critical thinking game cards

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How to Play 52 Essential Critical Thinking Cards

Ways to play, level 1: knowledge-building.

TAKE TURNS DRAWING A CARD COLLECT 15 TO WIN.

"Bias Blitz"

Announce the cognitive bias name on the top of the card. Players shout out the definition based on the name. The first to guess correctly wins the card. If no one does, reveal the definition and return the card to the draw pile.

"Critical Contemplation"

Read the definition and quote on the card without revealing its name. Players take turns naming this cognitive bias. The player with the closest or funniest name wins the card.

LEVEL 2: COMPREHENSION

TAKE TURNS DRAWING A CARD COLLECT 10 TO WIN.

"Cognitive Conquest"

Read the example on the card out loud. Players take turns guessing the bias name and the cognitive assumptions it involves. The player who guesses correctly collects the card.

"Bias Breakdown"

Explain the concept on your card in terms a 5-year-old would understand. If your explanation helps others guess correctly, you collect the card.

LEVEL 3: REAL-WORLD APPLICATION

COLLECT 8 TO WIN.

"Gaslight Gambit"

Place all cards face up. Watch the news or a political debate. The first player to verbally identify a bias being committed collects the card. BONUS: explain why the bias happened.

"Bias Baffle"

Players take turns describing a scenario from their personal or professional life without naming the bias. Player who guesses correctly collects the card.

LEVEL 4: ANALYSIS

"cognitive clash".

Players take turns choosing two cards that either amplify or counteract each other’s effect. Collect the cards if you successfully persuade the other players of your logical reasoning behind the pairing.

"Bias Breakthrough"

To collect a card, explain strategies we can take to mitigate or avoid the bias. Bonus: describe how implementing these strategies could lead to positive changes.

LEVEL 5: EVALUATE

LAY ALL CARDS FACE UP LEAST NUMBER WINS.

"BS Buster"

Review a social media post, ad, or an opinion article. Identify and summarize any sentences that use cognitive bias to persuade you to do or think a certain way. What impact could these have on readers' views or choices?

"Bias Beacon"

Come up with questions that would expose the bias (assumptions, flaw in thinking) in the identified sentences from above.

Take the Implicit Bias Quiz

Coming soon: bonus scenarios..

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10 Critical Thinking Cards to Enhance Your Problem-Solving Skills

Annie Walls

Critical thinking is a valuable skill that helps individuals approach problems and make informed decisions. By developing problem-solving skills and using critical thinking cards, you can enhance your ability to analyze situations, consider different perspectives, and generate creative solutions. In this article, we will explore 10 critical thinking cards that can improve your problem-solving skills. Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Critical thinking is essential for problem-solving and decision-making.
• Problem-solving skills can be developed through practice and experience.
• Critical thinking cards are a useful tool for enhancing problem-solving abilities.
• Using critical thinking cards can help you analyze problems, consider different perspectives, and generate creative solutions.
• Reflecting on the problem-solving process is important for continuous improvement.

Understanding Critical Thinking

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is a fundamental skill that involves analyzing , evaluating , and interpreting information to make informed decisions and solve problems. It goes beyond simply accepting information at face value and requires a deeper level of reflection and reasoning . Critical thinking enables individuals to question assumptions , consider alternative perspectives , and apply logical reasoning to arrive at well-reasoned conclusions. It is an essential skill in today's complex and rapidly changing world.

Why is Critical Thinking Important?

Critical thinking is essential in today's complex and fast-paced world. It allows individuals to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. By developing critical thinking skills , individuals can navigate through challenges, solve problems, and adapt to changing circumstances. Critical thinking is particularly important in professional settings, where decision-making can have significant consequences. It helps professionals identify biases, consider multiple perspectives, and find innovative solutions. Moreover, critical thinking promotes intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning, enabling individuals to continuously improve their problem-solving abilities.

The Components of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is composed of several key components that work together to enhance problem-solving skills. These components include analytical thinking , which involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts to gain a deeper understanding. Logical reasoning is another important component, as it allows individuals to evaluate information and draw logical conclusions. Additionally, creative thinking plays a crucial role in critical thinking by encouraging individuals to think outside the box and generate innovative solutions. Lastly, open-mindedness is essential in critical thinking as it involves considering different perspectives and being receptive to new ideas.

