Do you ever wonder what sets apart a critical thinker from the rest? It’s all about analytical and high order thinking skills! These skills go beyond memorization and basic understanding; they involve analyzing, evaluating, and creating. Delving into high order thinking doesn’t require a fancy degree or expensive tools.

This concluding blog post wraps up our series on understanding and developing high-order thinking skills in children, providing a comprehensive guide for parents and educators.

●Here are some very easy, home-based activities to help you understand, develop and master these essential HOTS skills.

1.Analyze and Evaluate

a.)Movie Reviews: Watch a movie together and discuss it afterward. Ask questions like: What was the main message? How were the characters developed? What could have been done differently?Which character portrayed a positive/negative role?
b.)Book Club: Start a mini-book club with friends or family. After reading a chapter or two, gather to discuss the plot, characters, and themes. Encourage everyone to share their opinions and interpretations.

2.Problem-Solving

a.)Puzzle Mania: Work on jigsaw puzzles or brain teasers as a group. Collaborate as a team or opponent to solve the puzzle, discussing strategies and sharing insights along the way.
b.)DIY Projects: Take on simple DIY projects around the house. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet or building a birdhouse, each project presents its own set of challenges to tackle and overcome.

3.Creativity and Innovation

a.)Art Exploration: Experiment with different colours, textures, art mediums like painting, sculpting, or crafting. Encourage everyone to let their imagination run wild and express themselves freely.
b.)Storytelling Sessions: Sit in a circle and take turns creating a story one sentence at a time. Build upon each other’s ideas to craft an imaginative tale together.

4.Critical Thinking

a.)Debate Night: Choose a topic of interest and have a friendly debate with friends or family. Research both sides of the argument and present your points logically and persuasively.
b.)Mystery Solving: Set up a mystery scenario (e.g., a missing item in the house) and work together to gather clues and solve the mystery using deductive reasoning.

5.Reflective Thinking

a.)Journaling Journey: Encourage journaling as a way to reflect on thoughts, experiences, and emotions. Set aside time each day to write freely and introspectively.
b.)Mindfulness Moments: Practice mindfulness exercises together, such as deep breathing or meditation. Take time to be present in the moment and reflect on sensations, thoughts, and feelings.

●Now let’s see some easy, fun games to master the HOTS skills.

1. Puzzles and Brain Teasers:
    a.) Jigsaw puzzles, Rubik’s Cube, logic puzzles, and riddles that challenge problem-solving and critical thinking.

2. Sorting and Categorization:
    a.) Sorting objects by shape, color, size, or function (e.g., categorizing toys or blocks).
    b.) Creating categories and labels for a collection of items (e.g., categorizing rocks or leaves).

3. Pattern Recognition:
   a.) Creating and extending patterns using blocks, shapes, or colors (e.g., ABAB or AABB patterns).
    b.) Identifying patterns in nature (e.g., leaf arrangements or branch patterns).

4. Open-Ended Questions:
   a.) Asking questions that prompt creative thinking and problem-solving (e.g., “What would happen if…”, “How might we…”, or “What would you do if…”).
   b.) Encouraging children to ask their own questions and explore answers.

5. Story Sequencing:
   a.) Cutting out scenes from a story and reassembling them in order.
   b.) Creating a timeline of events from a story or personal experience.

6. Science Experiments:
   a.) Simple experiments with materials like playdough, slime, or baking soda and vinegar.
  b.) Observing and recording the effects of light, water, or temperature on plants or materials.

7. Logic Games:
   a.) Playing games like Chess, Checkers, or Logic Grids that require strategic thinking.
   b.) Solving logic puzzles or brain teasers that require deductive reasoning.

8. Creative Writing and Drawing:
  a.) Writing stories or poetry that explore imagination and creativity.
  b.) Drawing or painting scenes or characters from stories or personal experiences.

9. Role-Playing:
    a.) Acting out scenarios or stories with props and costumes.
   b.) Practicing social skills like empathy, communication, and problem-solving.

10. Scavenger Hunts:
   a.) Creating lists of items to find around the house or neighborhood.
   b.) Solving clues or riddles to find hidden items.

11. Building and Construction:
   a.) Building structures or creations with blocks, LEGOs, or Magna-Tiles.
   b.) Designing and building bridges, towers, or other structures.

12. Card Games:
   a.) Playing games like “What’s Missing?” or “Memory Match” that require critical thinking.
   b.) Creating and playing card games that require strategy and problem-solving.

13. Mazes and Labyrinths:
  a.) Solving paper or digital mazes.
  b.) Creating and navigating physical or digital labyrinths.

14. Debates and Discussions:
  a.) Engaging in respectful debates or discussions on topics of interest.
  b.) Practicing active listening, empathy, and effective communication.

●ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) can also be a great way to develop high-order thinking skills in children with autism. Here are some examples of ADLs that can promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity:

1. Cooking and Meal Preparation:
    – Following recipes
    – Measuring ingredients
    – Sequencing steps
    – Adjusting recipes

2. Laundry and Clothing Care:
    – Sorting clothes
    – Identifying fabrics
    – Following washing instructions
    – Folding and organizing clothes

3. Personal Care and Hygiene:
    – Following routines
    – Identifying needs (e.g., brushing teeth)
    – Problem-solving (e.g., what to do if soap is empty)
    – Sequencing steps (e.g., showering, dressing)

4. Cleaning and Organization:
    – Sorting and categorizing objects
    – Following cleaning schedules
    – Identifying messes and solutions
    – Organizing spaces and materials

5. Time Management and Scheduling:
    – Creating schedules
    – Prioritizing tasks
    – Estimating time needed
    – Adjusting plans

6. Shopping and Budgeting:
    – Making lists
    – Comparing prices
    – Calculating totals
    – Making change

7. Safety and Emergency Procedures:
    – Identifying risks
    – Following safety rules
    – Creating emergency plans
    – Practicing drills

8. Transportation and Navigation:
    – Following routes
    – Identifying landmarks
    – Using maps and GPS
    – Problem-solving (e.g., what to do if lost)

9. Communication and Social Skills:
    – Initiating conversations
    – Active listening
    – Problem-solving (e.g., resolving conflicts)
    – Adaptating communication styles

10. Self-Advocacy and Self-Regulation:
    – Identifying needs and wants
    – Expressing feelings and thoughts
    – Self-monitoring and self-regulation
    – Advocating for oneself

*Remember to break down complex tasks into smaller steps, provide support and guidance as needed, and encourage independence and problem-solving.

By engaging in these simple yet enriching activities, you can cultivate and enhance your child’s high order thinking skills. Adapt activities to your child’s interests, abilities, and learning style, and provide support and guidance as needed. Encourage and celebrate their efforts and progress! Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about the journey of continuous learning and growth. So, gather your loved ones, spark your curiosity, and embark on an exciting adventure of mental exploration!

Author Shilpi Mayank Awasthi Founder SpecialSaathi