This learning activity encourages critical thinking by making children consciously think about how they organise and interpret information. It starts with understanding categorisation: pupils learn to recognise characteristics, similarities and differences, and discover that there are multiple ways of looking at information.
A diverse range of materials — such as words, sums or emotions — challenges them to actively analyse and recognise patterns. They then make their own choices about how to group and name the materials. This requires logical reasoning, weighing up alternatives and substantiating their decisions. When children explain their choices, they practise arguing and reflecting. They learn to articulate their thought process and are open to other perspectives. In classroom discussions, they discover that there can be multiple correct answers and that critical thinking is about logic and flexibility, not about finding one correct answer.