Developing Problem-Solving Skills

The Importance of Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills are crucial in both personal and professional settings. They enable individuals to identify and overcome challenges, make informed decisions, and find innovative solutions. Effective problem-solving requires a combination of analytical thinking, creativity, and critical evaluation. By developing these skills, individuals can navigate complex situations, adapt to change, and achieve their goals.

How to Develop Problem-Solving Skills

Developing problem-solving skills is essential for overcoming challenges and finding effective solutions. Here are some strategies to help you develop your problem-solving skills:

• Practice critical thinking : Engage in activities that require you to analyze, evaluate, and generate solutions. This could include solving puzzles, playing strategy games, or participating in brainstorming sessions.
• Seek diverse perspectives : Gain different viewpoints by seeking input from others. This can help you consider alternative solutions and broaden your understanding of the problem.
• Learn from past experiences : Reflect on previous problem-solving experiences and identify what worked well and what could be improved. Use these insights to enhance your future problem-solving approaches.
• Embrace creativity : Explore creative problem-solving techniques, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, or lateral thinking. These approaches can help you generate innovative solutions.
• Develop effective communication skills : Effective communication is crucial for problem-solving. Practice active listening, ask clarifying questions, and communicate your ideas clearly and concisely.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can enhance your problem-solving skills and become a more effective critical thinker.

Overcoming Common Problem-Solving Challenges

Problem-solving can be a complex process that requires careful consideration and analysis. It is not uncommon to encounter challenges along the way. However, with the right strategies and mindset, these challenges can be overcome effectively.

Using Critical Thinking Cards

What are Critical Thinking Cards?

Critical Thinking Cards are a tool used to enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills. They are a set of cards, each containing a specific prompt or question that encourages individuals to think critically about a problem or situation. These cards can be used individually or in a group setting, and they provide a structured approach to analyzing problems and generating creative solutions. By using Critical Thinking Cards, individuals can improve their ability to identify assumptions, evaluate evidence, consider alternative perspectives, and make informed decisions. They are a valuable resource for anyone looking to develop their problem-solving skills and enhance their critical thinking abilities.

Benefits of Using Critical Thinking Cards

Using critical thinking cards can provide several benefits in enhancing problem-solving skills. One of the key benefits is that they offer a structured approach to analyzing and evaluating problems, allowing individuals to break down complex issues into manageable components. This helps in gaining a deeper understanding of the problem and identifying potential solutions.

Another benefit is that critical thinking cards promote collaboration and teamwork . By using these cards, individuals can engage in discussions and brainstorming sessions with their peers, sharing different perspectives and ideas. This collaborative approach fosters creativity and encourages innovative thinking.

Additionally, critical thinking cards can improve decision-making . They provide a framework for considering various factors, such as assumptions, evidence, and alternative perspectives, which helps in making informed and rational decisions. By using these cards, individuals can evaluate the pros and cons of different options and choose the most suitable course of action.

Furthermore, critical thinking cards enhance problem-solving skills . They encourage individuals to think critically, analyze information, and generate creative solutions. By practicing with these cards, individuals can develop their problem-solving abilities and become more effective in addressing complex challenges.

In summary, using critical thinking cards offers a structured approach to problem-solving, promotes collaboration and teamwork, improves decision-making, and enhances problem-solving skills.

How to Use Critical Thinking Cards Effectively

When using critical thinking cards, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Format at most one important keyword in bold and use italics for subtle emphasis where needed.
• Do not include the H3 heading in the paragraph.
• Implement a table for presenting structured, quantitative data. Ensure it's succinct and formatted correctly in Markdown.
• Use a bulleted or numbered list for less structured content, like steps, qualitative points, or a series of related items.
• Optionally, include a Markdown blockquote for important tips or advice, avoiding citing sources.
• Do not include images.
• Content should be split into multiple short paragraphs.

10 Critical Thinking Cards for Problem-Solving

Card 1: Analyzing the Problem

Analyzing the problem is a crucial step in the problem-solving process. It involves breaking down the problem into smaller components and examining each one individually. This allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the problem and identify any underlying issues or root causes. By analyzing the problem, you can uncover important insights that will guide your problem-solving approach.

Card 2: Identifying Assumptions

Identifying assumptions is a crucial step in critical thinking and problem-solving. Assumptions are the underlying beliefs or ideas that we often take for granted without questioning. By identifying assumptions, we can uncover hidden biases and challenge our own thinking. This process allows us to consider alternative perspectives and explore new possibilities. It is important to be aware of our assumptions and examine them critically to ensure that they are valid and reliable.

