critical thinking activities for preschooler

Seven Popular Critical Thinking Activities for Preschoolers

In this post, we will discover seven critical thinking activities for preschoolers that are simple, easy to set up and fun to play.

Critical thinking is one of the most important skills that children need to master in order to become successful in tomorrow’s world.

I remember when I was a student, schools relied heavily on memorization and basically repeating as accurately as possible what the teacher or a book said. Schools praised “recorder students”.

Although things have started to change and in some schools, logical thinking is encouraged and taught, unfortunately, many schools still have this antiquated system in which children simply repeat a list of facts.

Kids need to be able to process information, analyze a situation, make inferences, compare and contrast.

As parents, we need to help our children reach a higher level of logical reasoning as it is a prized skill nowadays.

Although children will develop their thinking skills through day-to-day interactions, we can also help them build a strong foundation by playing logical thinking games with them whenever possible.

To this end, here are seven simple critical thinking activities for preschoolers that are easy to set up. Most only require building blocks, pen and paper, toys that you already have in your house or a printable.

This post ma y contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read my full disclosure  here .

Thinking Games for Preschoolers

The odd one out.

The Odd One Out is a great thinking game to play with kids. It improves their critical thinking by using their knowledge of patterns, vocabulary, differences and similarities.

There are a few ways of playing The Odd One Out:

• online games
• using toys around the house
• as a listening activity by saying words

For those who are new to this game, let me explain it. You present the child with four objects or images. Three of those objects have something in common while the fourth is not connected in any way to the three. The child has to identify the “intruder”. Of course, the game is not limited to four objects, you can choose to have more.

What Comes Next (Patterns)

A good yet simple reasoning game for kids is What Comes Next. Patterns teach children what comes next thus teaching them to make logical connections and use their critical thinking.

Understanding patterns help us make educated guesses, assumptions and provide order in a world that may seem chaotic.

What Comes Next is a simple game that, like The Odd One Out, can be played using worksheets, toys around the house, apps and computer games.

I like playing this game with building blocks as it allows me to practice colours, sizes, numbers and more.

Books offer great opportunities to practice reasoning skills.

When reading to your child, simply stop and ask open-ended questions like “What do you think will happen to X (the character)?” or “What do you think X will do now?”

This will encourage the child to make assumptions and come up with creative answers.

There’s nothing better than a riddle to fire up those brain cells and improve their thinking skills. Riddles are great because they help children focus on one problem until they find the solution, they exercise the brain (like any muscle, it needs to be used in order to stay in shape), they encourage children to think outside the box and come up with creative answers, not to mention that they are fun and don’t need any prep work.

The internet is full of riddles for kids so all you have to do is search for some. Here are some ideas.

Match the shadow

Shadow Matching is a simple activity for young kids that helps them enhance their problem-solving skills. It is a great activity for visual discrimination and memory, observing patterns, similarities and differences.

You can download this cute Farm Animals Shadow Matching Game for free.

Tic Tac Toe

Most of us are familiar with this game as it has been around for a very long time (ancient Egyptians have invented it, would you believe it).

Tic Tac Toe is a simple game, although apparently there are 255.000 different outcomes, that can be played with kids as young as two or three years of age.

The rules are easy to understand: there are two players, one has X as a symbol and the other one a 0. They play on a 3×3 grid and the goal is for the players to put their symbols three times in a row, either vertically, horizontally or diagonally.

You can play Tic Tac Toe either the traditional way, with pen and paper, or get the game with manipulatives which will definitely be more attractive for kids.

This Tic Tac Toe from Melissa&Doug looks fantastic!

Choose something…

This is a simple, yet effective critical thinking activity for preschoolers, although it can very well be played with toddlers as well.

You can play this game using either images or toys around the house. The idea is simple: present the child with six toys (there can be more or less depending on the child’s age). Make sure that some toys have similarities (colour, shape, material etc).

The child has to choose the correct toy/image based on your description. Take the picture above as an example. Some of the sentences that I used with my boy were:

• Choose something that is round but hasn’t got bumps on it.
• Choose something that is a cube and made of wood.
• Choose something that is a cube but hasn’t got numbers on it.
• Choose something that has a square shape but it’s not a cube.

Although it is true that children will develop their critical thinking through everyday interactions, we can always help them boost this very important skill by playing games with them like the ones presented above.

Brain-Boosting Memory Match Games

Fun Activities for Critical Thinking

Shape Matc hing Activity from Recycled Paper

Activities for Thinking Skills Development

I hope you found this post useful and that these critical thinking activities for preschoolers will provide moments of fun and learning for your little one(s).

If you liked this article don’t forget to share it 😉

Mom of two wonderful children, dedicated teacher and book lover.

5 thoughts on “Seven Popular Critical Thinking Activities for Preschoolers”

Great ideas! My daughter is about to start preschool and one of the activities we were encouraged to do over school holidays was asking to guess what will happen next in a book. I think she’d really enjoyable the other suggestions too.

These are all great ideas that are sure to get kids engaged! I know for sure my four year old loves questions, so he’ll respond really well to these. Thank you for the fantastic post 🙂

Great activities. I love engaging kids in critical thinking activities and puzzle, keeps their mind sharp and help develop their problem solving skills.

You have great ideas for preschool critical thinking activities! Lately, my three-year-old daughter has been into doing pattern activities. We have a large bowl of those colored glass flat stones that you find at an arts and craft store. We made really cool patterns with them by color. The other day, she made a super long pattern with them going down the hallway!

Critical thinking is such an important skill to pass to our children. Thanks for the tips!

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Critical Thinking for Preschoolers

Written by: Kokotree

Last updated: April 26, 2023

A s a toddler parent, you might wonder if it’s too early to introduce your little one to critical thinking skills. The good news is, it’s never too early! Nurturing these skills in your preschooler can be crucial to their overall development. So, let’s jump in and explore how you can start developing critical thinking in your preschooler today, all while having a great time together!

The Importance of Critical Thinking in Early Childhood Education

Reading time, mealtime conversations, the “what if” game, puzzles and logic games, building and construction, finding the right learning app for toddlers, encourage curiosity and exploration, praise effort and improvement, create a safe space for questions and discussions, model critical thinking behaviors, attending parent-teacher conferences, communicate regularly, developmental milestones, adjusting expectations and activities, 1. what age should i start teaching my child critical thinking skills, 2. how can i tell if my preschooler is developing critical thinking skills, 3. are there specific activities or games that help develop critical thinking, 4. what role do parents play in fostering critical thinking skills, 5. how can i collaborate with my child’s preschool teacher or childcare provider, 6. can screen time contribute to critical thinking development, 7. why is curiosity important for critical thinking, 8. what is a growth mindset, and how does it relate to critical thinking, 9. is puzzle-solving the only way to promote critical thinking in preschoolers, 10. how can i support my child if they struggle with critical thinking activities, 11. how do i know if a learning app for toddlers is appropriate for critical thinking development, 12. how do developmental milestones affect my preschooler’s critical thinking abilities, 13. what should i do if i have concerns about my child’s critical thinking development.

Preschoolers can develop critical thinking skills through preschool age -appropriate activities and games that challenge them to solve problems, make decisions, and analyze information. Engaging in these experiences will teach them to ask questions, reason, and communicate effectively, building a solid foundation for their future education and overall development.

Early childhood education is a crucial period for developing a solid foundation of cognitive abilities. During this time, children are like sponges, absorbing information from their surroundings and interactions. By introducing critical thinking skills at this stage, you’re laying a strong groundwork for their future academic accomplishments and life success. Moreover, it will help your child adapt to various situations and solve problems creatively and effectively.

Incorporating Critical Thinking into Daily Routines

One of the best ways to cultivate critical thinking skills in your preschooler is by integrating them into your daily routines. This involvement can create a seamless learning environment where your child understands that problem-solving is a regular part of life.

Reading together is a quintessential activity for preschoolers. During this time, ask open-ended questions that encourage your child’s thought process. Pause and discuss the story, exploring alternative outcomes or what might happen next. This practice expands their imagination while also engaging critical thinking skills.

Mealtimes can be an excellent opportunity for developing communication and reasoning skills. Encourage your child to express their choices, preferences, and reasons for doing so. Talk about the recipe or meal preparation and how certain ingredients come together to create a final dish. This encourages your preschooler to think about cause and effect relationships.

Fun Activities and Games for Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Introducing critical thinking through playtime and hands-on activities is an effective approach for capturing your preschooler’s attention and promoting learning. Here are a few fun, engaging, and educational games and activities that will help them develop these essential cognitive abilities.

This simple, conversation-based game encourages your child to think creatively and consider alternative scenarios. Start by presenting a situation, and then ask your preschooler, “What if…?” questions related to it. For instance, “What if our pet could talk? What would they say?” or “What if cars could fly? How would that change our lives?” This activity promotes problem-solving and helps your child visualize different outcomes.

Puzzles and logic games are excellent tools for encouraging critical thinking. They require your child to analyze, strategize, and apply their reasoning abilities to solve problems. Choose age-appropriate puzzles and games that challenge your preschooler without causing frustration.

Activities that involve building and construction, such as using blocks, LEGO, or magnetic tiles, help sharpen problem-solving skills. These materials require preschoolers to plan, design, and adapt their constructions to achieve a complete structure successfully. The trial-and-error process fosters critical thinking and perseverance.

Exploring Educational Resources to Supplement Critical Thinking Learning

There are abundant educational resources available to enhance your preschooler’s critical thinking journey. From physical toys and books to digital platforms, you can find materials tailored specifically to their age and developmental stage. Among these resources, a learning app for toddlers can offer a comprehensive and engaging experience.

When looking for a learning app for toddlers, consider one that promotes critical thinking through age-appropriate, interactive activities. The right app will feature various game-based learning experiences focused on problem-solving, creativity, and reasoning. Moreover, it should be user-friendly, visually appealing, and offer a safe online environment for your child.

Reading reviews and requesting recommendations from other parents or educators can help you navigate this process and find the perfect match for your preschooler’s needs. Start by browsing apps that focus specifically on early childhood education and critical thinking development. With the right app, your child will be engaged and entertained, all while building the foundation for future success.

Supporting Your Child’s Critical Thinking Journey

As you introduce critical thinking activities and games to your preschooler, keep in mind that the learning process will be different for each child. Some children may quickly grasp concepts, while others may require more guidance and patience. Adapt your approach according to your child’s individual needs and celebrate their accomplishments, big or small.

Curiosity is an essential component of critical thinking. Encourage your preschooler to explore their surroundings and provide a variety of materials to spark their imagination. Start discussions about the world, ask questions, and listen attentively to their thoughts and ideas. Celebrate their curiosity as an essential part of their overall cognitive growth.

When acknowledging your child’s efforts or success in critical thinking activities, focus on their progress and improvement. Praising your preschooler’s hard work instead of their innate ability fosters a growth mindset and teaches them that they can improve their skills through practice and determination.

Introducing critical thinking skills during the preschool years is essential for your child’s cognitive development and prepares them for a lifetime of learning. By incorporating activities that promote problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making into your preschooler’s daily life, you’re setting them up for success in their academic and personal future. With a variety of fun activities, educational resources, and supportive guidance, you can spark their critical thinking journey and help them grow into confident, capable individuals.

The Role of Parents and Family in Toddler Education and Critical Thinking

As the primary caregivers and role models, parents and families have a significant impact on the development of critical thinking in toddlers. By actively participating in your child’s learning process, you can provide a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters positive growth.

To promote critical thinking in toddler education, create a home environment where your child feels comfortable asking questions and engaging in discussions. Encourage them to express their thoughts and ideas, and actively listen to what they have to say. Show patience and understanding, and avoid dismissing or criticizing their questions, as this can discourage further exploration and curiosity.

Children learn a lot by observing the people around them. By demonstrating critical thinking behaviors in your everyday life, you set an example for your toddler to follow. When making decisions or solving problems, involve your child in the process and explain the reasoning behind your choices. This can help them understand the importance of thinking critically and empower them to use those skills in their own lives.

Collaborating with Educators and Childcare Providers

Collaborating with your child’s educators and childcare providers is an essential component of building a cohesive approach to critical thinking development. By working together, you can support your child’s learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Attending parent-teacher conferences is an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and gain insight into the critical thinking activities and strategies used in the classroom. You may learn about new techniques, resources, or experiences to incorporate into your home routine and build upon your child’s classroom learning.

Regular communication with your child’s educators and childcare providers is key to staying informed about their progress and addressing concerns or challenges that may arise. Share information about your child’s interests, accomplishments, and struggles so that they can tailor their approach and support your child’s critical thinking journey effectively.

Understanding the Development of Critical Thinking Skills

Recognizing that critical thinking skills develop gradually over time can help you set realistic expectations and adopt a patient, growth-focused approach. It’s also essential to be aware of developmentally-appropriate milestones and activities so that you can support your child’s cognitive growth effectively.

Even though each child is unique, understanding broad developmental milestones can give you a general idea of the progress your toddler should be making. From ages 3 to 5, children typically begin to develop the ability to organize and classify objects, understand cause-and-effect relationships, and ask “why” questions. Being mindful of these milestones can help you identify any potential issues and address them promptly.

As your child grows and develops, their critical thinking skills will evolve and deepen. Tailoring activities to their developmental stage will ensure that you continue to challenge and engage them in the learning process. By adjusting your expectations and offering age-appropriate critical thinking experiences, you provide the support and guidance necessary for your preschooler to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and concerns that parents often have regarding the development of critical thinking skills in preschoolers. We’ve compiled answers to help provide guidance and support as you embark on this exciting and essential aspect of your child’s early education.

There is no specific age when you should start teaching critical thinking skills to your child; however, the preschool years (ages 3-5) are a critical time for cognitive development. Introducing problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making skills during this stage can help lay the groundwork for future learning and success.

Some indicators that your preschooler is developing critical thinking skills include their ability to ask questions, make connections between ideas or objects, consider different perspectives, and evaluate information. Keep in mind that every child develops at their own pace, and they may not exhibit all of these signs at once.

Yes, many age-appropriate activities and games can help promote critical thinking in preschoolers. These include puzzles, building and construction toys, imaginative play, and asking open-ended questions during reading time or everyday conversations.

Parents play a significant role in fostering critical thinking skills by creating a supportive learning environment, modeling critical thinking behaviors, and engaging their child in thought-provoking discussions and activities.

Collaborate with your child’s preschool teacher or childcare provider by maintaining open lines of communication, attending parent-teacher conferences, and discussing strategies for promoting critical thinking both at home and in the classroom.

Screen time can contribute to critical thinking development if it involves interactive, educational content designed for toddler education such as learning apps, games, or videos that promote problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Curiosity is essential for critical thinking because it drives children to explore their surroundings, ask questions, and seek new experiences. By nurturing their curiosity, you encourage a lifelong love of learning and help them develop the cognitive skills necessary for success in school and life.

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and skills can be developed through hard work and determination. Encouraging a growth mindset in your preschooler promotes the idea that they can improve their critical thinking skills by practicing and persevering, which can lead to a more confident and resilient learner.

While puzzle-solving is an excellent way to promote critical thinking by challenging preschoolers to analyze, strategize, and apply reasoning, it is not the only approach. Engaging in imaginative play, asking open-ended questions, and promoting cause and effect discussions are also effective methods for developing young minds.

If your child struggles with critical thinking activities, offer guidance and support, adapt the activities to their developmental level, and encourage them to persevere in the face of challenges. Remember to praise their effort and progress rather than focusing solely on successful outcomes.

When selecting a learning app for toddlers, look for one that features interactive, age-appropriate activities designed to promote critical thinking skills. Additionally, ensure that the app is user-friendly, visually appealing, and safe for online use by young children.

Developmental milestones provide a general overview of the cognitive abilities your preschooler should be developing at their age. Being mindful of these milestones can help you identify any potential issues and address them in a timely manner. Keep in mind, however, that every child develops at their own pace.

If you have concerns about your child’s critical thinking development, consult with their preschool teacher, childcare provider, or a pediatrician for guidance and support. They can provide recommendations for further evaluation or intervention if needed.

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26 Fun Cognitive Games and Activities for Preschoolers

By: Author Tanja McIlroy

Posted on Last updated: 2 August 2024

Categories Games for Kids

A child’s cognitive development is just one part of their holistic development, along with their social, emotional and physical growth. As with all skills, the best way to boost cognitive development in childhood is through play.

Here are 26 simple cognitive games and activities for preschoolers. Many of these games can be played with kindergarteners and older children, or simplified for younger kids.

1. I Spy With My Little Eye

I Spy With My Little Eye is the perfect game for young children as it teaches them to listen and think. 

Give clues for children to guess the object you have spotted, such as:

• I spy with my little eye something round that we use to tell the time.
• I spy with my little eye something wooden that we eat our lunch on.
• I spy with my little eye something that starts with a “b”.

Use this game to teach children concepts like colours, shapes and initial sounds of words.

2. Matching Cards Memory Game

A picture memory game helps children develop visual memory , which is the brain’s ability to remember what it sees. It’s an important pre-reading skill . 

Place pairs of matching picture cards face down on a table and shuffle them. Take turns to turn over two cards at a time. If they match, you keep them, if they don’t match, turn them back over. 

The point is to try and memorize the placement of the cards to find more matches.  

(Get your own set of printable memory card games here!)

3. Hopscotch

Physical games like Hopscotch can also be a great way to build number skills. 

Draw a basic Hopscotch court with 8 to 10 blocks and get children to hop into the blocks, calling out the numbers as they go. 

4. Kim’s Game

Build cognitive abilities with a brain game like Kim’s Game . This game also builds visual memory.

Place a few toys or household items onto a tray and challenge kids to remember the items on the tray. Then, remove one of the items and see if they can identify the missing item. 

5. Magic Cup Game

This simple game will teach kids to maintain their focus.

All you need is three cups – turned upside down – and a small coin or other object. While the child is watching, place the object under one of the cups and shuffle the cups around on the table. Can they identify which cup the object is under?

6. Shape Hunt

Teach kids about shapes while playing a game. Get them to explore the environment, finding and naming different shapes. They can also point out shapes of objects indoors, such as a round clock, rectangular rug or square window.

Puzzles are one of the best cognitive activities. They build problem-solving skills , fine motor skills and visual perception . 

Offer age-appropriate puzzles, starting with simpler puzzles with larger pieces and gradually increasing in complexity. The right puzzle is challenging but doable.

(Get your own set of printable puzzles here!)

8. Sorting and Categorising

Matching , sorting and categorising are important cognitive skills to learn and can be practised in a fun way.

Provide a variety of objects (blocks, beads, toys, etc.) and get kids to sort them by colour, shape or size. Or find the match with matching pairs of socks while packing away the laundry.

9. The Telephone Game

One of the best ways to build attention span is with a listening game such as the Telephone Game , also called Broken Telephone .

Kids sit in a circle and the first person (or adult) whispers a short phrase into the next person’s ear. The phrase gets passed around the circle until the last person calls it out, to see if the correct message was delivered around the circle.

Here are some fun Telephone Game phrases .

10. Make Patterns

Teach children to make simple patterns using items such as building blocks, coloured leaves, beads threaded onto a lace, or pegs around a paper plate. 

Start with simple A/B patterns like red block, blue block, red block, blue block , etc. Then move on to more complex patterns such as two red blocks, one blue block, two red blocks, one blue block , etc. 

Teach pattern recognition skills by laying out a pattern of blocks or objects and asking children to tell you what the “rule” or pattern is. 

You could also try clapping patterns and have children copy the simple patterns that you clap.

11. Telling Riddles

Telling riddles is an excellent way to build thinking skills . 

Here are a few examples of animal riddles:

• I am a large animal and I drink water with my trunk. What am I?
• I am tall and pink and I like to stand on one leg. What am I?
• I have spots, I run fast and I sometimes sleep high up in trees. What am I?

You can make these basic or complex, depending on the age of the children.

12. Parking Cars

Parking Cars is a fun number recognition game . Label toy cars with the numbers 1 to 5 and create numbered parking garages out of boxes. Kids can race their cars and park in the garage with the corresponding number.

13. Simon Says

Simon Says is a wonderful educational game for the preschool years. It’s a listening game that also builds language and concentration.

Give a series of instructions for children to follow, each time beginning the command with “Simon says”. When you don’t begin with “Simon says”, the children must not follow the command. 

They therefore have to pay attention to what the instruction is, as well as deciphering whether or not they should do it.

Some examples: 

• Simon says turn around three times.
• Simon says jump and clap your hands twice.
• Run and touch the door. 

For the last command, children should remain still. Here is a list of Simon Says commands .

14. Hide and Seek with Objects

Play a game of Hide and Seek by hiding toys or other objects around the room and giving clues about where they are hidden. Whoever finds the object can hide it in the next round.

Use preposition words like over , inside , next to and beside .

15. Categories Game

The categories game is a fun way to build vocabulary and auditory memory . 

With younger children, choose an easy category like food or animals. Kids sit in a circle and go around, taking turns to add one word that fits into the category. A word may not be repeated.

Words in the animal category could be, for example, different kinds of animals (lion, monkey, cow) or even words associated with animals (food, farm, zoo, claws). Here is a list of categories for ideas.

16. Make up a Story

This is a challenging creative activity for preschoolers but they can give it a try. Let them go at their own pace and don’t worry if the story gets very off track!

Tell the children you are going to make up your own group story. Start with an opening line, introducing one character, and then prompt them, one at a time to add what they think happens next. The story should change direction and become very interesting as they add their ideas.

With older children, they go in order and each child adds just one line to the story, taking it in any direction they choose.

17. Would You Rather?

Play a game of Would You Rather to build children’s critical thinking and logical reasoning.

Ask a series of questions with a choice of two alternatives and they must choose one and explain their choice.

A few examples:

• Would you rather be an ant or an elephant?
• Would you rather have a holiday at the beach or in a new city?
• Would you rather be a superhero or a villain?

Young children might find it challenging to put their reasons into words. Coax them to think about their reasons by asking them questions and guiding them.

18. Numbered Bean Bag Toss

Build number recognition skills at the same time as hand-eye coordination while playing with bean bags . 

Use large boxes or laundry baskets as the targets and place a large label on each one, with numbers up to 5. Children must aim and throw their bean bags into each basket, starting from basket number 1 and continuing up to basket number 5.

19. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Send kids outdoors on a fun nature scavenger hunt. 

Draw a few simple pictures on paper of items found in nature, such as a leaf, stone, twig, flower, blade of grass, etc. Challenge kids to find all the items and place them onto their page, over the corresponding images. They can work in teams or individually.

20. Odd One Out

Play a game of Odd One Out to teach children the concept that items can be grouped according to characteristics or that they can share a “rule”.

With younger children, play this game with physical objects. You can play the game verbally with older children.

Place four or five items on a tray, such as an orange, a banana, a strawberry, a carrot and a pear. Ask children to identify the odd one out (the carrot) and then ask them “What’s the rule?” (It must be a fruit).

21. Card Games

Teach kids to play simple card games like Snap , Slap Jack or Go Fish .

Here are the rules of Snap !

Playing card games improves concentration, number concepts and thinking skills.

22. Dominoes

Playing with Dominoes is a great way for children to learn the numbers, and develop their concept of one-to-one correspondence . 

Younger children don’t need to play strictly by the rules and can simply take turns with an adult, adding a tile with a matching number of dots on it.

23. Charades

Charades is an enjoyable game for all ages. Play a simple version with preschoolers by having cards with images on them. They choose a card and have to act out the image on their card.

Pick words that are easy to portray, such as animals or people at work. Whoever guesses the word, chooses a card to act out in the next round. 

24. Number Hunt

Practise number recognition by hiding number cards (with numbers 1 to 5 or 10) around the room or class, and having children search for them. 

Once the group have found all the numbers, they need to place them into the correct order.

25. Songs and Rhymes

One of the best ways to develop language skills in early childhood is through singing songs and nursery rhymes . Learning songs builds vocabulary, memory, auditory perception and more.

Children should be exposed to songs and rhymes every day. Here’s a great list of 40 classic preschool songs .

26. Board Games

Build intellectual as well as social skills by playing board games with kids. Preschoolers should start with simple games such as Snakes and Ladders , and be guided by an adult. It can take a while for them to get used to things like following set rules, moving counters the correct number of spaces or waiting their turn. 

Here are some suitable board games for preschoolers .

These are just a few cognitive games and activities that preschoolers will enjoy and learn from.

For more ideas, here is a list of classic games for kids .

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Nurturing Critical Thinking Skills in Preschoolers: Engaging Activities and Games

• By MontsAdm
• August 20, 2021
• No Comments

6.  Improve Memory and Observation Skills

Having good memory and observation skills is essential for all kids, but these skills are effective tools for developing critical thinking skills. For example, if you give your child a list of different items, ask them to find the item you’re looking for. It will help your kid improve their memory. Or, if you want them to develop their observation skills, tell them about the things around your house and ask them what color they are and how they are different from each other. They should be able to use their observed skills on various objects like toys, and it will also help them determine what colors match best with each other.

7.  Let them Play Games

Boredom leads kids to lose interest, but fun can help them cultivate critical thinking skills.  Keep your child entertained  with various games and activities that stimulate their mind and help them develop good motor skills and problem-solving abilities. For example, your kids can play brain teasers, a logic game called connect four, or a word search and  imagination gameplay  like Hide and Seek. These games help children increase their concentration span and focus. Thus, improve their thinking abilities.

8.  Board Games

Board games are excellent ways to help kids develop critical thinking skills because they make decisions based on different factors. For example, they will have to use their analytical skills to determine where they will move next and the probability of winning the game. Then, they have to reach their final destination by rolling the dice and making decisions based on different factors like the number on the dice and its relation to their surroundings.

9.  Read

Reading is an excellent way of improving critical thinking skills in kids, especially if they want to become writers one day or become good at writing essays.  Reading different kinds of books  will help them with their reading and writing skills and improve their critical thinking abilities and logical thinking.

10.  Use Question and Answer

Different kinds of questions can help kids develop their critical thinking skills. For example, ask them questions like “Why is it so?” or “What do you think will happen if…?” to get them to think about the situation. Then, when they answer, ask them to explain how they got to that point and see if they understand the situation. If not, ask them why they do not understand a particular situation.

Critical thinking skills improve when children are taught to see the world around them with different perspectives and make better decisions by considering the various possibilities.

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15+ Top Critical Thinking Activities for Preschoolers and Kindergartners

As parents, we must give our children the best possible education and skills to help them succeed in life. We need to understand the importance of critical thinking abilities in children.

Providing them with the proper education, tools, and resources is insufficient. They must also be equipped with the skills to think critically and solve problems.

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is a skill that helps children develop the ability to make informed decisions, think objectively and creatively, and develop problem-solving skills. By teaching our children to think critically, we give them the resources they need to make intelligent decisions and develop a strong foundation for their future.

Your child will be better equipped to make sound decisions and solve problems by developing critical thinking abilities.

Listed below are significant things that you should know about critical thinking-

• Critical thinking is the process of evaluating information, facts, and arguments to make a reasoned decision or judgment. 
• Critical thinking is an essential skill for kids to become successful in their lives. It is the ability to think logically, systematically, and reflectively and to make sound decisions and judgments. 
• Kids must develop this skill to create creative solutions to problems, make informed decisions, and think flexibly. 

Why is Critical Thinking important? 

The importance of critical thinking abilities for kids cannot be overstated. 

• It helps kids to analyze, reason, and make decisions based on facts, evidence, and logic. 
• It also enables them to develop innovative ideas and solve complex problems. 
• With critical thinking skills, kids can develop the capacity to recognize their own biases and assumptions and challenge their own ideas and beliefs.
• By teaching kids the importance of critical thinking and incorporating it into their day-to-day activities, we can help them become better decision-makers and problem-solvers.
• By encouraging kids to engage in more critical thinking activities, they become more self-aware and independent, which helps them to make better decisions.
• They also start to build their problem-solving and communication skills, which can be used in various areas of life.
• Finally, with critical thinking skills, kids can gain self-confidence, understand their reasoning, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Critical Thinking Activities for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners.

Some of the most common critical thinking activities include: 

• Storytime, 
• Engaging in conversations, 
• Asking creative questions, 
• Puzzles and riddles, 
• Sorting, 
• Matching and pairing, 
• Introduction to coding and robotics, 
• Exploring different scenarios. 

These activities help build essential skills such as problem-solving and strengthen the importance of critical thinking abilities for kids.

How to introduce These activities to your kids?

Introducing such activities at a young age can be critical to introduce into their daily routine as this assists with developing cognitive skills and prepares them for academic success.

It also creates an environment where children can foster and practice self-reflection and understanding and encourage independent thought. These activities can include role-playing, problem-solving, question-and-answer sessions, puzzles, story mapping, group discussions, and board games. 

• Role plays will help kids identify their actions’ cause and effect. 
• Problem-solving will allow them to think before making decisions. 
• At the same time, question and answer sessions will help to assess their understanding of concepts. 
• Picture completing and story mapping activities will help to develop their memory and imagination. 
• Lastly, group discussions will help to build their communication and collaboration skills. 

These activities build critical thinking skills in kids, motor skills, and creativity. So, including these classroom activities is essential to help develop their critical thinking abilities.

8 Activities for critical thinking development

 These activities can help them explore the world around them, develop their own opinions and make decisions on their own. Here is a list of activities that can help boost kids’ critical thinking abilities:

1. “What am I?” 

With regards to these “What am I?” riddles, kids appear to enjoy them. Why not put this inherent enthusiasm to use in some practice of critical thinking? You only need to think of a person, place, or thing and tell your child about it.

“I live in the sky, and I am hot. Don’t look directly at me. I will disappear at night. What am I?”

This is one that your child can easily deduce.

2. Prediction of the story.  

When you are reading a story to your child and notice that you are getting close to the end, stop and ask her how she thinks the story will end.

Pay attention to their response. Have fun with the conversation, and ask them to explain their choice. It can be silly and fun, but it should offer some logic to keep the critical thinking flowing.

3. X and O’s 

Play X and O’s with your child, but keep it simple using a whiteboard, colorful pens, or even candy to keep it fun. Set your goal to win. Be unforgiving in your gaming abilities and play as a child versus a parent.

Check to see if your youngster can keep up. If not, well, good luck again, little one. Teach them it’s okay to lose, but remember the intention behind it. 

4. Start with the current reality

While showing your kid how to go from cereal spilling to the starting strides is logical, it’s most straightforward for you to begin where you are now.

In other words, suppose you just served your child a dinner of chicken, cheesy broccoli, and mashed potatoes. Still, they won’t eat them because the potatoes weren’t from McDonald’s. “How do you know these aren’t from McDonald’s?” you should inquire of them.

Assist them in making the answer more explicit by listening to their explanation.

They could become so perplexed that they might give in, eat the potatoes, focus on their logic, and explain in perfect English why they are not McDonald’s.

5. True or False  

This is as simple as it gets. Give your child two sticky notes to complete the task: one with the words “true” and “false” on it.

Say something like, “A group of monkeys is called a herd.” Your child will carefully consider whether the statement is accurate before writing true or false on the right sticky note.

Your child will now describe the reasoning behind the selected sticky note. Enjoy.

6. Community Engagement Activity

This community engagement activity requires analytical skills to figure out what can be recycled in the classroom and their neighborhood. Students can practice social responsibility and socialize with people around them while making recycling bins from recyclable cardboard boxes. They can do this by creating the bins themselves.

7. What can I do?

Students will learn that despite the fact that conflicts are a normal part of life, it is essential to have problem-solving skills to resolve them through this lesson. 

You can make notes or a problem-solving wheel for kids and give them a situation. After that, ask your kid to choose what they’ll do in such a situation. Additionally, this is an excellent opportunity to improve their social awareness and interpersonal skills.

8. 25 uses of Me

Pick a regular item and set a clock for five minutes. Ask students to think of 25 ways to use the object in that time frame. Rarities like “coatrack” and “stool” are encouraged because the apparent answers will quickly run out.

What is the takeaway?  

In conclusion, critical thinking activities are vital in helping to build a strong foundation for preschoolers and kindergarteners. By providing a balanced mix of activities, kids can develop the ability to think outside the box and become better problem-solvers.

These activities can help kids develop their critical thinking abilities, which can help them later in life. As kids grow older, their critical thinking abilities can help them make better decisions, understand complex topics, and interact with others more efficiently.

Q: How can parents inspire independence in their preschoolers?

A: By giving their preschoolers age-appropriate responsibilities, allowing them to make decisions, and rewarding their efforts and successes, parents may help their preschoolers to be independent. Allowing their child to dress and wash their teeth can support their development of self-help abilities.

Q: How can parents motivate their toddlers to lead healthy, active lifestyles?

A: By giving their preschoolers chances for physical activity , such as outdoor play, dance, and sports, parents may encourage their preschoolers to be active and healthy.

I’m a former teacher (and mother of Two Childs) with a background in child development. Here to help you with play-based learning activities for kids. ( Check my  Next startup  Cledemy.Com )

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Critical Thinking Skills for Preschoolers: 4 Fun Activities to Try at Home

For preschoolers, critical thinking involves the ability to think clearly and rationally in order to understand logical connections between ideas.

To engage in reflection and independent thought, children must be encouraged to become active learners rather than passive recipients of information.

Furthermore, rigorously questioning ideas and assumptions is all about determining whether arguments and findings represent the entirety of the facts of a situation.

While intuition and instinct can take preschoolers so far, it is critical thinking skills that allow children to identify, analyse and solve problems systematically.

Critical Thinking and the Power of Play

At our Kids Konnect preschools in Redwood City , Pacifica , San Mateo - Bunker Hill , San Mateo - Downtown and San Leandro we encourage children to explore cause and effect through play.

Throughout our play-based curriculum , preschoolers are provided with endless opportunities to try new things and see the resulting reactions in a safe and inclusive environment that facilitates learning.

Moreover, it is through these practical experiences of play with a purpose that children gain the integral foundations for critical thinking skills.

That being said, how can you help your preschooler to approach problems in a consistent way so that they can understand the links between concepts and ideas and master critical thinking?

Let’s discover four activities that you can try at home with your child to guide the development of their critical thinking skills.

1. Guess the Toy

Place one of your child’s toys behind your back and ask your child to guess what you are hiding.

Give your preschooler clues and see if they can ask you questions about the color, size, and texture of the toy.

Once they have grasped the concept of the game, swap roles to help your child understand how to make guesses based on what they already know.

2. Make a Menu

Tap into your preschooler’s love of food by compiling an extra special menu together.

Simply show your child some ingredients from the kitchen and ask them to come up with meal ideas.

Ask about which flavors they do and do not like, and if they create something delicious you could even consider giving it a try.

3. Food Tasting

One of the easiest ways to elicit opinions from a preschooler is by introducing them to new foods.

Just like adults, children form strong likes and dislikes so put out a selection of healthy foods with exciting tastes and textures and see what your little one thinks.

You could even let your child predict whether or not they will like a new food and ask them for reasons why.

4. Browse the Family Photo Albums

Looking at photographs is an excellent way to ask your child questions that require a deeper level of thinking.

Most images have a story behind them so sit down with your preschooler and discuss what is happening in each picture.

Additionally, flicking through a photo album can give your preschooler a quick ‘who's who’ of family members and friends that can spark conversations that could lead anywhere.

The STEAM Connection

At Kids Konnect, we're super focused on finding fun ways to develop critical thinking skills in a fun way. It's all part of our play-based STEAM curriculum .

STEAM -focused lessons prompt preschoolers to systemically work through problems and apply information about science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math to figure out solutions.

Above all, enrolling your child at a Kids Konnect preschool gives them the opportunity to be innovative by providing a joyful environment and classroom experiences that are conducive to learning.

Heading out on a play date with your preschooler some time soon? Check out our blog post for 9 quick and easy STEAM play date ideas .

Helping Your Baby Reach Greater Wonders

7 Cognitive Activities for Preschoolers

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• Cognitive skills development is the development of a child’s ability to think.
• Paying attention to cognitive milestones helps identify which areas need growth.
• Many daily activities can be cognitive-building activities
• Reading to your child is fundamentally the best tool for a child’s cognitive growth

A child’s cognitive development is a high priority for many parents. 

As a parent of two boys and a mental health professional, I have always considered my sons’ cognitive development critical. I have worked with many children who were not provided the resources they needed at an early age, and I saw how it caused them to struggle later on in life. 

I wanted to promote cognitive development in my children, especially during their preschool years, to increase problem-solving, imagination , critical thinking, and information recall. I knew these were important cognitive skills to master.

Luckily, through research and discussion with other professionals, I learned that most of what they needed for appropriate brain development could be provided through fun, playful activities!

Cognitive Development of Preschoolers

To understand the cognitive development of preschoolers, we must first define both “cognitive development” and “preschoolers.”

In psychology, cognition is defined as “all forms of knowing and awareness.” It can also be referred to as “thought.” Cognitive skills development is the development of your child’s ability to think.

The Centers for Disease Control states that preschoolers are children between the ages of 3 and 5 . It’s a stage in which children are still considered young while also exhibiting more independence and autonomy than a baby.

The preschool years contain so much growth. Many children are hard to recognize at the end of this stage. Some children almost double in size! 

Preschoolers’ bodies develop rapidly, and their brains absorb and process large amounts of information daily. They are little sponges! The high rate at which they process information during these developmental years is why engaging in cognition-building activities is critical. 

Children develop cognitive skills through repetition, exposure, and play. These progressive skills build upon each other and will continue throughout your child’s lifetime.

Setting the stage with a solid foundation of cognitive skills in preschool can give your child an advantage for the rest of their life.

What Are the Cognitive Milestones of Preschoolers?

Knowing the cognitive milestones of preschoolers can help you determine if your son or daughter is reaching the expectations of a child their age.  

Like all developmental milestones, cognitive milestones are just objectives, not an ordered list. They do not happen in any particular order, and some may be mastered at a later age. 

Achieving or not achieving milestones is not an indicator of intelligence or mental health. They are merely suggestions to help you and the professionals in your child’s life decide where their strengths or weaknesses may lie.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control , there are three main cognitive milestones to evaluate in your preschooler:

• Names a few colors
• Understands “what comes next” in a story 
• Draws a person with three or more body parts

The American Academy of Pediatrics lists a few more milestones:

• Understands the concept of counting 
• Approaches problems from a single point of view
• Begins to have a concept of time
• Follows three-part commands
• Understands the concept of same/different
• Engages in imaginative play

How Can You Boost Your Preschooler’s Cognitive Development?

Read, read, read.

Reading to your child is an effective way to boost their cognitive skills . Whether one book or five, any amount of reading goes a long way for your preschooler. However, there has been significant research that shows more is definitely better regarding your kiddo’s cognitive development.

For instance, in the research paper titled Reading to Young Children: A Head-Start in Life from the University of Melbourne Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, researchers found that reading to preschoolers significantly improved their reading and cognitive skills later on in life. 

The study also found that children who were read to three to five days per week were ahead cognitively by six months. Increase that to five to seven days a week, and the children were cognitively ahead of their peers by one year.

The increased cognition transcended the socioeconomic statuses and education levels of their parents, meaning that all kids are on the same playing field. Any amount of reading can make a difference! 

If they are read to, their cognitive development increases greatly! Looking for inspiration? Check out some of our favorite board books for preschoolers.

Experiences Matter

It doesn’t take a genius to see that spending the day at the museum will do more for your child’s cognitive growth than spending the day watching silly cartoons on the television. New experiences matter to her cognitive growth, and they don’t have to be anything extravagant.  

Just a trip to your local zoo offers a host of benefits to early childhood, which include

• Critical thinking: “Do we spend the $1 on cotton candy or a trip on the Ferris wheel?”
• Language skills: Introduction to new animals at the zoo and names of streets 
• Problem solving: “How do I put on my jacket while holding my cotton candy?”

If you want to increase your child’s interest by providing cognitive activities, challenge yourself to take them somewhere new regularly. A trip to a new store, the library, or a park across town is enough to open up their minds and increase logical thinking.

Benefits of Cognitive Activities in the Development of Preschoolers

Cognitive development activities for preschoolers have many benefits. They help children learn and grow critical skills, such as:

• Critical thinking
• Logic and reason
• Working and visual memory
• Hand-eye coordination
• Spatial recognition
• Processing speed
• Cooperation and teamwork

The best part is that while they are boosting their brain power, cognitive development activities geared toward preschoolers are so much fun they will have no idea they are learning so much!

1. Obstacle Courses

Physical games like obstacle courses are an opportunity for your child to release some energy while gaining hand eye coordination , increasing attention span, and having a load of fun! It doesn’t take too many props to make a useful course. Basic items like cardboard boxes, duct tape, pool noodles, laundry baskets, and ladders are versatile enough to be used over and over again. 

2. Memory Games

“Memory” is a simple game that helps grow the working memory within the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for retaining information. A strong working memory will help your child succeed in school and future career. Plus, the games are so much fun they won’t even realize they’re learning!

Many cute memory games are available for purchase, but you can play the classic memory game with basic items you have around the house. 

Memory Game:

• Find 8-10 small items around the house
• Place them in front of your child and have them stare at the items for 10-30 seconds
• Cover the items with a napkin or towel and ask her to name the things she remembers

Growing Play offers a few tips on how to tailor the game to your needs.

3. Matching Games

Matching games are another fun activity to build cognitive skills and visual memory.  There are many different types on the market, but they all have the same premise. All the cards are placed face down, and each person playing takes turns flipping two over at a time. The goal is to find two matching cards during your turn until all the matches are found.

These games from Wonder Forge offer many different themes so as to appeal to the interests of all children!

• What you get – Americana Matching Game comes with 72 tiles and instructions.
• Clear instructions – Easy to learn with a clear instruction manual. Learn to play in less than five minutes!
• Develops critical skills – this game helps preschoolers practice their focus, memory, and matching skills.
• Characters you love – enjoy fun pictures of all your favorite parts of American including the Statue of Liberty, Baseball, Apple Pie, The Moon Landing and more.

4. Pretend Play

Using your preschooler’s imagination is a wonderful way to build their cognitive development while also participating in fun activities. Imaginative play, like playing house or pirates , gives your child the opportunity to engage in physical activity while also using their language skills . If they are playing with others, they are learning cooperation and teamwork. Send everyone out the door for some outdoor play and give an added boost to those wild imaginations!

5. Music Play

Nursery rhymes, like the Wheels on the Bus and Patty-Cake, may seem silly, but they are also very beneficial to helping a child develop memory and recall . Through repetition, nursery rhymes teach a sequencing of events and also use rhyming as a fun, helpful tool for recalling information. It’s also fun to create your own music with toddler-sized musical instruments at home!

• Educational wooden block set: The Melissa & doug pattern blocks and boards classic toy is a set of 120 wooden blocks in various shapes and colors, inspiring kids to assemble colorful patterns on 5 boards
• Classic learning activity: Our pattern blocks and boards set lets kids enjoy a classic math manipulative and learning activity. It’s great for spatial awareness, color recognition, hand eye coordination, and problem solving
• Double sided board: The Melissa & doug pattern blocks and boards set features double sided boards that provide kids with even more creative play options. Kids can create linear patterns, sort blocks by color, count pieces, and more
• Gift for kids 3 to 6: The Pattern Blocks and Boards Classic Toy makes an ideal gift for kids ages 3 to 6 years. Add the Melissa & Doug 100 Piece Wood Block Set to round out the hands on, screen free play experience. Packaging may vary

6. Board Games and Puzzles

A great way to build multiple cognitive skills at once is through the use of board games and puzzles . Skills such as problem-solving, memory recall, cooperation, and sequential reasoning can be honed.

There are so many attractive and fun games, and age-appropriate puzzles are available to purchase. Below are a few great options:

• Melissa and Doug Pattern Blocks
• Feed the Woozle
• Race to the Treasure board game

• SILLY SNACKS: The Woozle loves to eat hairy pickles and fuzzy donuts. Can you help feed him 12 crazy treats before all the snacks are gone? A monstrous game of mixed up fun!
• GROWS WITH YOUR CHILDREN: Comes with three levels so it grows with your child. Kids ages 3 and up work together to help feed the Woozle. No reading required, so even the smallest can participate!
• LEARNING AND GROWING: Kids learn dexterity, fine motor skills, body awareness, and counting all while having fun and cooperating. Kids learn about taking turns and develop valuable social skills.
• EDUCATIONAL GAME: Cooperative games cultivate emotional development, shared decision making, positive self esteem, creative problem solving and develop a sense of community in a non-stressful play environment.

• COOPERATIVE GAME: Build a path with your team and collect 3 keys on a race to beat Ogre to the treasure! It’s a game where everyone plays together, no one is left out, and everybody has fun!
• FUN CHALLENGE: Kids love working together to beat the Ogre. Players strategize, cooperate and build the path together. Building onto a path encourages kids to think 2 steps ahead and examine options.
• HOW TO PLAY: Beat Ogre to the treasure by creating a path from START to END. Along the way collect 3 keys to open the treasure. If players do it before the Ogre gets there, they all win!

7. Scavenger Hunts

A scavenger hunt can be a great way to engage multiple age groups in an activity if you also have older children. Pair older children up with younger children and watch them work together to find the items on the list!

The Colors Scavenger Hunt from Primary Playground gives great suggestions for a hunt that would grow your preschooler’s knowledge of colors and also provide them some fun with siblings or friends.

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10 Fun Critical Thinking Activities for Preschoolers

Posted on Last updated: May 29, 2023

Some children loves puzzles and love a challenge. There are different ways to strengthen critical thinking skills at an early age. Here are 10 critical thinking activities for preschoolers and older toddlers that will help young children become critical thinkers. These are simple activities that you can try today. 

Critical Thinking Games

What Can You Make with a Circle?  

This is a fun and creative game to play at home, in the car, on an airplane, or in the waiting room. It is a fun way to explore that there is more than one way to solve a problem and more than one right answer. Make a circle on the chalkboard or on a piece of paper and challenge your child to turn it into something else. Will they turn it into a flower, a sun, or will it become the body of an animal? There is no correct answer. 

A Copy Me game is a great way to develop spatial awareness. Use different household objects to make a design and then let your child copy it using a duplicate set of materials! In this picture, I set up the design on the left and the materials on the right were for my son to arrange. After you have done this over and over again. Have your child challenge you buy making a design and having you copy it. Creating the design and checking your answer will develop those skills in a different way. 

Possible Materials:

• craft sticks
• cookie cutters
• magnetic letters

What’s Missing? Part 1

This critical thinking activity can even be done on the go. All you need is paper and a pencil or dry erase board. Draw a picture of something and leave off a detail. Ask your child, “What’s missing?”.

• child’s name

What’s Missing? Part 2

This challenge is easier than What’s Missing – Part 1. Reuse an old magazine or ad to create this critical thinking activity. Cut out different pictures and cut part of the picture off. Challenge your child to put it back together. 

Sticker Puzzles

Foam stickers and paper are the materials you need to set the stage in this critical thinking exercise. Arrange the stickers in a certain design on the left and challenge your child to recreate it on the right. I stuck the stickers to the paper in the design on the left, but had my son just set the stickers on the paper in the correct arrangement on the right. That way we could reuse this activity. I keep it in a bag and throw it in my purse for the restaurant or waiting room. 

Squares in a Shape

How can the squares fit inside these shapes? I made this activity by arranging the wooden square blocks on the page and then tracing it around the outside. Some of these are trickier than others to complete. If you don’t have any wooden blocks like those shown, try using legos. 

Sticker Stories

Creative thinking is strengthened as older children design their own story with stickers. Arrange stickers on the page and then add details with crayons or markers. When your child is finished with the design, challenge them to tell you a story about what is happening in the picture. You can write the story down or just listen to it. 

Styrofoam Sculptures

Open ended play is the best way to promote critical thinking! What will your child make with styrofoam pieces and toothpicks? You can also substitute marshmallows or slices of pool noodles with the styrofoam. 

Cookie Cutter Puzzles

Younger children will love this simple puzzle made from cookie cutters or different objects. Trace the cookie cutter or specific shape and challenge your child to match them up. 

Mystery Bag

Mystery bag is so much fun and gets their senses thinking!  Put some fun objects in a bag (pompom, feather, plastic animals). Using deductive reasoning, your child will guess what the object is BEFORE she sees it.

Board Games and Card Games

The good news is that board games and card games are excellent for developing critical thinking skills and include the important skills of learning how to take turns and how to handle losing. 

• Tic Tac Toe
• Connect Four

Trying a simple experiment or wondering how things work are also natural ways to strengthen the critical thinking mindset. The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay is a great book to get your child wondering and asking questions about how things work. Not a Box by Antoinette Portis is a fun picture book that illustrates how to think outside the box (literally).  

These critical thinking games are a few of our favorites. Overall, the end goal is for your child to be curious, ask their own questions, make logical connections, and to find creative solutions. The more logic and reasoning skills your child has, the better learner they will be in their own life.

Wednesday 13th of May 2015

I love this list. I have a bunch of puffy stickers (they were on clearance and I had to buy them!) so now I know what to do with them. They've been sitting in my cabinet for some time. :)

Cognitive Activities for Preschoolers: Enhancing Learning and Development

Preschoolers are at an age where they are learning and developing rapidly. Their brains are like sponges, soaking up new information and experiences. Cognitive activities for preschoolers can help them develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and memory retention.

These activities can be fun and engaging for preschoolers, while also providing valuable learning opportunities. By engaging in cognitive activities, preschoolers can develop a love for learning and set a strong foundation for future academic success.

Examples of cognitive activities for preschoolers include puzzles, memory games, and matching games. These activities not only help with cognitive development , but also improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. By incorporating these activities into a preschooler’s daily routine, parents and educators can help support their growth and development.

Importance of Cognitive Activities

Preschoolers are at a crucial stage of their development, and it’s important to engage them in cognitive activities that promote learning and growth. Cognitive activities help children develop their problem-solving skills, critical thinking, memory, attention, and creativity. These skills are essential for their academic success and overall development.

Research has shown that engaging preschoolers in cognitive activities can have a significant impact on their cognitive development . Children who are exposed to a variety of cognitive activities tend to have better language skills, improved memory, and better problem-solving abilities. They are also more likely to succeed academically and have a positive attitude towards learning.

Moreover, cognitive activities help children develop their social skills. Many cognitive activities involve working in groups, which helps children learn how to communicate, share ideas, and work together towards a common goal. These skills are essential for their social and emotional development and help them build positive relationships with their peers and adults.

Types of Cognitive Activities for Preschoolers

Preschoolers have a natural curiosity and eagerness to learn about the world around them. Cognitive activities can help to develop their thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Here are some types of cognitive activities that are suitable for preschoolers:

• Puzzles: Completing puzzles can help preschoolers develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Simple jigsaw puzzles with large pieces are a great place to start.
• Matching Games: Matching games can help preschoolers develop their memory and concentration skills. For example, they can match pictures of animals or shapes.
• Building Blocks: Building blocks can help preschoolers develop their spatial awareness and creativity. They can build towers, houses, or other structures using different shapes and sizes of blocks.
• Sorting and Classifying: Sorting and classifying activities can help preschoolers develop their logical thinking and categorization skills. For example, they can sort objects by color, shape, or size.
• Memory Games: Memory games can help preschoolers develop their memory and concentration skills. For example, they can play a game where they have to remember a sequence of colors or numbers.

These are just a few examples of the types of cognitive activities that preschoolers can engage in. It is important to choose activities that are age-appropriate and that match the child’s interests and abilities. By engaging in these activities, preschoolers can develop their cognitive skills and prepare themselves for future learning and academic success.

Benefits of Cognitive Activities for Preschoolers

Cognitive activities are essential for the overall development of preschoolers. These activities help children to develop their thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Below are some benefits of cognitive activities for preschoolers:

• Improves Memory: Cognitive activities such as memory games, matching games, and puzzles can help preschoolers to develop their memory skills. These activities require children to remember information and recall it later, which can be helpful in their academic and personal lives.
• Enhances Creativity: Cognitive activities such as drawing, painting, and storytelling can help preschoolers to enhance their creativity. These activities allow children to express themselves and their ideas, which can be helpful in developing their imagination and critical thinking skills.
• Develops Problem-Solving Skills: Cognitive activities such as sorting games, maze games, and building blocks can help preschoolers to develop their problem-solving skills. These activities require children to use their critical thinking skills to solve problems and find solutions.
• Increases Attention Span: Cognitive activities such as reading, listening to stories, and playing memory games can help preschoolers to increase their attention span. These activities require children to focus on the task at hand, which can be helpful in their academic and personal lives.

Overall, cognitive activities are beneficial for preschoolers as they help to develop their thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. These skills are essential for their academic and personal lives and can help them to become successful in the future.

Examples of Cognitive Activities for Preschoolers

Preschoolers are at a stage of rapid development and cognitive activities can help them develop their thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Here are some examples of cognitive activities that can be used for preschoolers:

• Puzzles: Puzzles are a great way to develop problem-solving skills. Children can start with simple puzzles with a few pieces and gradually move on to more complex puzzles with more pieces.
• Memory Games: Memory games can help preschoolers improve their memory and concentration. Simple games like matching pairs of cards can be a good start.
• Sorting and Classifying: Sorting and classifying objects based on their shape, size, color, or texture can help preschoolers develop their classification skills.
• Sequencing: Sequencing activities like putting events in order or arranging pictures in a sequence can help develop a preschooler’s logical thinking skills.
• Counting and Number Recognition: Counting games and activities can help preschoolers learn to count and recognize numbers.
• Storytelling: Storytelling activities can help preschoolers develop their imagination, creativity, and language skills.

These are just a few examples of cognitive activities that can benefit preschoolers. It is important to choose activities that are age-appropriate and engaging for the child. By incorporating these activities into a child’s daily routine, they can help to develop a strong foundation for learning and problem-solving skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Tips for Incorporating Cognitive Activities into Daily Routine

Preschoolers are constantly learning and developing new cognitive skills. As a parent or caregiver, it is important to incorporate cognitive activities into their daily routine to help them continue to grow and learn. Here are some tips for incorporating cognitive activities into your preschooler’s daily routine:

• Play games that involve problem-solving and critical thinking, such as puzzles or memory games.
• Encourage imaginative play, such as playing dress-up or pretending to be different characters.
• Read books together and ask your child questions about the story to promote comprehension and critical thinking.
• Engage in activities that require following directions, such as cooking or building with blocks.
• Encourage your child to ask questions and explore their curiosity about the world around them.

It is important to remember that cognitive activities should be fun and engaging for preschoolers. These activities should not feel like work or be too challenging for their developmental level. By incorporating these tips into your preschooler’s daily routine, you can help them develop important cognitive skills while also having fun and spending quality time together.

Preschoolers have a natural curiosity about the world around them, and cognitive activities can help them develop their problem-solving, critical thinking, and memory skills. By engaging in activities that challenge their minds, children can develop a love of learning that will serve them well throughout their lives.

There are many different types of cognitive activities that are appropriate for preschoolers, from puzzles and memory games to storytelling and imaginative play. Parents and caregivers can help support children’s cognitive development by providing a variety of activities that are both fun and educational.

It is important to remember that every child is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. Parents and caregivers should observe their child’s interests and abilities, and tailor activities to meet their needs. By providing a supportive and engaging environment, parents and caregivers can help children develop the cognitive skills they need to succeed in school and in life.

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Parent Resources for Learning > Critical Thinking > Critical Thinking Activities for Kids: 5 Quick & Fun Challenges

Critical Thinking Activities for Kids: 5 Quick & Fun Challenges

by Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos | Aug 11, 2023 | Critical Thinking

Here’s a riddle: I’m something preschoolers, kindergarteners, and elementary students can do. I help kids develop self-control, working memory, flexible thinking, and other essential skills. I’m also really, really fun and don’t take long. What am I?

The answer is critical thinking activities for kids! You probably guessed that based on the title of this page. But kids aren’t born with that ability (try reading the riddle to a 4-year-old and see what happens!). They have to practice to develop it.

Luckily, there are a lot of fun ways to help them, and they don’t take long. Thinking about trying a few critical thinking activities with your kids? We’re here to help.

The Short Cut

• Critical thinking is one of the 5 C’s that help kids thrive in school and life (an essential part of the Begin Approach to learning)
• Strong critical thinking abilities have been linked to better grades, higher workplace performance, and less credit card debt
• Good critical thinking activities often involve following rules, breaking tasks into sequences, asking questions, and understanding multiple perspectives
• Games are a GREAT way to develop critical thinking with kids!

Why Is Critical Thinking Important?

Critical thinking is the ability to make decisions and analyze information. For kids, it includes:

• Recalling short sequences of information and simple instructions
• Ignoring distractions to focus on a task
• Thinking computationally and coding
• Grasping the differences between sources of information
• Reasoning using logic
• Making connections between things

Kids need critical thinking because it helps them understand the world and make good choices, especially as they get older.

At age 2, they can get by following simple rules like “sit in your chair at the dinner table.” But by age 5 or 6, they’ll be solving problems, following complex rules in kindergarten and elementary school, and making decisions based on varying and sometimes conflicting information. (“My friend told me it’s OK to use these scissors. My teacher told us we should always ask her first unless she gives them to us. At home I can use scissors without asking because I’m always careful with them. I’m at school. What do I do?”)

Critical thinking only becomes more important from there. It’s one of the most highly valued skills in the workplace, and people with strong critical thinking skills tend to experience fewer negative life events in adulthood.

In short, it matters a lot!

5 Quick, Easy Critical Thinking Activities for Kids

Teaching critical thinking to kids is a blast, and it doesn’t take long. Here are five of our favorite activities to help kids get better at it.

1. Simon Says

This classic childhood game is great for developing critical thinking for kids from preschool through elementary school. We love it because you can break it out almost anywhere, anytime—all you need is a little space!

What You Need

• Enough space for kids to move around and follow your directions
• Explain to the kids that you’ll be giving them directions by saying, “Simon says…” and that the goal of the game is to remember the directions, do them in the right order, and not do them if you don’t say “Simon says…” first
• Give the kids a simple direction, like “Simon says, ‘Stick out your tongue’”
• As the game progresses, add longer and more complicated strings of directions, like “Simon says, ‘Stick out your tongue, then stand on one foot, then clap your hands one time’”
• Help the kids work on paying attention by mixing in some directions without “Simon Says,” like “Jump up and down!” and seeing if they remember the rules!

This game uses working memory (to remember the instructions) and self-control (not to jump if you didn’t say “Simon Says!”), among other skills.

2. Robot Commander

If you have a little more time to prepare, you can try this more imaginative version of Simon Says from codeSpark , our award-winning app that develops critical thinking for kids ages 5–9 through fun, coding-based games. Your kids will have a blast while learning some of the building blocks of computational thinking!

• This printable
• Space for kids to move around and follow commands
• 3 or more players
• Print out the Robot Commander printable
• Designate one player as the Commander and the others as Robots
• Show the Commander and Robots the actions on the printable and explain what they mean
• Have the Commander draw out a short sequence of actions, then the Robots act them out
• Add new commands using the blank shapes on the printable
• Have the commander “program” longer and longer sequences, then switch roles so everyone gets a chance to try!

For even more fun, have the “robots” dress up in costumes!

3. Grid Game

The grid game has a simple goal: Follow instructions to get through a grid and reach a goal. It gives kids a chance to work on sequencing (breaking a task into a sequence of shorter actions, then following it), working memory, ignoring the impulse to rush straight for the goal, and following rules—all while moving their bodies and having fun! 

• Large space on the floor, sidewalk, or ground
• Masking tape, chalk, or string to make a grid
• Item to place in the grid as a goal
• Use the tape, chalk, or string to create a 4×4, 5×5, or 6×6 grid in your play space—the larger the grid, the more difficult the game becomes
• Place the goal item somewhere in the grid
• Have your child stand in the lower-left grid space, then follow your directions to reach the goal item. To cross a small grid, your instructions might sound like this: “Take one step forward. Take two steps to your right. Take one step forward.”
• When they reach the goal, celebrate!

To stretch the game out even more, switch roles and ask your kid to come up with a set of directions for you to follow! It may not seem like it, but this kind of sequencing is a basic computational thinking skill that will one day help them learn to code!

4. Mail Delivery

Critical thinking isn’t just about following directions—it can also be imaginative and fun! This activity develops working memory while stretching kids’ Creativity (another of the 5 C’s) through pretend play.

• Handwritten letters or notes to make pretend mail (you can use ones you have on hand, write some out, or just use blank paper)
• 5–10 toy “friends” (dolls, action figures, stuffed animals, etc.)
• Bag, basket, or toy vehicle for putting letters in (optional)
• Ask your child to gather their “friends” and place them around the room in different “homes”
• Assign each of the letters to a “friend”
• Have your child deliver the “mail” (using the bag, basket, or toy vehicle if you have one)

More Ways to Play

This activity is fun all on its own (we’ve seen some kids play it for hours), but there are lots of ways to stretch it to include more critical thinking abilities and Core Skills (another of the 5 C’s) like counting, reading, and writing. You can try:

• Numbering the “friends” and delivering their mail in numerical order
• Delivering the mail in order from largest “friend” to smallest
• Asking older kids to draw a map of the pretend neighborhood with addresses and street names, then put each letter in an envelope, address it, and deliver it to the right house
• Placing the “friends” all over the house and timing how long deliveries take, then experimenting to see what the fastest route is!

5. Make a Story Box

This is another great activity for blending Creativity (storytelling), Critical Thinking (sequencing and working memory), and Core Skills (story structure). It can be so satisfying to watch a kid’s imagination take flight!

• A box, bowl, or basket
• 5–6 child-safe toys or household items
• Place 5–6 items in the box
• Invite your child to make up a story using all of the items in the box

Tip: Kids ages 5 and under can make up the story as they go (“Umm…then the monkey jumps on the dump truck and drives it!”), but starting at age 6 you can challenge them to plan out their whole story before they start to tell it.

• Invite kids to collaborate on the story by taking turns planning what happens next
• Use familiar dolls, toys, or stuffed animals to provide characters for the story
• For a twist, let the kids pick some favorite toys, then surprise them by including things they don’t usually play with, like a bandage, toothbrush, or hat
• Ask the kids if you can have a turn—they’ll learn a lot from seeing how you construct a story!

More Critical Thinking Activities from Begin

Because critical thinking is such an essential skill set, at Begin we build it into many of our award-winning, play-based learning products. It might look like sequencing-based coding games in codeSpark , memory activities in HOMER , or 1-on-1 support through KidPass Tutors , but no matter where you find it, it’ll help your kids learn while having a blast.

To see how our products come together to give your child their best start to achieving their fullest potential, check out our Early Learner Bundle !

Jody has a Ph.D. in Developmental Science and more than a decade of experience in the children’s media and early learning space.

View all posts

Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos

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Top 25 Cognitive Development Activities for Preschoolers

Dive into the enchanting world of preschool cognitive development, where each game and activity is a key to unlocking the vast potential of young minds. Beyond mere play, these 25 cognitive development activities help to encourage critical thinking skills, problem-solving and creative expression, laying the foundation for a future filled with innovation and curiosity. Join us on this transformative journey, where every challenge met and every question asked sparks the flame of lifelong learning for each toddler in your class.

Table of Contents

What Are the Best Cognitive Development Activities for Preschoolers?

Matching games for cognitive abilities.

• Rhyming Activities for Cognitive Skills    
• Problem-Solving Games for Preschoolers   
• Board Games for Cognitive Function   
• Structured Activities in the Preschool Setting   
• Encouraging Critical Thinking through Scavenger Hunts   
• Building Memory with Sequencing Activities   
• Enhancing Spatial Awareness with Blocking   
• Fostering Logical Thinking with Classification Games   
• Cultivating Attention and Focus with Listening Games   
• Encouraging Numeracy with Counting Activities  
• Sight Word Activities
• What is a cognitive activity for preschool?  
• Why are cognitive development activities so important for preschoolers?  
• How do you promote cognitive development in a preschool setting?  

What kind of cognitive skills can preschoolers develop?

Get 70+ Editable and Printable Templates for Almost Every Preschool Situation

Matching games enhance visual recognition, memory and concentration skills in preschoolers. These activities require children to identify similarities and differences, improving their cognitive abilities.

1. Color Match

• Overview: Children match objects or cards based on colors
• Materials Needed: Colored cards or objects
• Setup: Spread out the colored cards or objects on a table or a designated area on the floor so every item is visible to the children.
• Instructions:
• Ask the children to pick one colored item and then find another item or card that matches its color.
• After they make a match, discuss the color, asking the child to name the color to reinforce color recognition and vocabulary.
• Repeat the process, allowing each child multiple turns to enhance their learning experience.

2. Shape Sorting

• Overview: A game where children sort items based on their shapes
• Materials Needed: Various objects or cards with different shapes
• Setup:  Mix the shape items or cards and place them in a central pile accessible to all children.
• Instruct the children to sort the items or cards into groups based on their shapes.
• As they sort, engage with each child or group, discussing the properties of each shape (like the number of sides or corners).
• Encourage the children to name each shape as they sort, reinforcing their shape recognition and language skills.

Rhyming Activities for Cognitive Skills

Rhyming activities strengthen language skills, phonemic awareness and auditory discrimination — all important cognitive skills. They help children predict and recognize sound patterns, a key aspect of literacy development .

3. Rhyme Matching

• Overview: Kids match words or pictures that rhyme
• Materials Needed: Cards with rhyming words or pictures
• Setup: Mix the rhyming cards and spread them out face up on a large table or on the floor so all images or words are visible to the children.
• Invite the children to choose one card and then find another card that rhymes with it.
• Once they make a match, ask them to say the words out loud, emphasizing the rhyming sounds.
• Discuss each pair, reinforcing why the words rhyme and the phonetic similarities.

4. Rhyming Bingo

• Overview: A bingo game with a rhyming twist
• Materials Needed: Bingo cards with pictures, markers
• Distribute a bingo card to each child along with a set of markers or chips.
• Explain how each picture on their card will have at least one rhyming counterpart that you will call out.
• Call out or show pictures that rhyme with the images on the bingo cards.
• Children place a marker on the image that rhymes with the word or picture you presented.
• The first child to complete a line shouts "Bingo!" Review the rhyming words in their line to reinforce the learning objective.

Problem-Solving Games for Preschoolers

Problem-solving games enhance critical thinking, reasoning and decision-making skills. They provide scenarios where children need to find solutions, boosting their cognitive development.

5. Puzzle Completion

• Overview: Children complete puzzles to improve problem-solving and spatial reasoning
• Materials Needed: Age-appropriate puzzles
• Setup: Scatter the puzzle pieces across a table, ensuring there's enough space for children to work without crowding.
• Encourage children to select a puzzle and begin piecing it together.
• Observe and offer guidance as needed, asking questions to prompt them to think about where each piece might fit.
• After completing the puzzle, discuss the strategies they used and how they determined where each piece belonged.

6. Which One Doesn't Belong?

• Overview: A game that develops reasoning by identifying items that don't fit a set
• Materials Needed: Sets of objects or images, with one unrelated item in each set
• Setup: Arrange each set on a table or mat, making sure the unrelated item is not immediately obvious.
• Present each set to the children, asking them to examine the items and decide which one doesn't belong.
• Encourage them to explain their reasoning, fostering language development and ability to think logically.
• Discuss the attributes that group the other items together and why the outlier is different, reinforcing critical thinking and categorization skills.

Board Games for Cognitive Function

Board games promote strategic thinking, turn-taking and rule-following . These games offer fun ways to develop cognitive skills and social skills in a structured setting.

7. Memory Game

• Overview: A classic game that enhances memory and concentration
• Materials Needed: Memory game cards
• Setup: Shuffle the memory cards and lay them face down in a grid formation.
• Children take turns flipping two cards to find matching pairs.
• Encourage them to remember the locations of different cards to assist in making matches.
• Discuss strategies for remembering card positions to enhance memory and pattern recognition skills.

8. Simple Strategy Games

• Overview: Games like "Connect Four" or "Tic-Tac-Toe" encourage strategic thinking
• Materials Needed: Game boards and pieces
• Setup: Set up the game board according to the game rules.
• Demonstrate how to play the game, highlighting how to plan moves and anticipate the opponent's strategy.
• Let children play the game, guiding them to think about the cause-and-effect of their decisions and the consequences.
• After the game, discuss what strategies worked and what they could do differently next time.

Structured Activities in the Preschool Setting

Structured activities provide a framework for cognitive development, focusing on specific skills within a guided context.

9. Daily Routine Role-Play

• Overview: Helps children understand and get comfortable with daily routines
• Materials Needed: Props related to daily classroom activities
• Setup: Create stations around the classroom that represent different parts of the daily routine, such as arrival, story time, snack time and departure.
• Divide the children into small groups , assigning a station to each group.
• Guide them through the activities at each station, explaining the actions and their importance.
• Rotate the groups through the stations, allowing each preschooler to experience the different aspects of the routine.
• Conclude with a discussion on what they learned and how these routines contribute to their day.

10. Sorting and Categorizing

• Overview: Develops classification skills by grouping items based on attributes
• Materials Needed: Various objects or images
• Setup: Scatter the objects or lay out the images in a central location.
• Encourage children to sort the items into groups based on a specific attribute (e.g., color, size, type).
• Facilitate discussions about the characteristics of each group and why certain items belong together, reinforcing logical thinking and categorization skills.

Encouraging Critical Thinking through Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts stimulate cognitive processes like problem-solving, memory and deductive reasoning, as children follow clues to find objects.

11. Color Scavenger Hunt

• Overview: Children search for items based on color clues, enhancing color recognition and observational skills
• Materials Needed: Color clues and objects in various colors
• Setup: Prepare a list of colors or provide color cards to each child or team.
• Children search the classroom or play area to find items that match each color on their list.
• As they find each item, encourage them to discuss why they chose it, reinforcing their understanding of colors.
• Review all found items together, discussing the colors and enhancing vocabulary and observational skills.

12. Shape Scavenger Hunt

• Overview: A fun way to reinforce shape recognition as children find items matching specific shapes
• Materials Needed: Shape clues and various objects
• Setup: Provide a list of shapes for children to find in their environment.
• Kids search for and collect items that match the shapes on their list.
• Discuss the properties of each shape as children present their findings, reinforcing their shape recognition and cognitive association skills.

Building Memory with Sequencing Activities

Sequencing activities help preschoolers understand order and process, critical for developing logical thinking and memory skills in early childhood.

13. Story Sequencing

• Overview: Children arrange pictures or sentences to retell a story in the correct sequence
• Materials Needed: Story cards or pictures
• Setup: Scramble the sequence of story cards or pictures.
• Present the mixed-up story cards to the children.
• Ask them to arrange the cards in order that they believe narrates the story correctly.
• Once they complete the sequence, narrate the story based on their arrangement, discussing the flow and logic to reinforce understanding.

14. Daily Routine Sequencing

• Overview: Enhances understanding of daily sequences and time management
• Materials Needed: Cards representing daily activities
• Setup: Mix up cards that depict various daily routine activities.
• Show the mixed-up cards to the children, explaining each activity briefly.
• Ask them to arrange the cards in the order they think these activities occur throughout the day.
• Discuss each step as they place it, reinforcing the sequence and helping them understand daily routines.

Enhancing Spatial Awareness with Block Building

Developmentally appropriate block-building activities help to teach spatial reasoning, allowing children to understand and manipulate their physical world and enhance motor skills.

15. Block Building Challenges

• Overview: Encourages creative construction and spatial awareness
• Materials Needed: Different types and sizes of blocks
• Setup: Provide a variety of blocks.
• Challenge the children to build a specific structure or replicate a design with the blocks.
• Allow them time to build, then discuss the structures, focusing on the use of space and the shapes created.

16. Navigating Obstacle Courses

• Overview: Develops spatial awareness and physical coordination
• Materials Needed: Objects to create an obstacle course
• Setup: Arrange objects to form a simple obstacle course.
• Demonstrate how to navigate the course.
• Have the children take turns going through the course, observing their approaches and strategies.
• Discuss their experiences, focusing on how they perceived and interacted with the space.

Fostering Logical Thinking with Classification Games

Classification games enhance logical thinking, encouraging children to organize items based on common attributes.

17. Animal Habitat Sorting

• Overview: Kids classify animals based on their natural habitats, fostering matching skills, logical thinking and knowledge of the natural world
• Materials Needed: Animal and habitat pictures or figurines
• Setup: Display pictures or figurines of various animals and habitats.
• Ask the children to place each animal in its corresponding habitat.
• Discuss the choices, focusing on the characteristics of each habitat and why certain animals live there.

18. Sorting by Size or Color

• Overview: Develops the ability to classify objects based on size or color
• Materials Needed: A collection of objects in different sizes or colors
• Setup: Present a mixed group of objects to the children.
• Instruct the children to sort the objects by size or color.
• Engage in a discussion about their sorting criteria, reinforcing understanding of size, color and categorization.

Cultivating Attention and Focus with Listening Games

Listening games promote preschool cognitive development by enhancing auditory processing, concentration and the ability to follow directions.

19. Sound Identification

• Overview: Sharpens auditory skills and focus as children identify sounds
• Materials Needed: Various sound-making objects or recorded sounds
• Setup: Prepare a selection of distinct sounds, either from objects or recordings.
• Play one sound at a time and ask children to identify the source or type of sound.
• Discuss each sound after identification, talking about its characteristics and where it might be heard in everyday life.

20. Musical Statues

• Overview: Combines listening with physical control, as children must freeze when the music stops
• Materials Needed: Music player and a selection of songs
• Setup: Clear an area for children to move around safely.
• Play music and encourage children to dance or move around.
• Randomly pause the music; when it stops, children must freeze in place.
• Discuss the importance of listening for the music to stop and start, enhancing their attention to auditory cues.

Encouraging Numeracy with Counting Activities

Counting activities are a foundation for future education, where preschoolers develop numeracy and get a basic introduction to mathematics .

21. Count and Match

• Overview: Children count objects and match them with the correct numeral
• Materials Needed : Objects to count, number cards
• Arrange the small objects in groups from 1-10 on a table.
• Shuffle the number cards and place them in a stack face down.
• Ask a child to pick a number card from the stack.
• The child counts out the corresponding number of objects from the groups.
• Once the objects are counted, the child matches the group with the number card.
• Repeat the process with each child, ensuring they get turns to practice counting and matching.

22. Snack Time Counting

• Overview: Integrates counting into a routine activity, making learning relevant and practical
• Materials Needed: Snack items, plates or napkins
• Distribute an equal number of snacks on plates or napkins for each child.
• Ensure each child has a clear view of their snacks and easy access to count them.
• Instruct the children to count their snacks one by one.
• After counting, each child shares their total number with the group.
• Engage the children by asking who has the most or least if there's a variance in numbers.
• Introduce simple addition or subtraction by asking hypothetical questions (e.g., "If you eat two, how many will you have left?").

23. Math Worksheets

If you're looking for an activity to help children learn numbers, we built a pack of five math worksheets. Simply print them off, pass them out and provide a few simple instructions to teach children numbers one through five. Click the image below to download all five worksheets. If you're looking for more free materials, we have you covered with dozens of printables and templates . This is part of Vanco's mission to provide preschool classrooms with the free tools and management software they need.

Teaching Sight Words

Dolch sight words cover some of the most important words for little ones to learn. To help you, we built two sight word activity materials you can use. In the image below, you'll find the words that are most essential for preschoolers to learn. Each of the materials we built are designed to encourage mastery of these terms.

24. Sight Word Flash Cards

Flash cards are a great way to teach reading, especially for key terms. That's why we created these printout of sight word flashcards.

25. Sight Word Bingo Cards

Bingo is a fun game that many young learners are already familiar with. That's why we've created over a dozen printouts you can print off and use.

What is a cognitive activity for preschool?

Cognitive activities for preschoolers are tasks and games designed to enhance children's mental processes. These activities are not just about learning facts or figures; they're about encouraging kids to think critically, solve problems and understand complex concepts relative to their age groups. Cognitive development of preschoolers can range from simple memory games to more complex problem-solving tasks, all aimed at stimulating brain development in the preschool years.

Why are cognitive childhood development activities so important for preschoolers?

Importance of cognitive activities.

Engaging in cognitive development activities helps set the stage for a child's future learning. These activities help to fine-tune the preschooler's brain, making it more efficient and effective in processing information, solving problems and making decisions. By participating in these activities, children learn to focus, pay attention and remember details, which are essential cognitive skills in preschool and in their overall development.

Benefits for Preschoolers

• Enhances memory: Regular participation in cognitive activities helps improve preschoolers' memory, aiding them in retaining information more effectively.
• Boosts problem-solving skills: Cognitive activities challenge children to think critically and find solutions to problems, fostering their problem-solving skills.
• Promotes language development: Many cognitive activities involve following instructions or understanding stories, which can enhance language skills.
• Encourages creativity: These activities often allow children to use their imagination, promoting creative thinking.

How do you promote cognitive development in a preschool setting?

Tracking progress on cognitive milestones for preschoolers.

Keeping track of cognitive milestones is essential to ensure preschoolers are developing as expected. Observing how children engage with cognitive activities can provide insights into their progress, helping educators and parents identify areas where they may need additional support or stimulation.

How to Help Children Develop Cognitive Skills

• Provide a variety of activities: Offer a range of cognitive development activities that target different areas of the brain and skills, such as fine motor skills, critical skills and problem solving.
• Create a stimulating environment: Ensure the learning environment is rich with materials and opportunities for exploration and discovery.
• Encourage curiosity: Answer questions, provide explanations and encourage preschoolers to ask more and explore their surroundings.

Boosting Cognitive Development

• Interactive play: Engage children in interactive play that requires them to think, make decisions and solve problems.
• Storytelling: Use storytelling to enhance imagination, memory and language skills.
• Questioning: Ask them questions, especially open-ended questions that prompt children to think and articulate their thoughts.

Building Cognitive Skills through Puzzles

Puzzles are an excellent tool for developing spatial awareness, problem-solving skills and patience. They require children to recognize patterns, shapes and colors, all of which are fundamental to a preschooler's cognitive development.

Developing Memory through Games

Memory games are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial for enhancing a child's memory and attention to detail. These games encourage preschoolers to remember positions, colors or shapes, which is a vital cognitive exercise.

Enhancing Language Skills with Cognitive Activities

Language-based cognitive activities can significantly boost a child's vocabulary, comprehension and communication skills. Through imaginative storytelling, rhyming games and conversation, kids learn new words, understand sentence structures and express their ideas more clearly.

Get 100+ Editable and Printable Templates for Almost Every Preschool Situation

We know preschools like yours are busy. That's why we made dozens of templates to help you manage the various aspects of your organization. With billing and invoicing, activity templates, forms and even marketing materials, we have it all. Download all 100 today!

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Fun activities for developing critical thinking skills in preschoolers

Inside: Critical thinking preschool worksheets to download for free!

Problem-solving and critical thinking are important skills children in preschool need to develop in order to succeed in school.

Include these critical thinking preschool worksheets in your curriculum to give them enough opportunities for practice.

You might also like my brand new Things that don’t belong worksheets !

Critical thinking preschool worksheets

Whether you are taking a walk outside or reading a book together with your child, there are always opportunities to practice critical thinking.

For instance, encourage your child to look for repeating patterns, for similarities and differences between objects and so on. The more they understand the world around them the better they will be able to generalize and utilize the knowledge in more complex situations.

To provide you with some pen and paper exercises, I’ve created these critical thinking preschool worksheets.

Feel free to use them in the classroom or at home.

And make sure to expand on your child’s answers. Ask her more about each group of pictures, why they belong/don’t belong together, and so forth.

To download, just click on the download link at the very end.

Similar: Things that go together worksheets

Feel free to use these worksheets in the classroom or at home. But please remember that any other re-distribution or altering are not allowed. Thank you. 

Critical thinking skills

7 thoughts on “Fun activities for developing critical thinking skills in preschoolers”

Hey Kristina, thanks. My 5 years old found it really interesting. Do you have more?

Not the same kind of activities. But it’s a good idea to create more like these, I will add them to my to-do list!

Hey Kristina, Thank you so much for the resources. I have a 1st grader with special needs and am always at a loss for what to do to supplimet our schools amazing special ed departments at home. Your worksheets are life savers!

I am happy to help!

Kristina, thanks for saving our kids from non-stop TV and boredom thanks to your great print-outs these days!!!

Lol, you’re welcome! I know it’s hard to constantly entertain them at home. My two boys are the same. All the best to you!

Very interesting Kristina..Thank you for this Materials I used them with my 4 year old daughter!!!!☺💖

Comments are closed.

22 Problem Solving Activities for Preschool

Problem-solving activities can help children build resilience, think critically, and develop confidence in their ability to tackle challenges.

But it can be challenging to find engaging and age-appropriate activities that promote problem-solving skills in preschoolers.

We will share Problem Solving Activities for Preschool at home or in the classroom.

From simple puzzles to complex challenges, these activities will help your child develop problem-solving skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Shape Sorters :

Shape sorters are one of the best problem-solving activities for preschoolers. They are simple yet effective tools that help children develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Shape sorters come in different shapes and sizes, and they are designed to help children sort and match different shapes and colors.

Playing with shape sorters helps children develop their hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and cognitive abilities. As they fit the different shapes into the corresponding holes, they learn about shape recognition, spatial awareness, and cause-and-effect relationships.

Related: Free Printable Math Worksheets for Preschoolers

Building Towers with Blocks:

Building towers with blocks is a classic activity that encourages children to problem-solve as they work to create a stable structure. Children must figure out how to balance and stack the blocks to create a tower that won’t topple over. This activity helps children develop their spatial reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills as they adjust their approach to create a more stable structure.

Related: 20 Best Pre-Writing Activities for Preschoolers

Treasure Hunts:

Treasure hunts are an exciting way to encourage children to solve problems and work collaboratively. Parents or caregivers can create a series of clues and riddles that lead children to a hidden “treasure.” Children must use their problem-solving skills to decipher the clues and find the treasure. This activity promotes critical thinking, spatial awareness, and teamwork.

Memory Games:

Memory games are a great way to challenge children’s cognitive abilities and improve their problem-solving skills. These games involve laying out a set of cards face down and having children flip over two cards at a time to try and match pairs. This activity helps children develop their memory, focus, and attention to detail.

Related: 20 Winter Math Activities for Preschoolers

Puzzles are a fantastic way to promote problem-solving skills in young children. These activities require children to use their critical thinking and spatial reasoning skills to fit puzzle pieces together. Puzzles can range in difficulty from simple shapes to more complex scenes, and they can be adjusted to fit the child’s developmental level.

Obstacle Courses:

Obstacle courses are a fun and engaging way to encourage children to solve problems and work on their motor skills. Parents or caregivers can create a series of obstacles that children must navigate to reach a specific goal. This activity promotes critical thinking, spatial awareness, and coordination. Obstacle courses can be adjusted to fit the child’s age and developmental level, making them a versatile and effective tool for promoting problem-solving skills in young children.

Storytelling:

Storytelling is an excellent way to promote problem-solving skills in preschoolers. By listening to stories, children are exposed to different scenarios and situations that require problem-solving skills. Parents or caregivers can encourage children to think about how the story’s characters solve their problems and ask them to come up with solutions to hypothetical problems.

Cooking is a fun and interactive way to promote problem-solving skills in preschoolers. Children must follow recipes, measure ingredients, and work collaboratively with others to create a finished dish. This activity helps children develop their critical thinking, math skills, and ability to follow instructions.

Role-playing is an excellent way to encourage problem-solving skills in young children. Children can pretend to be doctors, firefighters, or police officers and work together to solve problems and complete tasks. This activity promotes critical thinking, teamwork, and imagination.

Guessing Games:

Guessing games, such as “I Spy” or “20 Questions,” is an excellent way to encourage problem-solving skills in young children. These games require children to use their critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills to guess the answer correctly. This activity promotes memory, concentration, and attention to detail.

Science Experiments:

Science experiments are an engaging way to encourage problem-solving skills in young children. These activities require children to observe, hypothesize, and test their theories. Parents or caregivers can conduct simple science experiments, such as mixing baking soda and vinegar, to teach children about cause and effect. This activity promotes critical thinking, experimentation, and curiosity.

Sensory Play:

Sensory play is an excellent way to promote problem-solving skills in young children. By playing with different textures and materials, children can explore cause-and-effect relationships and develop their critical thinking skills. Parents or caregivers can set up sensory bins with materials such as rice, sand, or water to encourage children to explore and problem-solve.

Board Games:

Board games are a great way to promote problem-solving skills in preschoolers. These games require children to use their critical thinking and strategic planning skills to win the game. Games like Chutes and Ladders, Candy Land, and Connect Four are excellent choices for young children.

Scavenger Hunts:

Scavenger hunts are a fun and interactive way to encourage problem-solving skills in young children. Parents or caregivers can create a list of items for children to find and encourage them to work collaboratively to solve clues and find the items. This activity promotes critical thinking, teamwork, and spatial awareness.

Creative Building:

Creative building activities, such as using play dough, clay, or craft materials, are an excellent way to promote problem-solving skills in young children. Children can use their imagination and creativity to problem-solve and create their structures and designs. This activity promotes critical thinking, spatial awareness, and creativity.

Sensory Bins:

Sensory bins are a fun and interactive way to promote problem-solving skills in preschoolers. Parents or caregivers can set up a bin filled with different materials, such as sand, rice, or beans, and hide different objects or toys within them. Children have to use their problem-solving skills to find and identify the objects hidden within the bin. Sensory bins also promote fine motor skills, sensory exploration, and creativity.

Art Projects:

Art projects are a great way to promote problem-solving skills in young children. By encouraging children to create their art projects, parents or caregivers can help them develop their problem-solving skills by encouraging them to think creatively and find solutions to design challenges. This activity promotes critical thinking, creativity, and fine motor skills.

Cooking and Baking:

Cooking and baking are great activities to promote problem-solving skills in preschoolers. Children can measure ingredients, follow directions, and problem-solve how to mix ingredients together properly. This activity promotes critical thinking, math skills, and following directions.

Outdoor Exploration:

Outdoor exploration is an excellent way to promote problem-solving skills in young children. Parents or caregivers can take children on nature walks or hikes and encourage them to explore and problem-solve by finding different types of plants, animals, and natural landmarks. This activity promotes critical thinking, creativity, and nature appreciation.

Science Kits:

Science kits are a fun and interactive way to promote problem-solving skills in preschoolers. There are many science kits available that are age-appropriate and designed specifically for preschoolers. These kits provide children with hands-on opportunities to experiment and explore scientific concepts, which promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Some science kits may include materials for making slime, growing crystals, or exploring the properties of magnets.

Dramatic Play:

Dramatic play activities provide opportunities for preschoolers to use their imaginations and problem-solving skills.

Related: Examples of Dramatic Play for Preschoolers

Parents or caregivers can set up a pretend play area with costumes, props, and toys that encourage children to use their problem-solving skills to navigate different scenarios and situations.

For example, children can play doctor and use problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat a patient, or they can play chef and use problem-solving skills to plan and prepare a meal. Dramatic play promotes creativity, social-emotional development, and problem-solving skills.

Recommended:

• 25 Pattern Block Activities for Preschool
• 25 Excellent Outdoor Games for 4 – 5 Year Olds
• 23 Matching Activities for Preschoolers

Sohaib Hasan Shah

Sohaib's journey includes 10+ years of teaching and counseling experience at BCSS School in elementary and middle schools, coupled with a BBA (Hons) with a minor in Educational Psychology from Curtin University (Australia) . In his free time, he cherishes quality moments with his family, reveling in the joys and challenges of parenthood. His three daughters have not only enriched his personal life but also deepened his understanding of the importance of effective education and communication, spurring him to make a meaningful impact in the world of education.

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15 Fantastic Logic and Critical Thinking Games

Games are wonderful additions to any homeschool. In fact, we typically play at least one game a day – sometimes even gameschooling for an entire day!

Not only do games bring joy and lightheartedness to the school day, they can help teach new concepts and practice old ones.

One of the most important reasons I include games in our homeschool frequently is because they are amazing for building logic and critical thinking skills!

This post includes affiliate links.

If you’ve read any of my blog posts about brain training , you’ll know that I place a lot of value on building logical thinking skills in kids. Luckily, games are one of the best ways to do that – and they don’t even require much effort on our part!

While almost every game has logic and critical thinking value, some games are made specifically to give those skills a workout. I’ve included 15 of my favorites here for you!

Logic and Critical Thinking Games

Invasion of the Cow Snatchers – A creative, single player game that uses magnetic playing pieces as you maneuver a flying saucer around obstacles on a farm to beam up all the cattle.

Domino Maze – In this hands-on, single player game, you create fun domino mazes with a critical thinking twist as you set out to build based on challenge cards.

Thinking Putty Puzzle – This is another hands-on, single player game that “stretches” your thinking skills as you complete mazes with Thinking Putty.

Qwirkle – A family favorite, this game is kind of like Scrabble with shapes & colors. Your goal is to rack up as many points as possible as you work to complete symbol combinations.

Battleship – Coordinate graphing and logical thinking are required to sink all your opponent’s ships in this classic game for two players.

Mastermind – Another classic game for two players, Mastermind is truly a top pick for practicing logical thinking skills as you deduce a hidden code.

ZooLogic – This is such a cute single player game. You must figure out how to organize dogs, cats, and mice on puzzle cards so that no fights ensue between the animals.

Guess Who? – This is the perfect game to teach beginning critical thinking skills as you ask pertinent questions to figure out your opponent’s mystery character.

SET – Get ready to work logic skills faster than your opponents as everyone races to put together the next combination of cards based on shape, color, shading, and number.

Clue – A good, old-fashioned game of Clue is perfect for sharpening logic and critical thinking skills since the goal is to use deductive reasoning to solve the mystery before anyone else.

Cat Crimes – In this hands-on, single player logic puzzle, you place cat characters on the board based on clues you are given in order to determine which one is to blame for an oopsie that has occurred.

Codenames – While this game can be played with as few as four people, it’s great for a crowd, too. Spymasters use word clues to help their teams logically consider which cards on the table will locate friendly spy agents instead of foes.

Rover Control – This creative, single player coding game teaches basic programming skills through critical thinking puzzles in which a rover must go through various start to finish challenges.

Rush Hour – A classic, single player game, Rush Hour utilizes logical thinking as you work to get an ice cream truck out of a rush hour traffic jam.

Rook – This four player card game is another family favorite that is won by logic and critical thinking between teammates (as well as a little luck.)

Gameschooling

There are so many wonderful games available these days! I’ve written about favorites for other subjects plenty of times. Feel free to click on any of the images below to see a different list of games.

P.S. Games make great gifts for any holiday or birthday. They also make great family gifts or for people who are hospital or homebound. Games are one the most frequent things we give when a gift is in order!

