires them to research a topic, create a presentation, and share their findings with the class. This promotes collective problem-solving and fosters accountability within the group. Read this to get tools and ideas on how to group students.

Peer Teaching
Pair students to teach each other a concept or skill they have mastered. This encourages collaboration, as they must communicate effectively and support each other’s learning.

Group Design Challenge
Present students with a design challenge, such as creating a prototype for a new product or solution to a problem. Working in teams, they must brainstorm, plan, and execute their ideas, enhancing their collaboration and creativity skills. Dive into 16+ Engineering Projects for Middle School.

Bonus: We Have to Save Fred!

Communication Skills for Middle School

Communication is the ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. 

Picture middle school students collaborating on a project, sharing ideas, and debating viewpoints—that’s the essence of communication for this age group! Developing strong communication skills is crucial as students learn to articulate their ideas, collaborate with peers, and navigate complex discussions. By enhancing their communication skills, middle schoolers prepare for high school and future professional interactions. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to strengthen communication skills in middle school learners.

Communication Activities for Middle School

Group Presentations
Assign students to work in groups to research a topic and create a presentation to share with the class. This activity encourages them to practice public speaking, actively listen to feedback, and collaborate effectively.

Fishbowl Discussions
Set up a fishbowl discussion where a small group of students discusses a topic in the center while the rest of the class observes. Afterward, have the observers share their thoughts on the communication styles and ideas presented. This activity helps students practice articulating their ideas and enhances active listening skills.

Communication Games
Organize games that focus on communication skills, such as “Telephone” or “Charades.” These fun activities help students understand the importance of clear expression and active listening in conveying messages accurately.

Creativity Development for Students

Creativity is the ability to generate original ideas and think outside the box, an essential skill for students as they navigate a rapidly changing world. 

Creativity in middle school is all about exploring deeper concepts and embracing collaboration. Think of it as mixing colors on a palette to create something entirely new—that’s how middle school students can express themselves! As they develop their creative abilities, they learn to approach challenges with fresh perspectives and critical thinking. This stage is crucial for encouraging them to brainstorm innovative solutions and articulate their ideas confidently. Here are some dynamic activities designed to help middle school learners enhance their creativity skills. Let’s explore!

Creativity Activities for Middle School

Creative Marketing Campaign
Have students choose a product, service, or social cause they are passionate about and develop a creative marketing campaign for it. They can create posters, social media content, and even short video advertisements to showcase their ideas. This activity encourages them to think creatively about how to attract an audience and convey a message effectively. By combining visual design, persuasive writing, and innovative strategies, students will enhance their creativity skills while learning to communicate their ideas in engaging ways. 

Visual Journals
Encourage students to maintain visual journals where they can combine sketches, collages, and writing. This practice helps express thoughts creatively while exploring various artistic techniques, beneficial for developing creative expression.

Role-Playing Scenarios
Organize role-playing activities that require students to improvise solutions to hypothetical situations. This enhances their ability to think creatively and adapt, crucial skills for real-world problem-solving.

Bonus: Google Templates for Students

Fostering Decision-Making in Middle School

Decision-making is weighing options and outcomes to make choices that align with goals and values.

Now, picture yourself as a team leader, weighing different strategies to achieve a goal—that’s the essence of decision-making! For middle schoolers, honing this skill is vital as they encounter more complex problems and social dynamics. It encourages them to analyze information, consider various perspectives, and make informed choices. By developing strong decision-making skills, they enhance their critical thinking and become adept at navigating challenges in school and life. Here are some targeted activities to strengthen decision-making skills for middle school learners, preparing them for successful futures.

Decision-Making Activities for Middle School

Socratic Seminars
Organize seminars where students discuss a text or topic, encouraging them to ask questions, challenge ideas, and support their arguments with evidence. This method not only fosters deep critical thinking but also allows students to practice articulating their thought processes in a collaborative environment.

Debate Teams
Have students engage in debates on current issues, requiring them to research, analyze various viewpoints, and develop coherent arguments. This activity sharpens their decision-making skills as they learn to weigh evidence and articulate their positions effectively. Check out these resources for engaging your students with current events.

Critical Thinking Journals
Encourage students to keep journals where they reflect on daily events, analyze their thoughts, and draw conclusions based on their observations. This practice promotes self-awareness and helps students understand their decision-making processes. Utilize these self-reflection strategies for students, teachers, and leaders to enhance their learning experience.

Bonus: Responsible Decision-Making Activities for the Classroom

Evaluative Thinking for Middle School Students

Evaluation is assessing the credibility of sources, arguments, and evidence to make informed judgments.