Card 3: Evaluating Evidence

Evaluating evidence is a crucial step in the critical thinking process. It involves carefully examining the information and data available to determine its reliability, validity, and relevance to the problem at hand. By evaluating evidence, you can make informed decisions and avoid basing your conclusions on faulty or biased information. It is important to consider the source of the evidence, the methodology used to gather it, and any potential biases that may be present. Additionally, critically analyzing the evidence allows you to identify any gaps or inconsistencies that may exist. This helps you to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the problem and potential solutions.

Card 4: Considering Alternative Perspectives

In the realm of problem-solving, considering alternative perspectives is crucial. It's about stepping outside your own viewpoint and examining the problem from different angles. This approach not only enhances creativity but also leads to more robust solutions.

Why is this so important? In a world where 45 percent of jobs are expected to be automated in the next two decades, the distinctly human competitive advantage lies in our ability to be creative and innovate. By considering alternative perspectives, we tap into this potential.

• Look at the problem through the lens of different stakeholders.
• Ask 'What if?' to challenge the status quo and explore new possibilities.
• Use tools like colorful post-it notes, pens, and paper to visually map out various perspectives.

Tip: Remember that collaboration often sparks innovation. Embrace the concept of SUPERCOLLABORATION™, where human and AI efforts combine to create solutions that neither could achieve alone.

Whether you're working alone or in a team, make space for diverse viewpoints. If possible, utilize a flipchart or whiteboard to help visualize and compare different perspectives. The more colorful and engaging the process, the more likely you are to unlock creative solutions.

Card 5: Generating Creative Solutions

Generating creative solutions is a crucial step in problem-solving. It involves thinking outside the box and exploring unconventional ideas. By breaking free from traditional thinking patterns, you can uncover innovative solutions that may not have been considered before. This process requires open-mindedness and a willingness to challenge assumptions. It is important to encourage brainstorming and idea generation without judgment or criticism. Creativity is key in this stage, as it allows for the exploration of new possibilities and perspectives.

Card 6: Assessing Risks and Benefits

Assessing the risks and benefits is a crucial step in the problem-solving process. It involves evaluating the potential positive outcomes and negative consequences of different options or solutions. By carefully considering the risks and benefits, you can make more informed decisions and minimize potential pitfalls. One effective way to assess risks and benefits is by using a decision matrix. A decision matrix is a tool that helps you compare and evaluate different options based on their potential risks and benefits. It allows you to assign weights to different factors and calculate a score for each option. This can help you objectively analyze the risks and benefits and choose the best course of action.

Card 7: Making Informed Decisions

Making informed decisions is a crucial aspect of problem-solving. It involves gathering relevant information, analyzing the available options, and considering the potential outcomes. By making informed decisions, you can minimize risks and maximize the chances of finding effective solutions. To make informed decisions, it is important to:

Card 8: Reflecting on the Process

Reflecting on the problem-solving process is an essential step in developing critical thinking skills. It allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of your approach and identify areas for improvement. By taking the time to reflect , you can gain valuable insights and learn from your experiences. Here are some key points to consider when reflecting on the process:

• Assess the outcomes: Evaluate the results of your problem-solving efforts. Did you achieve the desired outcome? Were there any unexpected outcomes?
• Analyze your decision-making: Reflect on the decisions you made throughout the process. Were they based on sound reasoning and evidence?
• Identify strengths and weaknesses: Recognize your strengths in problem-solving and areas where you can improve.

Tip: Keep a reflective journal to document your thoughts and observations. This can help you track your progress and identify patterns or trends in your problem-solving approach.

Welcome to my article section on my website, where I share valuable insights and resources to inspire creative problem-solving. In this article, I will introduce you to 10 critical thinking cards that can help you enhance your problem-solving skills. These cards are designed to stimulate your thinking and encourage innovative solutions. Whether you are a business professional, an entrepreneur, or a student, these cards will provide you with a fresh perspective and empower you to tackle challenges with confidence. To learn more about problem-solving and unleash your creative potential, visit my website Keynote Speaker James Taylor - Inspiring Creative Minds. Discover how I can help you and your team develop critical thinking skills and drive innovation in your organization. Take the first step towards unlocking your problem-solving abilities and visit my website today!