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25 Preschool STEM Activities: Inquiry-Based Learning

ALI Staff | Published  January 22, 2024

Preschool STEM activities and play-based learning are a great way to engage students in science, technology, engineering, and math.

These activities introduce foundational concepts for cross-curricular connections and deepen students’ interests in STEM.

They’re also fun!

The good news is that most preschool classrooms already have many materials available to introduce basic STEM concepts.

If you’re unsure where to begin, this guide offers ideas to get you and your students started.

How STEM Activities Help Preschoolers Learn

STEM projects for preschoolers promote hands-on learning, spark students’ curiosity, and set the foundation for skills like critical thinking that will be important in their school careers.

These activities go beyond rote learning and introduce students to inquiry-based discovery.

What is an example of a STEM activity? An example of a STEM activity is any activity that uses science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to support student learning.

Building, exploring nature, and asking more “why” questions are all related to STEM.

Preschool STEM Activities

These engaging preschool STEM ideas keep things simple for teachers with easy set-ups and accessible materials.

You know your students best. Adjust these activities based on the tools available and the needs of your classroom.

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Students explore their immediate outdoor environment by collecting items from a visual provided by their teacher.

Consider different types of leaves, flowers, rocks, etc., that they can identify and sort back in the classroom.

STEM benefit(s): Students use observation skills and develop an early appreciation for nature and biology.

2. Classroom Weather Chart

This is an easy activity to add to your daily routine.

Create a classroom weather chart that prompts questions about the weather. Ask students how that day’s weather system affects the day’s activities and what they wear to school.

STEM benefit(s): Students learn about making connections between weather patterns and their daily lives in a visual way.

Try a sample lesson from our early childhood program Kide Science - It's Raining! How do water droplets keep their shape?   Download our playful inquiry lesson pack.

3. Seed Planting

Students plant different seeds in the classroom and make observations about their plants.

They can observe plant growth, experiment with different lighting and plant foods, and complete connection activities about the life cycles of plants.

STEM benefit(s): This activity encourages students’ interest in the natural world and introduces them to simple experiments.

Take this activity a step further with a sample lesson from our Pre-K program, Kide Science. Download our free playful inquiry lesson pack to get access to - Flowery Business - How do plants drink?

4. Ice Age Dinos

For dinosaur-loving classrooms, this activity may be less messy if a little wet. Freeze dinosaur toys in a block of ice. Guide students in coming up with the best strategies to get the toys out of the ice, whether that’s warm water, simple classroom tools, or salt.

STEM benefit(s): Students are introduced to basic experiment skills, deductive reasoning, and paleontology.

5. Building Block Challenges

Students use building blocks to meet a challenge provided by their teacher.

This can be building the tallest tower, constructing a structure strong enough to hold a piece of fruit, or working together to build block cities.

STEM benefit(s): This activity enhances spatial awareness, boosts students’ fine motor skills, and introduces basic engineering concepts.  

6. Outdoor Shadow Play

If you teach somewhere with enough sun, have students use their bodies or classroom objects to observe the size and shapes of shadows.

They can trace the shadows on a sheet of paper to make this one a STEAM activity.

STEM benefit(s): This play-based activity teaches children about light, shadows, shapes, and spatial awareness. 

7. Indoor Shadow Play

In cloudy or rainy environments, take the shadow play indoors.

Using overhead projectors or flashlights, display different objects’ shadows on a blank surface. Show students how the size of shadows changes as the objects move closer or further away from a light source.

STEM benefit(s): Students use spatial reasoning to investigate basic concepts about shadow and light.

8. Sorting Shapes

Students identify and sort objects based on shapes. This can be a 2D printout that they can color or a 3D activity using sorting maps and available materials around the classroom. This activity can be repeated throughout the year as children learn new shapes.

STEM benefit(s): This activity introduces basic geometry concepts and enhances students’ spatial reasoning skills.

9. Sink or Float?

In this lesson from Kide Science, students predict whether grapes will float in different solutions of water and salt water. Lead extra curious preschoolers in a discussion about why they think that way and what made the grapes float. 

STEM benefit(s): Students learn introductory concepts of density and buoyancy through hands-on experimentation.

10. Toothpick Engineering

Lead students in building structures out of toothpicks to build the highest structure they can. In this inquiry- and story-based lesson from Kide Science, use the power of story to incite curiosity and help students engage in hands-on learning. 

STEM benefit(s): This one goes beyond basic engineering. Students use critical thinking and math skills to work through this activity.

11. Fishing With Magnets

Students practice basic experimentation skills by learning what sticks to a magnet and what doesn’t.

Have students predict what they’ll be able to “catch” before hovering their magnets over different materials.

STEM benefit(s): Students are introduced to magnetism, a physics concept, through this play-based activity.

12. Dinosaur Dig

Bury toy dinosaurs in a sensory bin filled with sand or oil. Give students brushes, pails, and other excavation tools to unearth the dinosaurs. Take this one a step further with dinosaur ID cards they can match to what they find.

STEM benefit(s): Students become paleontologists by using their fine motor skills and sensory exploration.

13. Cloud in a Jar

In this lesson from Kide Science , observe different steps of the water cycle and trap your very own cloud in a jar! 

STEM benefit(s): Students are introduced to basic earth science concepts, including weather phenomena, states of matter, and the water cycle.

14. Color Mixing

Students experiment by mixing primary colors to create new colors. Use washable paints or colored water for easy cleanup. Have them make predictions about the colors they’ll create, then lead a discussion about secondary colors.

STEM benefit(s): This activity introduces students to basic color theory and engages them in simple chemistry.

15. DIY Slime

It’s a fact. Kids love slime. All you need for basic slime is water, white school glue, and borax. (Some recipes call for corn starches or contact solution in place of borax. You can experiment to find the right consistency!) Add food coloring or glitter to customize.

STEM benefit(s): This kind of tactile play allows students to use their sense of touch in a lesson about basic chemistry.

16. Building Bridges

Using blocks, cardboard, cardstock, or a combination of materials, students build bridges to meet a given challenge. That can be building the longest bridge, building a bridge between two points, or building the strongest bridge. They can test their bridges using toy cars.

STEM benefit(s): Students learn easy engineering concepts like weight distribution while improving their fine motor skills.

17. Bubble Experiment

In this Kide Science activity,  use a straw with a bubble solution to explore shapes and the formation of bubbles. 

STEM benefit(s): This activity combines reading comprehension with basic science concepts of shapes, movement, and chemistry.

18. Animal Habitats

Students sort animals into different habitats after stories or instruction on the topic. Keep things simple with laminated printables, or use animal toys and plastic pieces for a 3D experience. Leave some time for play at the end of the activity.

STEM benefit(s): Students practice drawing conclusions about what animals need to survive in unique habitats.

19. Rain Gauge Activity

Students build a simple rain gauge using a clear container to measure and record rainfall over time. Measuring tape or plastic rulers both work, but tools in a larger format may be best for preschool-aged students.

STEM benefit(s): This weather science activity combines all four STEM disciplines in one fun activity.

20. Toy Parachutes

Students design then create a small parachute for a toy figurine. (Have them choose the figurine or bring one in from home for extra buy-in.) Tissue paper, plastic bags, or napkins all work as parachute material.

STEM benefit(s): Introduce tricky concepts like gravity, drag, and air resistance in a simplified way. 

21. Marshmallow Structures

Use jumbo marshmallows and plastic straws to create building challenges for students. These can be about building multi-story structures, creating bridges, or making shapes out of their materials. Their final project can be a creation of their own making.

STEM benefit(s): Students are introduced to basic engineering concepts like design and structure while developing problem-solving skills.

22. Recycled Creations

Guide students in building sculptures and crafts out of recycled materials. They can run loose with their ideas or build creations based on a given theme. Consider small group projects if the materials are larger.

STEM benefit(s): This one can be considered a STEAM project as students add their own creative spin on basic engineering concepts.

23. Classroom Symphony

Students create musical instruments from regular classroom objects or recycled materials to explore the different sounds they can make. Think about DIY hand drums, paper plate tambourines, and spoon maracas.

STEM benefit(s): This activity explores basic science principles of sound and vibration while touching on STEAM and the benefits of music appreciation.

24. The Egg Drop

Create an opportunity for whole-class engagement as you brainstorm how to create the perfect container to keep an egg safe from breaking after a drop. Spend time on the design before the real experiment. Work with them to make adjustments if the first (or second) attempt fails.

STEM benefit(s): Students use critical thinking to test hypotheses, make adjustments, and draw conclusions while boosting their collaboration skills.

25. STEM Field Trips

This activity requires some additional pre-planning, but taking students out of the classroom on STEM-related field trips is a great way to make what they’re learning more concrete. Botanic gardens, planetariums, and children’s museums are all great options for little ones.

STEM benefit(s): Students can connect to STEM concepts on a more interactive level, deepen their understanding of STEM, and have fun.

How do you incorporate STEM in a preschool classroom?

You can incorporate STEM in a preschool classroom by being creative with available materials and introducing more hands-on learning for your students.

Create opportunities to problem-solve with your students and explore solutions.

Take the lead from your students as to what drives them to engage with activities. That will make the learning more fun for everyone.

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8 critical thinking activities for preschoolers that encourage imagination.

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“Come with me and you’ll see a world of pure imagination” – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Willy Wonka had it right. He encouraged children to imagine and expand on abstract thoughts.

He certainly could have come up with some engaging critical thinking activities for preschoolers that encourage imagination.

These days a lot of kids lack critical thinking skills. Heck, these days a lot of  adults lack critical thinking skills.

We live with so much instant gratification that asking questions, finding our own connections, and thinking about thinking tends to be a chore for far too many kids and adults.

Critical thinking is something that takes effort and something we all must improve on.

It is vital to let our little nuggets explore and reach their own conclusions. In a world where so much is automatically done for us, we need to inspire our children to imagine.

Here are 8 fun critical thinking activities for preschoolers that encourage imagination:

1. Make your own menu

My son loves food. He also makes some very interesting concoctions with the plates of food put in front of him. Making a menu would be a great activity for him, and I can only imagine what meals he would come up with.

Show your child ingredients around the house and write a list together, then have your child brainstorm meals he can make out of the ingredients.

Lastly, sit together and design your own menu.

It’s also important that you allow your little, curious rascal to ask questions during this process.

Interesting conversations will ensue.

“Can I make an ice cream cheeseburger?”

“Ummm, sure, honey.”

2. Use Legos to create a theme

My little bugger enjoys playing with Legos. Most kids do. Legos can be used in many critical thinking activities for preschoolers. One such activity includes designing your own scene based on a theme.

One day your child could design a farm; another day, a store, etc.

You could also integrate a trip based on this theme.

Let’s say your kiddo makes that farm. You could go to a local petting zoo on that same day. Okay, let’s be realistic, that same week.

Those little preschool neurons are sure to get fired up!

3. Make a 3-D graph paper city

One of my favorite abstract thinking exercises from when I was a young kid was making a 3-D graph paper city.

We did it during math class, and it is a math lesson I still remember over twenty years later.

First, get a piece of cardboard for the base. Then print out or buy some graph paper . Next, tell your kid that you can make 3-D towers out of the graph paper.

These directions are meant to be minimal. Your child will have to ask more questions for more information and perform trial and error before making her first tower.

This is the point. Although it will be tempting to do it for your angel, resist the urge!

Let her figure it out.

Pro Tip: Help Your Child Become Better at Critical Thinking

Enroll your child for the Atlas Mission and let your child play with this award-winning educational program. Your child will become better at critical thinking without even realizing it!

4. Create tangram animals

I have only stolen two things in my life: a 25 cent kazoo and a couple of tangrams when I was in kindergarten. Embarrassing, I know, but the point is that I love tangrams!

Sidenote: Stealing is bad kids!

You can buy plastic tangrams or print your own.

There are many great critical thinking activities for preschoolers that involve tangrams. One of my favorites is creating animals. Here is an example of creating a bunny tangram.

Basically, once you have the tangrams, you tell your child to create a certain animal, and then your child is on his own.

If your little genius makes a weird blob and calls it a chicken, you may need to steer him in the right direction.

I don’t know an easier and more imaginative critical thinking experience than journaling.

All you need to do is provide your little jewel with a deep thinking question. Here is a site to get you started.

You also can print out a picture of almost anything and have your little one journal about this picture.

Then let your child (depending on her age) writes words, sentences, questions, pictures, etc. associated with her thought processes around the given question or picture.

The final product is bound to be mesmerizing.

 6. Build a geometric house with stick triangles

Outdoor educational activities are awesome! You get your preschooler his daily dose of mud and air AND teach him something useful. I see no cons.

Building a geometric house with stick triangles is super easy and super fun.

All you need to do is have your kid go fetch some sticks (okay, I know our children are not dogs), and tie them into triangles.

You can use twine, yarn, etc.

Then you let your munchkin design a house.

Depending on your child’s age, you could have him make it 3-D or 2-D, but the only rule is that it has to be completely out of triangles.

This is a time to let that imagination run wild. Who knows, maybe your little architect will become the next Frank Lloyd Wright.

7. Hold an invention convention

Kids love to make things and think up crazy inventions.

Invention Convention is one of the critical thinking activities for preschoolers that will have a room roaring with laughter while also having your kid excited to make an idealistic change.

You need a bunch of random materials like construction paper, cardboard, cups, paper plates, glue, tape, markers, and whatever else you can get your hands on.

Then tell the kids that they have to come up with an invention that will do something positive for the environment.

They are responsible for building a prototype and presenting a persuasive commercial about their invention.

This becomes severely entertaining for any audience, and the ideas that some kids come up with could possibly win a Nobel Prize in the future.

8. Create your own playground

There is a very interesting playground in New York City called play:groundNYC where no parents are allowed and kids are encouraged to climb trees, play with tools, and imagine.

Now creating your own playground with your child can still require adult supervision, but your kiddo should be doing the majority of the building.

The directions are simple: tell your kid to build a playground in the backyard.

Your child’s imagination will run rampant. Perhaps she will use the old tires you have in the garage or make an obstacle course out of sticks.

The possibilities are endless, but your kiddo will be creating, thinking, and problem-solving all along the way while you sit back and sip on a much needed glass of wine (cough) Coke.

So go and get your little Willy Wonka away from the TV and start utilizing these critical thinking activities for preschoolers to get that growing noggin prepared for changing the future. Check out these other critical thinking activities .

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About the Author

Amanda Clark creates educational content for the Atlas Mission . She is a work-at-home mom with two awesome sons that keep her on her toes. She has written four books of poetry, loves technology, juggling pins, and freelance writing.

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5 Activities for Your Child That Teach Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is one of the most crucial life skills to have. It not only builds a strong character but also creates a wise person who is humble and successful. However, only some schools can nurture critical thinking abilities due to a standardized syllabus. Yet, as a parent, you can encourage your children to think critically with some activities you can do at home.

Here are some examples of activities to understand how to teach children critical thinking.

1. Creating art.

Encouraging your child to express their thoughts through artistic outlets is an incredible way to nurture critical thinking skills. As children draw pictures or compose music to express things they might not know how to do in words, this requires critical thinking skills.

Practicing artistic skills and nurturing creativity is an indispensable activity for children to build critical thinking skills. It is by no means a simple task. This is one of the many reasons art has been highly valued throughout history.