Now, think of yourself as a reviewer, critiquing a book or a movie—this is what evaluation is all about! For middle schoolers, honing this skill is essential as they start to encounter more complex information and varying perspectives. It empowers them to assess arguments, differentiate between fact and opinion, and make evidence-based judgments. By practicing evaluation, they enhance their critical thinking and become more adept at navigating information in today’s digital world. Here are some targeted activities to strengthen evaluation skills for middle school learners, preparing them for informed decision-making in the future.

Evaluation Activities for Middle School

Peer Feedback
After completing a project, students can participate in a peer review session where they evaluate each other’s work based on specific criteria. This collaborative process helps them learn how to provide constructive feedback while also developing their own evaluative skills. 

Media Analysis
Have students analyze a commercial or advertisement, evaluating its effectiveness and the techniques used to persuade the audience. They can present their analysis to the class, fostering discussion and critical thinking about media literacy and the messages they encounter daily.

Debate Evaluation
After a debate, students can evaluate the arguments made by both sides, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each position while reflecting on their own performance. This activity encourages them to think critically about reasoning and evidence, enhancing their evaluative capabilities.

Bonus: Peer Feedback: An Essential Skill to Teach

Inference Skills in Middle School

Inference is drawing logical conclusions based on available information and data, even when not all details are clear.

Imagine being a detective, piecing together clues to uncover hidden meanings—this is the essence of inference! It’s about reading between the lines and drawing conclusions based on evidence, a vital skill for navigating complex texts and situations. For middle schoolers, developing these inference skills enables them to engage more deeply with texts and discussions, enhancing their critical thinking and analytical abilities. Here are some interactive activities designed to help students connect the dots and discover deeper meanings.

Inference Activities for Middle School

Textual Evidence
Provide excerpts from a story and have students infer character traits, motivations, and themes based on the text. They can support their inferences with quotes or examples, which not only strengthens their analytical skills but also deepens their engagement with the material. Explore this strategy for teaching text-evidence to enhance understanding.

Observation and Inference
Show students a video clip or a series of images and ask them to make inferences about what’s happening, the characters’ emotions, or the context. Encourage them to explain their reasoning, fostering a discussion that sharpens their observational skills and critical thinking.

Inference in Science
Conduct a simple science experiment (like observing a chemical reaction) and ask students to infer what might happen next based on their observations and prior knowledge. This hands-on activity makes inference relevant and applicable to real-world situations, enhancing their scientific thinking. 

Building Problem-Solving Skills in Middle Schoolers

Problem-solving is the ability to develop strategies to tackle challenges, including identifying root causes and generating creative solutions.

Now, imagine facing a tricky situation and brainstorming creative ways to tackle it—that’s the essence of problem-solving! For middle schoolers, developing this skill is crucial as they encounter more complex challenges. It encourages them to think critically, collaborate with classmates, and adopt a growth mindset when facing obstacles. By learning to analyze problems and explore various solutions, they build the confidence necessary to navigate real-world issues. Here are some targeted activities designed to enhance problem-solving skills for middle school learners.

Problem-Solving Activities for Middle School

Escape Room Activities
Design a classroom escape room with clues and puzzles that require students to work together to solve challenges and “escape” within a set time. This immersive experience not only fosters teamwork but also sharpens their problem-solving abilities. Don’t have time for a physical escape room? Consider a digital breakout instead! You can learn more about them and find a list of ideas here.

Real-World Scenarios
Present students with hypothetical real-world problems (like environmental issues or community challenges) and have them brainstorm and propose solutions. This activity encourages critical thinking and helps them understand the importance of addressing real-life challenges. Read here to learn about how one school successfully tackled a real-world challenge. 

Project-Based Learning
Assign a project where students must solve a problem (e.g., creating a product or service to address a need in their community) and develop a plan, prototype, or presentation. This hands-on approach allows them to apply their problem-solving skills in a practical context while promoting creativity and innovation. Here are 10 examples to explore.

Research Skills for Middle Schoolers

Research is the ability to gather information, analyze it critically, and draw informed conclusions. 

Picture middle school students diving into fascinating topics, exploring resources, and uncovering hidden gems of knowledge—that’s the essence of research for this age group! Developing research skills is crucial as students learn to evaluate sources, synthesize information, and communicate their findings effectively. By enhancing their research skills, middle schoolers prepare for high school and future academic challenges. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to strengthen research skills in middle school learners.