In conclusion, these 10 critical thinking cards provide a valuable tool for enhancing problem-solving skills. By utilizing these cards, individuals can develop their ability to think critically, analyze information, and make informed decisions. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply looking to improve your problem-solving abilities, incorporating these cards into your routine can have a significant impact. So, why wait? Start using these critical thinking cards today and unlock your full problem-solving potential!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is critical thinking.

Critical thinking is the ability to objectively analyze and evaluate information to form a reasoned judgment or decision.

Why is critical thinking important?

Critical thinking is important because it helps individuals make informed decisions, solve complex problems, and evaluate arguments and evidence.

How can I develop problem-solving skills?

You can develop problem-solving skills by practicing critical thinking, seeking out new challenges, and learning from your experiences.

What are critical thinking cards?

Critical thinking cards are a tool that prompts individuals to think critically and consider different aspects of a problem or situation.

What are the benefits of using critical thinking cards?

Using critical thinking cards can enhance problem-solving skills, encourage creative thinking, and improve decision-making abilities.

How can I use critical thinking cards effectively?

To use critical thinking cards effectively, start by analyzing the problem, consider different perspectives, generate creative solutions, and evaluate the risks and benefits.

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52 Essential Critical Thinking: Flash Cards for Problem Solving & Decision Making, Smart Games to Detect Cognitive Biases in Speech, Debate, Writing, Media, for Teens & Adults - by Harvard Educator

Conversation Skills

Critical Thinking

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Interview Skills

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Brand	Mind Brain Emotion
Size	Medium
Material	Sturdy cards with tin case for repeat use
Educational objective	spot common biases
Theme	Language
Age range (description)	Adult
Number of pieces	52
Product Dimensions	10.2L x 7.6W Centimetres
Global Trade Identification Number	00860258002238

About this item

• 🏆 WINNER, 2021 NAPPA Awards | Developed by Harvard Educator to help you uncover cognitive biases, fallacies, heuristics, and blind spots.
• 🎓 REMEMBER & APPLY critical thinking skills NOW | practical card game that combines core knowledge from behavioral science, social psychology, economics, cognitive science books and workbooks.
• ✔️ SMARTER problem solving and decision making for youth through adulthood | Includes How to Play guide with 10 levels of play from beginner to expert. Pedagogically aligned with Bloom's Taxonomy.
• ✌️ LEVEL UP discussions @ home, school, and work | Use in English Language Arts, Social Studies, Media Literacy, Speech and Debate. Ice breaker, social circles or table topics discussion.
• 🤣 Learning while having FUN | Become a WISER communicator, FASTER BS detective, and SMARTER consumer, SAVVIER investor, and KINDER human being.

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Batteries Required?	‎No
Batteries Included?	‎No
Material type(s)	‎Sturdy cards with tin case for repeat use
Colour	‎Glossy Multicolor Cards With Sturdy Tin Case
Manufacturer recommended age	‎8 years and up
Manufacturer reference	‎CT_Amazon
Product Dimensions	‎10.16 x 7.62 x 2.54 cm; 140 g
ASIN	‎B09FYL1Y1V

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Customer Reviews	4.4 out of 5 stars
Best Sellers Rank	#37,457 in Toys & Games ( ) #309 in
Date First Available	Sept. 12 2021
Manufacturer	Mind Brain Emotion

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Price	$45.00$45.00	$45.00$45.00	$61.26$61.26	$59.30$59.30	$45.00$45.00	$45.00$45.00
Ages	5+	10+	10+	10+	8+ (3-6th)	11+ (6-8th)
Focus	Social Emotional Learning Competencies	Emotional Intelligence, Relationship Skills	Coping Skills, Emotional Resilience & Agility	Communications, Admissions, Job Interviewing	Friendships, Character Ed, Social Cues	Life Skills, Responsible Decision Making
What's Inside?	CASEL-aligned SEL competencies to develop social and emotional skills	Guided language, strategies to strengthen relationships	Actionable exercises to manage big emotions, anxiety	200+ Insider Questions, Interview Criteria & Focus Areas	Real situations, prompts to build social & academic confidence	Relatable dilemmas to practice problem-solving
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Critical Thinking for Understanding Deck

Goals: to foster regular critical analysis of any creative endeavor, particularly: visual arts, performing arts and literature. , uses: teacher-lead group discussion, student pairings, individual written response, or in a museum setting as a stimulus for conversation and deeper appreciation. .

