Think Like a Detective: A Kid's Guide to Critical Thinking
#1 of 3 in Adventures in Thinking Series
on Goodreads (51)
What’s inside...
'Think Like a Detective: A Kid's Guide to Critical Thinking' by David Pakman is a practical and fun read that encourages the young reader to analyze and solve problems like a detective. Throughout the book, children are guided on how to question everything, look for clues, deduce, infer, and eventually find solutions to various problems. This engaging children's book introduces children to the basics of critical thinking, such as analyzing information, reasoning, and evaluating evidence. With colorful illustrations and relatable examples, critical thinking concepts are presented in a way that is easy for children to understand and apply.
Discussion points
What is one critical thinking skill you learned from this book that you could use in school?
Can you think of a time when you solved a problem by thinking like a detective?
How do detectives gather clues and how can you use this method when you're curious about something?
What would you do differently if you approached a difficult school project as a detective might?
How can asking questions help you understand a story or a problem better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the scenarios in the book to their everyday life; this helps in understanding and applying critical thinking skills practically.
Discuss each chapter with your child after reading, focusing on the decisions made by characters and how they could be applied in real-world situations.
Pose hypothetical problems or mysteries and work through them together using the critical thinking methods described in the book.
Create a fun 'detective game' where your child can use clues around the house to solve simple mysteries, reinforcing the skills learned in the book.
Acknowledge and praise your child's use of critical thinking, which boosts their confidence and motivates them to hone these skills further.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the young protagonist encounters various mysteries and puzzles that require logical thinking and deduction to solve.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving techniques in real life whenever they face challenges or obstacles, helping them become more resilient and adaptive thinkers.
Example Lesson: Attention to Detail
Explanation: As a detective, the character demonstrates the importance of noticing and remembering small details which prove crucial in solving the cases.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be more observant and mindful in their day-to-day activities, enhancing their memory and focus.
Example Lesson: Ethical Decision Making
Explanation: The book stresses the significance of making choices that are morally sound and just, even when faced with difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to consider the impact of their actions on others and encourages them to act with integrity and fairness in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The Value of Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces setbacks and challenges in the investigations but continues to persevere until the mystery is solved, showcasing determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in achieving goals and not giving up despite difficulties, which is applicable in academics, sports, and personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In solving mysteries, the protagonist often needs to understand the motivations and feelings of others, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: This helps children develop the ability to put themselves in others' shoes, improving their interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence.