Amazing Kid’s Games For Building Critical Thinking Skills

A 3-year-old’s brain is 2x more active than an adult’s. 

That’s because a human’s brain develops 90% before they turn 5. It constantly learns and stores new information, helping in future.  For example, writing, reading and counting that we learn as children come in handy when we grow up.

One such important skill that every child needs to develop early is critical thinking. It promotes logical reasoning, better focus and more creativity. 

As a parent, you can play games to improve thinking skills in your children. We will go through how brain development games are helpful but first let’s understand what is critical thinking.

What is Critical Thinking?

Oxford Dictionary says critical thinking is “the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement”.

In simpler words - when you clearly think about any situation or person and rationally share your thoughts/opinions on the same. It helps you be more self-aware and lets you make independent decisions.

However, you must analyse and consider different perspectives before reaching a conclusion. In a fast-paced world, critical thinking forces us to slow down.

Why is Critical Thinking Important for Children?

A child makes 1 million neural connections in 1 second. 

These connections form pathways inside the brain. The pathways create different skill areas in the brain. One area helps us speak, one helps us think, another helps us solve problems, etc. 

When it comes to critical thinking skills - kids learn it through different activities. Be it brain development puzzles or interactive projects. 

But why must children get into the habit of critical thinking? Because it helps every child assess their thoughts while also questioning things around them. Kids with good critical thinking grow up to be confident and independent individuals. 

And they can use it in their daily lives -  from completing homework to deciding which flavour of ice cream they want for dinner.

How Can Brain Development Games be Beneficial to Kids?

You must be thinking - how can one use games for cognitive development? Or, why would you need games to improve thinking skills? 

Well, the answer is - because playing is a way of practising something a child knows or learning something that they don’t. 

For example, solving the same puzzles more than once makes the concept of numbers or alphabets stronger. Similarly, playing with building blocks helps them understand how balance works or how things fall.

Here are a few benefits of playing brain development games with your kids -

• Enhance cognitive skills

Games to improve focus are very vital. Picture puzzles and quizzes force children to rely on their memory to complete the game. This helps them remember facts in an easy way that they can recall whenever they need to.

• Improved concentration

You will also find brain games to improve concentration in children. Scavenger hunts or board games are perfect for this. Because they can lose the entire game with 1 wrong move. So kids learn to stay highly focused and concentrated - a useful tool for long classes, difficult classwork, etc.

• Develop social skills

Many developmental games are multiplayer. This means kids get to interact with other kids. Neighbours, school friends, or family friends. It’s a great way to help them socialise and interact more. It also teaches them cooperation and how to work in a team.

• Boost creativity

Some of the best games to improve logical thinking have different levels and solutions. So when children find unique strategies to win each level - it improves their creativity too. It makes them think out-of-the-box and be different. 

Unique Games to Improve Thinking Skills in Children

Brain development games are an excellent way to boost your child’s mental development. Playtime for children is not only about leisure and enjoyment. It is their first learning experience, teaching them about the world and how to navigate later in life.

• STEM Games

STEM games are an excellent introduction for your young child to the world of science, technology, engineering, and maths. STEM are the best games to improve logical thinking. They are also amazing activities for developing fine motor skills for your kids. 

Skillmatics UK has a large catalogue of STEM toys games to choose from, to keep your child engaged in learning in a fun way. 

• Quiz Games

These are the best games for cognitive development and to improve logical thinking. Quiz games help children acquire knowledge about different subjects. It also trains them to retain information. 

Quizzes help them expand their vocabulary and develop cognitive skills like critical thinking. It sets up the groundwork for learning, which will continue for the rest of the child’s life. Skillmatics UK offers a variety of trivia game that your kids will love to play!

• Puzzle Games

Brain development puzzle games are a terrific way for your child to learn problem-solving and hand-eye coordination. It’s a great activity to develop fine motor skills and helps them develop the small muscles in their hands. It’s also a feel-good activity, as dopamine gets released in their brain, every time they manage to solve the puzzle. 

Skillmatics UK has some excellent puzzle games for your family to enjoy together.

• Scavenger Hunt Games

Scavenger hunts provide the perfect environment for your child to learn important life skills such as observation and the importance of teamwork. It’s also an outstanding activity for sensory development. It encourages children to be more aware of their surroundings and teaches them social-emotional intelligence and emotional regulation.

Get fun and educational games, for your children, from Skillmatics UK’s wide range of scavenger hunts.

Conclusion

Critical thinking is an important skill that all humans must have. So if we help kids develop the skill at a young age - it will make a positive impact on their future. Children who feel confident to make their own decisions grow up to be independent adults.

You can encourage critical thinking in your child through different brain development games. Learning through play is a great way to develop skills as a kid. Check out our wide range of board and card games and art and craft kits for kids at Skillmatics UK for improving your child’s critical thinking skills.

FAQs

What is the role of play in your child’s mental development?

The best way for your child’s brain to develop is to make sure you actively engage their brain every day. The easiest way to do this is during playtime. Fun activities that develop fine motor skills, and brain development puzzles are all great ways to make sure your child’s cognitive growth is being optimised. 

What are some of the best brain development games for kids?

Activities that develop fine motor skills, games for gross motor skills, games to boost cognitive development, etc. are a must in your child’s playroom. Some examples of these are as puzzle games, STEM games, and learning toys Skillmatics UK has some excellent choices for you to explore.

Where can I buy games that will help my child’s critical thinking skills?

Skillmatics UK is a toy brand invested in your child’s overall mental and emotional development. We make award-winning toys with a special focus on brain development games that we hope will act as a springboard for your young child before mainstream academics take over. We endeavour to promote your child’s cognitive development, critical, rational thinking skills and social skills through our wide range of specially designed toys.