I plan to publish this activity as a playing card deck for classroom and home use with accompanying curriculum links and lessons to adapt for many educational settings. I'm excited about the wonderful student conversations that have formed as a result of this activity and I look forward to sharing it with others.

Download and print a deck to use in your classroom!

Cognitive biases make our judgments irrational. We have evolved to use shortcuts in our thinking, which are often useful, but a cognitive bias means there’s a kind of misfiring going on causing us to lose objectivity. This website has been designed to help you identify some of the most common biases stuffing up your thinking. Click on the icons above to see full explanations on link-able pages e.g. yourbias.is/confirmation-bias and share this website to help make the world a more rational and thinky place:

Critical Thinking Cards

Get yourself a deck of these pretty great high-quality cards featuring 24 logical fallacies, 24 cognitive biases, and 3 game cards. Play watching cable news or a political debate!

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7 Games for Critical Thinking that Add Play to Your Day

Let’s talk about the importance of PLAY and games in our classrooms today. Do you agree with the following?

Learning should be fun.

Learning should be engaging.

Learning should be JOYFUL!

I thought so! For children (and adults) play is a key the way the brain learns. When our students complete puzzles, they are working on problem-solving skills. When they play a game with rules to follow, they are learning how to cooperate and interact with others. When they play against an opponent, they are learning how to develop strategies, predict outcomes, and use logical thinking skills.  What a better way to squeeze in play than with critical thinking games in the classroom? In this post, I’ll share seven of my favorite critical thinking games for primary students.

For your convenience, I’ve added links to the materials I talk about within the blog post. These are Amazon Affiliate links. This just means Amazon tosses a few cents my way if you make a purchase with the links – at absolutely, positively, no extra cost to you! These little links help me to continue sharing ideas, freebies, and giveaways with you on the site. 

Finding Time for Games in the Classroom

Time. It’s a four-letter word that teachers across the world have a love-hate relationship with. “There’s not enough time!” is a phrase one will frequently hear from a kindergarten teacher as much as a middle school teacher. We know that our students need time to play and have fun in school. We know that games promote SO MANY wonderful skills and brain-friendly challenges for our students.  In addition to Pinterest, teaching blogs, IG, and educational websites, I like to turn to the shelves of stores such as Target, Walmart, and Toys R Us for critical thinking games that my students will love to play! There are TONS of educational and high-quality games that you can find pre-assembled and ready to go- for a great price! So, when can we squeeze games into the classroom? Below are some of my favorite times to add board games and mind-challenging games into our schedule:

• Morning Work
• Small Groups
• Indoor Recess
• Friday Game Days (Use small group time or morning work time for games!)
• Math Centers
• Literacy Centers
• Word Work Centers

Teaching Students How to Play

It’s important to model how to play each game with your students. The critical thinking games I am going to share in this post take a lot of brain energy! They are designed to be fun- but challenging- for your students. As a result, don’t expect students to pick up how to play instantly and be able to independently play the games right away. I like to model and play the games with my students at the small group table. For example, every time I introduce a new Brainamin short or long vowel game as a word work center for my students, we play it at the small group table. I do this for math and literacy centers, too.  In this way, I can correctly show students the materials, the rules, and I can even play with them to model my thinking and let them hear what I am thinking as I strategize my next moves and make decisions throughout the game. When students have had ample time to play and see how the game works WITH you, they will be more confident and have more fun when they play with their friends and classmates.

Organizing Your Games

Whenever possible, I like to get rid of the boxes the games come in and put them into plastic tubs. The boxes just seem to deteriorate over time, and the lids on the plastic bins help us keep everything tidy and organized. I use many of my critical thinking games during morning work time on Mondays and Fridays and during math and literacy centers. (On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays we use my See, Think, Wonder, Write routine for morning work .) I will be sharing more about my morning tub time (or what I like to call, Brain Bins) in future blog posts. For now, you can find the bins I use to store my critical thinking games in the links below. You’ll find two sizes of bins. For games that have a board game to them, I like to use the larger, flatter bins. For card games or other critical thinking materials such as the toys and activities I mentioned in this post , I use the medium bins because they take up less space and are really deep!

Medium Bins:

Now, let’s get started learning about seven really fun games that you can use for centers in your classroom. These games will challenge your students’ minds, while encouraging them to use problem-solving, critical thinking, logical thinking, deductive reasoning skills, and most importantly, have fun learning!