Research Activities for Middle School

Digital Research Projects
Assign students to select a topic of interest and conduct research using digital tools and databases. They can create a multimedia presentation to share their findings with the class, practicing critical evaluation of sources and effective communication.

Research Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt that requires students to find specific information from various sources, such as books, articles, and websites. This activity encourages them to explore different types of resources and enhances their ability to gather relevant data. You can find templates for scavenger hunts on Canva.

Collaborative Research Magazine Project
Have students work in small groups to create a classroom magazine using Google Slides. They can choose a theme or topic, conduct research, and design articles and visuals for their magazine. This project not only fosters teamwork but also enhances their ability to evaluate and synthesize information while practicing digital literacy. For a ready-to-use lesson on this project, check out this resource. 

Critical Thinking Skills for Middle Schoolers

As students transition to middle school, honing critical thinking skills becomes even more vital for their academic and personal growth. Encouraging these skills not only prepares them for future challenges but also boosts their confidence in problem-solving and communication. It’s an exciting time for educators to inspire curiosity and analytical thinking. What strategies do you use to foster critical thinking among your students? I’d love to hear your insights in the comments!

As students dive into the complexities of the world, it’s crucial to equip elementary learners with strong critical thinking skills. One study shows that developing these skills can really boost students’ academic performance and problem-solving abilities. 

When we foster these skills early, we’re setting up our young learners to analyze information, make smart decisions, and adapt to new situations with confidence and creativity. So, let’s jump in and check out some critical thinking skills activities that can help spark curiosity and strengthen these essential skills in elementary students! 

Fostering Adaptability in Elementary School

Adaptability is the ability to embrace new ideas and adjust perspectives based on fresh evidence or insights.

Imagine being a superhero, using your powers to tackle various challenges—that’s the essence of adaptability! For young learners, developing this crucial skill helps them navigate new situations, embrace change, and recover from setbacks. As they learn to adjust their approaches, they build confidence and resilience that will benefit them throughout their lives. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster adaptability skills in elementary students.

Adaptability Activities for Elementary School

Flexible Schedule
Allow students to create their own schedule for a day or a week, but introduce changes along the way (e.g., shifting activities around). This helps them practice adjusting their plans and managing time effectively, giving them a realistic glimpse into daily life!

Team Building Games: Engage students in activities like or “Tower Building” with limited materials. As they work together, introduce new rules or challenges to see how they adapt their strategies.

Mystery Object
Present an object and ask students to come up with multiple uses for it. This fosters flexibility in thinking and encourages them to view challenges from different angles. You might be surprised by the imaginative solutions they come up with.

Bonus: Solo-Cup Engineering Challenge

Enhancing Analysis Skills in Elementary Students

Analysis is the ability to break down complex information into smaller parts, identifying patterns and relationships.

Imagine taking a complex puzzle and breaking it into manageable pieces—now that’s a skill to cherish! It’s all about spotting patterns and relationships that help clarify the big picture. For elementary learners, developing analysis and critical thinking skills is crucial; it empowers them to ask questions, solve problems, and think independently. Here are some fun activities designed to help young students build this essential, future-ready skill. Let’s jump in!

Analysis Activities for Elementary School

Story Mapping
Have students create a visual map of a story, identifying characters, setting, problem, and resolution. This helps them break down and analyze the narrative structure. Plus, it’s a creative way for them to visualize the story elements and see how they connect!

Compare and Contrast
Provide two similar books or stories and ask students to identify differences and similarities in themes, characters, and settings. They can use a Venn diagram to organize their thoughts. This activity not only sharpens their analytical skills but also encourages lively discussions about what makes each story unique. You can find tools to create your own Venn diagrams here.

Data Sorting
Use a simple dataset (like class survey results) and have students categorize the data, creating graphs or charts to represent their findings. This hands-on activity allows them to engage with real information, making analysis feel relevant and exciting!

Bonus: Make”Choose Your Own Adventure” Stories with Google Forms and AI

Collaborative Learning for Elementary Students

Collaboration is working effectively with others, sharing ideas, and integrating different perspectives to reach a common goal.

Imagine a group of young explorers navigating a treasure map together—that’s the essence of collaboration for elementary students! For young learners, developing collaboration skills is essential as it empowers them to communicate, share ideas, and build strong relationships. By fostering collaboration early on, students lay the groundwork for teamwork in future endeavors. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate collaboration skills in elementary learners.