2. Teach them how to create a hypothesis.

When you spend time with your child, you can actively teach them how to develop their ideas and theories. For example, if you are reading them a story, you could stop halfway through and start questioning them about things such as what they think about the characters, what they think will happen later, and why they think so. Ask them how they feel the story would finish.

Impromptu and open-ended questions allow your child to think logically and outside the box. Sometimes, their creative answers might even surprise you! Encourage them, ask them open-ended questions, and give them ample time to come up with a great answer.

You could even use real-life situations to ask questions like these. For example, if you are having dinner together, you could ask them how they think these noodles were made and the process involved. Or if you are stuck in traffic, you could ask them if they have any input on how they would fix congestion problems if they were the prime minister.

3. Solve puzzles together.

Puzzles are an excellent activity for children to build their neurons. Whether it is Monopoly, Tic Tac Toe, Connect 4, jigsaw puzzles, Shoots and Ladders, or many others, your child will actively build their critical thinking skills by playing these games.

Through puzzles and brain teasers, your child slowly learns how to formulate strategies, understand the fundamentals of game theory, and gradually build up these skills until it is second nature.

Your presence is also significant when it comes to puzzles. These puzzles might seem daunting and unenjoyable if you let your child play alone, but playing together can become a fun and wonderful bonding experience.

4. Real problems, pretend play.

Bring a real-world problem, such as world hunger or global warming, to pretend play and ask the kids to think of solutions. For example, if they were the president of the United States of America, how would they solve these issues? Such critical thinking games allow kids to learn about their surroundings and be aware of their environment while critically thinking about the issues and how to work around them.

These games also allow your children to understand the real challenges that people in the world face. Through your encouragement, you can motivate them to not only think heavily about these problems but also actively think of solutions, which might benefit their future careers and ideologies.

5. Play with building blocks.

Building blocks and LEGOs are great toys for building critical thinking skills. The endless possibilities allow your child to let their imagination loose. By creating various things with them, you encourage them to utilize more of their brainpower to bring their ideas to life. From dinosaurs and buildings to spaceships and model homes, as your child builds their imaginations into reality, they actively fire up those neurons throughout the process.

You can also achieve outstanding results by playing Minecraft with them. Essentially a virtual world made out of building blocks, you and your child have a great bonding experience that is both fun and educational. If Minecraft isn’t your thing – programs like Engineering For Kids encourage creativity and critical thinking in their STEM camps, classes, and events.

Critical thinking is the key to success

Critical thinking abilities are crucial for achieving success in life. They allow individuals to live life to the fullest and always think ahead of their actions and the consequences that will come. By nurturing critical thinking skills in your children, they will undoubtedly have a bright future ahead.

Enroll your child in an Engineering For Kids program today and watch them develop the critical thinking skills they need for a successful future!

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Best Music and Movement Activities for Preschool

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Preschool children are naturally very active, and they love to get up and dance and move around. That’s why music and movement activities are favorite activities and great options for your preschool homeschool routine!

Music and movement activities can help children learn new concepts, practice motor skills, express their creativity, express themselves emotionally, and more. They’re also just plain fun!

Benefits of Music Activities 

There are so many important benefits to music and movement activities or movement brain breaks in the preschool age range. And you don’t have to be a music teacher to put together a playlist of songs to encourage children’s love of music.

Not only does music education help children release energy, but they can also:

• Encourage children to take risks and express their emotions through movement and dance
• Develop gross motor skills, such as coordination and balance
• Improve literacy skills by introducing children to different sounds and new words through language-based songs
• Enhance mathematical thinking as children explore rhythms and beats
• Help children associate sounds with numbers
• Foster creative expression through improvisation, composition, and performance
• Develop an understanding of cooperation by working together to create music and move in sync 
• Introduce concepts such as high/low pitch, fast/slow tempo, and loud/soft volume
• Stimulate imagination and creativity through music-making
• Enhance memory skills as children learn songs and chants
• Provide an opportunity for self-expression. 

By incorporating music activities into your homeschool , you can create a fun and engaging learning environment while helping your kids develop important skills. 

Importance of Music for Development

Music and movement activities help preschoolers to develop their fine motor skills and gross motor skills. They are a great way to encourage emotional development and help develop social skills. 

In addition, music and movement activities support academic learning. Preschoolers can learn colors, numbers, letters, shapes, and more with the help of music-based activities.

Finally, by fostering a love of music in early childhood, you can help lay the foundation for lifelong music appreciation. Music activities are an important part of the preschool curriculum!  

Musical Activities for Preschoolers

So let’s talk about ways we can encourage kids so they can enjoy these benefits. One of the best parts of musical activities is they are very simple to plan.

Here are some easy to set up activities that your kids will love that encourage creative movement.

1. Active Listening: Pick a piece of music with different instruments and ask your kids to identify them.

2. Musical Art: Put on some music, give out paper and crayons or paint and let the creative juices flow!

3. Musical Games: Try making up your own musical games using scarves, hoops, and bean bags.

4. Musical Freeze: Pick a fun song and play it as your kids act out its lyrics through dance. When you pause the music, they must freeze in their positions. You could even incorporate yoga for preschoolers with the music and have them freeze into different poses.

5. Instrument Making: Have kids create their own variety of musical instruments from everyday items like empty boxes or bottles to make unique sounds.

6. Musical Storytelling: Give your kids a prop and ask them to create an individual story with their instrument, such as music from drums to signify thunder.

7. Chanting: Come up with chants using simple words and actions while clapping or stomping along.

8. Improvising: Give kids free rein over instruments, inviting them to explore and make up their own music.

9. Learn Songs and Chants: Teach your kids songs and chants with catchy rhythms, simple words, and fun movements. 

Favorite Preschool Movement Songs

These fun activities will keep preschoolers engaged while providing them with valuable skills like coordination, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Music activities are also great for helping children learn how to express themselves in a creative way!

Action Songs

Action songs are a great way to get preschoolers up and moving, as they learn about various body parts. You can have your own movement classes in your very own living room with some of these favorite ideas for encouraging kids to move their bodies. Some favorite songs your kids will enjoy include:

• Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
• If You’re Happy and You Know It
• The Wheels on the Bus
• Itsy Bitsy Spider
• Hokey Pokey
• I’m a Little Teapot
• Little Bunny Foo Foo

Movement Games

Using movement games, preschoolers can explore different ways to move their bodies, such as hopping and skipping. Some popular musical movement games include:

Musical Statues: A classic game, where children freeze when the music stops. Similar to freeze dance, it’s great fun!

The Hokey Pokey: Familiar songs like this encourage your child’s development— the game is a fun way to practice their right-left directionality.

Musical Chairs: A timeless classic that encourages children to explore spatial awareness. All you need is a few chairs and a cd player!

Freeze Dance: Put on a song and tell the kids to dance until you pause the music, at which point they must freeze.

The Farmer in the Dell:   A classic game where kids choose different members of their “farm” set to music.

Rhythm Games

Music is all about rhythm, so it’s important to introduce rhythm instrument activities that focus on developing this skill. Try using simple objects like maracas or drums to create your own beat and challenge the students to match it. You can also use these objects to develop a beat and have the kids come up with movement ideas to match it. Other games you could try are clapping games or tap dance routines.

Music lessons can be as simple as making new instruments like egg shakers, then shaking it to the beat of a simple song for movement time. Try different genres of music, like instrumental music or popular tunes from the radio, for a variety and to introduce young kids to speed and different actions that fit the music.

More Preschool Music Activities to Try

Dancing ribbon rings.

Dancing ribbon rings are easy to make and they are a huge hit with dancing preschoolers. Make a few sets for your home, put some fun music on and the kids will do the rest!

Musical Egg Shakers

Why not make your own? You can use these egg shakers while marching around the living room or let the kids shake out a rhythm. 

Silk Scarf Dancing

Dancing with silk scarves is a favorite activity with children of all ages. Scarf dancing with silk scarves can be done with any type of music, but many prefer to use classical music for this activity. 

Rainbow Music Sticks

These rainbow music sticks combine art and crafts with a music and movement activity. You can make these simple sticks with just a few simple items that you probably already have on hand like bells, and pipe cleaners. 

Simon says is an excellent movement game for kids. You can play it anywhere and you don’t need any props or supplies. Simon says teaches listening and social skills and can also be used to help identify parts of the body or the difference between left and right. 

Old Macdonald Had a Farm Music Basket

You have everything you need to make an Old Macdonald had a farm music basket in your homeschool or preschool classroom already. All you need are some stuffed or plastic farm animals and a few musical instruments. Your kids will love this musical activity! 

Freeze Dance

The freeze dance is as simple as it sounds. Put on a playlist of some kid-friendly songs and let them dance. Randomly yell out “freeze” and stop the music, see how long you and they can hold their crazy positions. 

Paper Plate Shakers

Let your kids get creative by making their own musical instruments with paper plates . Have them color or paint one side of the plate, fold the plate over and staple it together, add beans or rice, and then finish sealing the plate with a final staple. Now each child has a fun shaker to make music with! 

Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes are another way for preschoolers to participate in music and movement activities. Rhymes such as Hickory Dickory Dock, The Wheels on the Bus, Baa Baa Black sheep, and many more can all be acted out with young children. Learning nursery rhymes help young children with memorization, language development, coordination, and more. 

Music-based activities are an important part of preschool education and should be included regularly in your homeschool lesson plans.

These activities are an excellent way to foster learning and development in preschoolers, and they will have a blast while doing it! So get creative and start exploring the world of music with your students or children today.

What are your favorite music and movement activities for preschoolers?  Leave a comment below!

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• Preschool Surprise Bins + What I Love to Include

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Free Printable Number Sequence Puzzle

Unlock the joy of learning with our free printable number sequence puzzle , featuring the beloved legend of Johnny Appleseed. Perfect for preschool teachers and parents, these engaging preschool math worksheets are designed to make number sequencing fun and educational.

Imagine your preschoolers’ excitement as they piece together Johnny Appleseed’s story while practicing their counting skills. These puzzles not only enhance number recognition but also help develop problem-solving abilities.

Bring the charm of Johnny Appleseed into your classroom or home today with our delightful preschool math worksheets!

Number sequence puzzles are an excellent way to build early math skills. These activities help children recognize and order numbers, understand sequences, and develop logical thinking. Our Johnny Appleseed-themed puzzles add an element of storytelling and adventure, making the learning experience even more enjoyable for preschoolers.

Johnny Appleseed Number Sequence Puzzles

We’ve created a set of number sequence puzzles that you can easily download and print. These puzzles are designed for preschoolers, with clear, large numbers and fun illustrations of Johnny Appleseed’s adventures.

Learning Outcomes

• Number Recognition : Identifying numbers and their order.
• Sequencing Skills : Understanding the sequence and position of numbers.
• Fine Motor Skills : Cutting and placing puzzle pieces enhances hand-eye coordination.
• Logical Thinking : Solving puzzles encourages problem-solving and critical thinking.

What age group are these puzzles suitable for?

These puzzles are perfect for preschoolers aged 3-5.

How can I make the puzzles more engaging?

As the children work on puzzles, incorporate storytelling about Johnny Appleseed’s adventures.

Free Printable Number Sequence Puzzles

Unlock the magic of numbers with our puzzles, designed to make learning fun and engaging for preschoolers. These puzzles are perfect for helping young learners grasp the concept of numerical order while enhancing their problem-solving and fine motor skills.

Get ready to dive into the world of numbers as we guide you through the steps for completing these exciting and educational activities with your preschoolers.

Completing the Activity

Gather the printed sequence puzzles, scissors, and glue. Have children carefully cut out the numbered puzzle pieces. Next, help them arrange the pieces numerically, explaining the sequence.

Let the children glue the pieces onto the provided base to form a complete picture. Celebrate their success by displaying the finished puzzles and discussing Johnny Appleseed’s story. This activity perfectly develops number recognition and sequencing skills while enjoying a fun educational experience.

Can these puzzles be used in a group setting?

Yes, they’re ideal for group activities and can foster teamwork and collaboration among preschoolers.

Johnny Appleseed Activities for Preschoolers

Engage your preschoolers further with these exciting activities and crafts! These additional hands-on activities not only reinforce the concepts learned through the number sequence puzzles but also keep the theme fun and interactive.

Here are some fantastic ideas to complement your Johnny Appleseed-themed learning journey:

Apple Orchard Visit : Plan a visit to a local apple orchard where children can see apple trees and pick apples. This real-life experience connects them to Johnny Appleseed’s story and the importance of apple trees.

Nature Walk : Take your preschoolers on a nature walk to explore different types of trees and plants. Encourage them to look for apple trees and discuss how Johnny Appleseed helped plant apple orchards across America.

Apple Picking : If you can’t visit an orchard, organize a pretend apple-picking activity in your backyard or classroom. Hide paper apples and let the kids find and “pick” them.

Johnny Appleseed Crafts

Get ready to celebrate Johnny Appleseed with our delightful and easy-to-make crafts! These projects are perfect for preschoolers, blending creativity with the legendary story of Johnny Appleseed. Let’s explore some fun and educational crafting ideas that will bring his adventures to life for your little ones.

Apple Stamping Art : Create apple stamping art by cutting apples in half and dipping them in paint. Let the kids use the apple halves as stamps to create beautiful apple prints on paper. This activity introduces children to different textures and patterns while celebrating Johnny Appleseed’s love for apples.

Johnny Appleseed Hats : Make Johnny Appleseed hats using construction paper and aluminum foil. Help the kids create a simple paper hat and wrap it in foil to mimic Johnny’s iconic tin pot hat. This craft adds a playful element to learning and can be worn during storytelling or other activities.

Apple Tree Collage : Have children make an apple tree collage using colored paper, glue, and markers. Draw or print out a tree trunk and branches, then let the kids create apples from red paper to glue onto the tree. This craft enhances fine motor skills and creativity.

These activities and crafts complement the Johnny Appleseed number sequence puzzles, offering more fun and educational experiences. They help reinforce math skills while introducing children to Johnny Appleseed’s story.

Enjoy creating a rich learning environment that captivates and educates your preschoolers!

Books about Johnny Appleseed

The legend of Johnny Appleseed has fascinated children for generations, blending history with folklore to create a beloved American hero. These books offer engaging stories and colorful illustrations that bring Johnny Appleseed’s adventures to life, perfect for young readers.

Johnny Appleseed by Jane Yolen is a delightful retelling of the classic tale. With its poetic text and charming illustrations by Jim Burke, this book captures the essence of Johnny Appleseed’s mission to plant apple trees and share his love of nature across the frontier.

Johnny Appleseed: The Story of a Legend by Will Moses offers a beautifully illustrated account of Johnny Appleseed’s life. The detailed artwork and engaging narrative bring this iconic figure to life, highlighting his contributions to American history and enduring legacy.

In Johnny Appleseed by Steven Kellogg, children will enjoy the vibrant and entertaining story of the legendary apple tree planter. Kellogg’s lively illustrations and humorous storytelling make this version a favorite, depicting Johnny Appleseed’s adventures and his impact on the American landscape.

Free printable number sequence puzzles themed around Johnny Appleseed are a delightful way to blend learning and play for preschoolers. These puzzles help develop essential math skills while keeping children engaged with a fun, historical theme. They will surely be a hit with young learners whether used at home or in the classroom.

Sign in our sign up below to download the free Johnny Appleseed number puzzles.

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