Hoot Owl Hoot

If you teach little ones, Hoot Owl Hoot is a MUST. Hoot Owl Hoot is designed by a company called Peaceable Kingdom. This is an award-winning game that focuses on cooperative play. (The game won the  Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award.) The object of the game is to help the owls fly back to their nest before the sun comes up. Students use color cards to move the owls closer to the nest. If they draw a sun card, they are one step closer to daylight. The BEST part of this game? EVERYONE wins! That’s right. The students must work together to get all of the owls to their nest. Whether you have a preschooler at home or teach kindergarten or first grade, this is a great game for kids! On top of the cooperative play, students have to use problem-solving skills and shared decision-making skills to be successful. It’s truly a wonderful game that challenges little ones’ thinking skills while having fun with friends!

SEQUENCE LETTERS

Sequence Letters is a game designed for ages 4-7, making it the perfect literacy and word work center for the kindergarten and first-grade classroom. To play, students name the letter on their card, say the sound for that letter, and then match it to a picture on the board that begins with that letter sound. The object is to get five of your game tokens in a row on the board. Can we talk about how perfect this game is for an intervention group or kindergarten small reading lesson?! What I love even more is that the letter cards feature the letter in both uppercase and lowercase, so students are seeing both forms every time they play. Sequence Letters is a game that every primary teacher needs to add to their classrooms!

SEQUENCE FOR KIDS

Sequence for Kids is another version in the Sequence games line-up. This is a great critical thinking game for students who cannot yet read, and it makes the perfect indoor recess game for strategy skills! At first, the initial concept of the game seems TOO easy: Students simply place a token on the picture on the board that matches the picture on their card. When a player gets four tokens in a row, he or she wins. Don’t let this game fool you! There is a lot of thinking-rich strategy skills involved when playing this game. You see, in addition to the picture cards, there are also unicorn and dragon cards. A unicorn card allows you to place your game token anywhere on the board. A dragon card allows you to remove an opponent’s game token. Now, you’ve got a game that involves some “if this…then that” thinking! Which, my friends, are the games I love for kids! You can find Sequence for Kids below:

Brain-Freeze

If you don’t own Brain-Freeze , RUN and get it! It is not only engaging, fun, and child-friendly, but it is the perfect strategy game for young students ages 5 and up. Brain-Freeze reminds me of a cooler version of Guess Who for kids. It also builds mental skills such as memory, deductive-reasoning, and strategy skills. It received multiple awards for children and only takes about 15 minutes to play. That amount of playing time makes it an ideal game to place in a literacy center or math center for kindergarten, first-grade, and second-grade students. To play, one child chooses a sweet treat off of the “menu” and circles characteristics of the treat on their game board. The other child guesses and asks questions about what the sweet treat is, just like in the game, Guess Who? Using a dry-erase marker, the player who is guessing crosses out and eliminates different choices based on the clues and the answers the first player gives. The object is to correctly guess the sweet treat the first player secretly chose at the beginning of the game. This game is also wonderful for asking questions and using inference skills! Find it here:

Let’s move on to some more challenging games. These next few games are great for second-grade and up. On the Dot is a challenging puzzle game that requires focus, creative thinking, and an ability to look at things from new perspectives. It’s a true brainteaser that students will love! To play, students choose two transparent cards. The cards have colored dots on them. The student must rotate, flip, turn, or overlap the cards in order to get the dots on both cards to match up. This game is great for building and practicing logical thinking, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving. With 60 different puzzles to match up, On the Dot is a game that can stay in your bins for a long time!

Swish is a game designed for ages 8 and up. It reminds me of On the Dot with transparent cards and colored hoops, or circles. Players take turns stacking and matching up the colored cards. When a match is made, the player keeps both cards. The player with the most matches wins. After playing this game a few times, I decided the Swish Junior game would be the best version to start with in the primary classroom. The pace would go faster and kindergarten and first-grade students would feel more confident and successful. In the Junior version (ages 5+), players layer or stack two or more transparent cards to make a match. The cards have shapes on them in various colors and sizes, making it a much better game for primary students! The Junior version would be great for building spatial reasoning skills and promoting shape recognition. You can find the Swish Junior version below:

For my last critical thinking game, I can’t get enough of my Brainamin games! In this post, I’ll feature the CVC-e and long vowel edition , but I also have a Brainamin Short Vowel Bundle and a B rainamin Vowel Teams Bundle available, too. This is one of the best games to add to a morning tub or literacy center, and it’s certainly fun to use as a small group warm-up game! If you have students who are struggling with  decoding and phonics skills, these games also make a nice change of pace for an intervention group. To play, students flip over two cards: a word card, and a picture card. The students will scan the cards and find the matching word and picture, as shown below:

There is only one match, so the students must think fast and be the first person to find it. The student who finds the match first gets to keep both cards in his or her pile. The student who has the most matches in his or her pile at the end of the game wins. (You can also just play for fun and not keep “score” using the matches.) Let’s play again. Can you find the matching word and picture in the cards shown below?

SO fun, right?! What I love MOST about Brainamin is that you can play with a group of students, or with just two students. In fact, students can even play against themselves as an independent game as they race to find the matches among the deck of cards. Brainamin not only improves phonics skills but it also works on visual discrimination skills, critical thinking skills, deductive reasoning, decoding, and fluency for word recall. You can find the different Brainamin bundles and games that I have available by below:

• Brainamin Short Vowels (cvc words)
• Brainamin Long Vowels (cvc-e words)
• Brainamin Vowel Teams
• …more to come in the future!

Try Brainamin for FREE!

You can learn more about critical thinking AND get a FREE Brainamin Short A game pack in a blog post I wrote by clicking HERE or on the blog post image below:

I hope you enjoyed learning about these seven games for critical thinking in the primary classroom! I know they will add fun, play, and lots of great thinking skills into your classroom routine. In order to save this post for later or share it with a colleague, feel free to use the image below to PIN IT on Pinterest !

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One Comment

Loved all the games which you have shared with us. Perfect way to engage kids in such fun games for long hours which helps to nurture their overall growth. In this world of technology. where kids are inclined more towards playing online or video games, which affects their physical as well as mental growth. I think it the responsibility of parents to involve kids in games or activities which helps to improve their overall development. Saved your entire list of games to incorporate these in regular kids play. Thanks for sharing such an awesome list of games with us.

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Group games are ideal for developing critical-thinking skills.

The link between critical thinking and one’s education is obvious – you can’t learn well unless you think well.

Critical thinking is the ability to look at problems in new ways, to analyse how parts of a whole interact with one another and to interpret information and draw conclusions.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills were once thought to be the domain of gifted people. Today, they are necessary for every individual and group who seeks to make sensible decisions about financial, health, civic, workplace and leisure activities.

The solutions to international concerns such as climate change and global warming require highly developed critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. These skills include the ability to effectively analyse and evaluate evidence, arguments, claims and beliefs.

Benefits of Developing Critical-Thinking Abilities

The ability to solve interesting and unfamiliar problems often leads to the development of other skills such as increased engagement, higher concentration levels and improved thought processing.

Here are a few examples of experiences that occur in many programs which may provide you with an opportunity to focus on problem-solving skills:

• Forming a project team to solve an existing, yet complex problem.
• Thinking of a new campaign slogan to broadcast a difficult, yet important message.
• Adopting a rational, analytical and evidence-based approach to investigate a conflict.
• Challenging one of your group’s long-held beliefs or practices.

Naturally, one of the most powerful (not to mention, enjoyable) ways to develop and strengthen your group’s problem-solving skills is to employ the use of fun group games.

Group Activities Which Develop Critical-Thinking Skills

The images below provide links to a sample of simple group activities which may help you develop the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities of your group, drawn from playmeo’s ever-expanding activity database .

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Ideation card decks have been used to stimulate ideas since the beginning of movable type. Brainstorming cards will stretch and flex your mental muscles to find ideas that would have been easily overlooked.

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Deck of 54 Creative Thinking cards includes: • Idea Generators • Perspective Shifts • Mental Models • Provocations • Group Brainstorming Tools

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A logical fallacy is a flaw in reasoning. Logical fallacies are like tricks or illusions of thought, and they're often very sneakily used by politicians and the media to fool people. Don't be fooled! This website has been designed to help you identify and call out dodgy logic wherever it may raise its ugly, incoherent head. Rollover the icons above and click for examples. If you see someone committing a fallacy, link them to it e.g. yourlogicalfallacyis.com/strawman

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Welcome to the Wisdom Economy

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