Collaboration Activities for Elementary School

Group Story Creation
Have students sit in a circle and collaboratively create a story, with each student contributing a sentence. This encourages them to listen to each other and build on ideas, fostering communication and teamwork. Try using Story Dice to engage your students.

Team Building Games
Organize simple team-building games, “Pass the Hula Hoop,” that require students to work together to achieve a goal. These activities promote trust and cooperation among classmates. A favorite activity from young learners to adults is Save Fred. Give it a go!

Collaborative Art Project
Provide a large piece of paper or canvas for a group art project where each student adds their own element. This encourages creativity and collaboration as they negotiate how to combine their ideas into a cohesive piece.

Bonus: Friendship Quilts Bring History, Math, and SEL Together

Building Communication Skills Early

Communication is the ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. 

Imagine a group of young friends excitedly sharing their favorite stories—that’s the essence of communication for elementary students! For young learners, developing strong communication skills is essential as it empowers them to express their thoughts, collaborate with peers, and build relationships. By fostering communication skills early on, students lay a solid foundation for future academic and social success. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate communication skills in elementary learners.

Communication Activities for Elementary School

Show and Tell
Organize regular “Show and Tell” sessions where students bring in an item of personal significance and explain its importance to the class. This encourages them to practice speaking in front of others and articulating their thoughts clearly. Explore six communication games and activities for elementary students here. 

Story Circle
Create a story circle where students take turns adding a sentence to a group story. This activity promotes listening skills and encourages them to build on each other’s ideas, enhancing their verbal communication.

Role-Playing
Have students engage in role-playing scenarios that mimic real-life situations, such as ordering food at a restaurant or interviewing for a job. This helps them practice conversational skills and learn how to communicate effectively in different contexts.

Bonus: 14 Editable SEL Check-In Templates

Nurturing Creativity in Young Minds

Creativity is the ability to generate original ideas and think outside the box, an essential skill for students as they navigate a rapidly changing world. 

Imagine cultivating a garden of ideas where each student can plant their own unique vision—that’s the power of creativity! For elementary learners, fostering creativity means encouraging imaginative play and exploration. It empowers them to express their thoughts freely and develop problem-solving skills through innovative projects. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to help elementary school students nurture this vital, future-ready skill. Let’s jump in!

Creativity Activities for Elementary School

Creative Storytelling
Provide students with a set of random images or objects and ask them to create a unique story connecting them. This activity enhances imagination and narrative skills, making it a fun way to develop storytelling abilities. Try the Emoji Writing Prompt generator for some added fun.

Invent a New Game
Challenge students to design a new game with specific rules and objectives. This encourages teamwork and creative thinking, allowing students to express their ideas in a playful context.

STEAM Projects
Integrate STEAM concepts into art by having students create projects that blend creativity with science and technology. For example, they can design a simple machine that performs a specific task using everyday materials or create art using coding platforms. For more inspiring ideas, check out this resource STEM-Tastic Activities.

Empowering Decision-Making in Students

Decision-making is weighing options and outcomes to make choices that align with goals and values.

Imagine being a captain, steering your ship through uncharted waters—that’s what decision-making is all about! For elementary learners, developing this skill is crucial as they begin to understand how to evaluate options and make thoughtful choices. As they practice decision-making, they learn to think critically, consider consequences, and build confidence in their decisions. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster decision-making skills in elementary students, helping them become empowered, thoughtful individuals ready for future challenges.

Decision-Making Activities for Elementary School

Classroom Discussions
Initiate discussions about a story or topic where students must share their opinions and justify them. This encourages them to think critically about their perspectives. Worried about the quieter students? You can find tips here to help everyone participate!

Mystery Box
Place several items in a box and have students guess their purpose. They must explain their reasoning, which promotes observation and analytical skills. This hands-on activity makes decision-making fun and interactive.

What If Scenarios
Present hypothetical scenarios (e.g., “What if animals could talk?”) and have students discuss the implications. This activity fosters imaginative and critical thinking, allowing them to explore different outcomes and their effects. You can find 320 creative questions from Making English Fun to get started. 

Evaluation Skills for Elementary Students

Evaluation is assessing the credibility of sources, arguments, and evidence to make informed judgments.

Imagine being a judge, carefully assessing options and making informed decisions—that’s the essence of evaluation! For elementary learners, developing this skill is key to understanding how to analyze information, weigh pros and cons, and make thoughtful choices. As they practice evaluating different scenarios, they boost their confidence and enhance their critical thinking abilities. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster evaluation skills in elementary students, helping them become discerning thinkers ready for future challenges.

