Struggling to engage your kids in learning? Our online elementary school teachers suggest this ancient technique.

Are you tired of your child blindly accepting everything they hear without question? Do you want to unlock their mind and teach them the art of critical thinking? Fear not, dear parent, for the Socratic method is here to save the day!

Step 1: Ask questions, questions, and more questions.

When your child tells you something, don’t just accept it at face value. Ask them to explain it to you. Ask them why they believe it to be true. Ask them to provide evidence to support their claim. Keep asking until they start to question their own assumptions.

Step 2: Encourage disagreement.

If your child says something you disagree with, don’t shut them down. Instead, ask them why they believe what they do. Engage them in a respectful debate, and encourage them to question their own beliefs as well as yours.

Step 3: Be patient.

The Socratic method takes time and practice. Your child may initially resist your questioning, or become frustrated. But with patience and persistence, they will learn to think critically and independently.

Step 4: Have fun!

The Socratic method doesn’t have to be dry and boring. Make it a game. Challenge your child to come up with their own questions. Reward them for good critical thinking. And most importantly, enjoy the journey together.

Differentiate learning and adapt to your child’s needs.

While the Socratic method is an effective way to teach your child critical thinking skills, it is important to keep in mind that every child is different and may respond differently to the method. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when using the Socratic method with your child, as we do at our online elementary school:

Make sure to create a safe and supportive environment. Encourage your child to be open and honest with their thoughts and opinions. Let them know that it is okay to be wrong or to change their mind.
Use real-life scenarios to apply the Socratic method. For example, if your child comes home from school upset about a conflict with a friend, use the Socratic method to help them think through the situation and come up with solutions.
Keep the conversations age-appropriate. Younger children may need more guidance and simpler questions, while older children may be able to handle more complex topics.
Remember to listen actively to your child. The Socratic method is a two-way conversation, so make sure to give your child the space to express their thoughts and ideas.
Finally, be a good role model. Show your child how to use critical thinking skills in your own life by sharing your own thought processes and asking for their input.

Here are a few concrete examples of how to apply the technique:

Parent: “Why do you think it’s important to eat your vegetables?”

Child: “Because they’re healthy.”

Parent: “But why are they healthy? What do they do for our bodies?”

Parent: “Why do you think it’s important to apologize when you’ve hurt someone’s feelings?”

Child: “Because it’s the right thing to do.”

Parent: “But why is it the right thing to do? What does apologizing show the other person?”

Parent: “Why do you think it’s important to read books?”

Child: “Because they’re fun.”

Parent: “But what else can you learn from books? What do they teach us?”

In conclusion, teaching kids critical thinking through the Socratic method can be both educational and entertaining. By encouraging them to question and analyze their own beliefs, we can equip them with valuable skills for the future. If you’re interested in sending them to an online elementary school that offers this type of learning, we invite you to join GACA. Our pre-K and elementary programs are designed to foster critical thinking skills in children in a fun and engaging way. Read more about our online elementary school curriculum offerings here. And also, if you’d like to read about the history of this technique, click here!