Developing Logical Thinking
The ability to think logically is mainly based on the ability to perceive cause-and-effect relationships. Such reasoning is developmental in nature. The way of cause-and-effect thinking in children at an early preschool age is characterized by egocentrism and often a lack of realism. They explain certain phenomena in relation to themselves and their situations. Events far from their experiences are explained irrationally from the point of view of adult logic and thinking. Older children are already able to grasp the causes of a given state of affairs in a more global and rational way.
The ability to think logically allows for the effective use of and processing of knowledge that the child already possesses. It enables drawing conclusions, including detecting potential errors, and ultimately allows for arriving at correct solutions. Thanks to this skill, a child can achieve better results in learning. They are able to use the acquired knowledge in a practical way. Below are a few puzzles that support the development of logical thinking:
It is valuable to encourage the child to systematically develop logical thinking skills by solving puzzles, classifying objects, and telling various stories while maintaining a cause-and-effect sequence. Activities with elements of coding and programming for children are also extremely valuable.
Pedagogue Klaudia Sokołowska-Baryś for Marioinex Education
Bibliography:
- Kielar-Turska M., How to Help a Child in Understanding the World, WSiP, Warsaw, 1992.
- Stańdo J., How to Use Puzzles and Riddles in Mathematical Education, Center for Educational Development, Warsaw, 2017"