Evaluation Activities for Elementary School

Picture Books Comparison
Have students read two different picture books and evaluate the illustrations, themes, and messages. They can create a chart to compare their findings and share them with the class. This not only hones their evaluation skills but also promotes a love for reading!

Classroom Voting
Present a few ideas for a class project or theme and have students discuss the pros and cons of each. They can then vote, explaining their reasoning for their choice. This activity encourages critical thinking and helps them understand the decision-making process. Need a tool to help with your polling? Try one of these resources.

Product Reviews
Provide students with a simple product (like a toy or game) and have them evaluate its features, benefits, and drawbacks. They can create a poster or a short presentation to share their reviews. This fun activity allows them to practice articulating their evaluations in a creative way.

Inference Skills in Elementary Education

Inference is drawing logical conclusions based on available information and data, even when not all details are clear.

Imagine being a detective, piecing together clues to uncover hidden meanings—this is the essence of inference! It’s all about reading between the lines and drawing conclusions from evidence, which is crucial for navigating complex texts and situations. For young students, developing inference skills is essential; it boosts their confidence as readers and thinkers, helping them understand and engage with the world around them. Here are some engaging activities designed to spark their curiosity and strengthen this important skill.

Inference Activities for Elementary School

Picture Walk
Before diving into a book, take a picture walk! Have your students look at the illustrations and make predictions about the story based on visual clues. This engaging activity encourages them to discuss their inferences as they read, making the story come alive!

Story Predictions
Before finishing a story, ask students to predict the ending based on clues provided throughout the text. Encourage them to share their predictions and the evidence they used to support their inferences. This not only enhances their analytical skills but also fosters a deeper connection with the narrative.

Character Inference
Read a story and pause at key moments to ask students to infer what a character might be thinking or feeling based on their actions and dialogue. This activity helps them develop empathy and critical thinking as they consider different perspectives.

Problem-Solving for Elementary Schoolers

Problem-solving is the ability to develop strategies to tackle challenges, including identifying root causes and generating creative solutions.

Imagine facing a fun challenge and figuring out how to overcome it—that’s the heart of problem-solving! For younger students, developing this skill is key to navigating obstacles, thinking creatively, and building resilience. As they tackle simple problems, they gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment that lays the groundwork for future challenges. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster problem-solving skills in elementary learners.

Problem-Solving Activities for Elementary School

Puzzle Challenges
Provide students with a variety of puzzles (e.g., jigsaw, logic puzzles, digital breakouts or word searches) that require them to think critically to find solutions. This fun and interactive approach encourages them to collaborate and strategize. Check out these puzzle resources and digital breakouts for a quick start!

Math Word Problems
Create real-life scenarios that require students to use math to solve problems, encouraging them to identify the necessary steps to find a solution. This practical application of math not only sharpens their problem-solving skills but also helps them see the relevance of math in everyday life. You can find several examples of real-world math problems here.

Building Structures
Use materials like blocks or recycled items to challenge students to build a structure that meets specific criteria (e.g., height, stability). This hands-on activity fosters teamwork and creative problem-solving, allowing students to learn through trial and error as they bring their ideas to life.

Bonus: The Dump Truck-Incident: An Elementary Problem-Solving Challenge

Research Skills for Young Students

Research is the ability to gather information, analyze it critically, and draw informed conclusions. 

Imagine a group of curious young detectives exploring their world, seeking answers to intriguing questions—that’s the essence of research for elementary students! For young learners, developing research skills is essential as it empowers them to seek knowledge, ask questions, and develop a love for learning. By fostering research skills early on, students build a strong foundation for future academic success. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate research skills in elementary learners.

Research Activities for Elementary School

Question of the Week
Present a new question each week related to a subject the class is studying. Have students research the answer using books, articles, and online resources, then present their findings to the class. This encourages curiosity and helps them practice gathering information.

Nature Journals
Encourage students to keep nature journals where they document observations about plants, animals, and the environment. They can research facts about their observations and incorporate the concepts of Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) to structure their findings. This approach helps them analyze their observations and articulate their understanding more clearly. 

Classroom News Report
Have students create a classroom news report about a recent event or topic they researched. They can include interviews, facts, and their opinions, helping them learn to synthesize information and present it in an engaging format.

Bonus: Resources to Teach Students about News Validity

Incorporating these critical thinking skills into elementary classrooms helps create a strong foundation for young learners. As they engage in activities that promote analysis and adaptability, students are better equipped to face future challenges with confidence. So, what types of activities are you using to foster critical thinking in your classroom? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!