“Critical thinking is not just a skill; it’s the key to unlocking tomorrow’s solutions, and today’s kids are already ahead of the game.”
The HAPI kids of Bulacan embarked on an inspiring journey into the world of critical thinking through engaging workshops held last November 17 and 18, 2024. These sessions aimed to equip the kids with the essential tools to navigate the complexities of decision-making and critical analysis that they will need throughout their lives.
On the first day, the workshop focused on helping the kids distinguish facts from opinions, recognize the essence of critical thinking, and explore the value of asking questions, formulating reasoning, and evaluating factual information. The children participated in interactive activities such as solving riddles, essay writing, and group discussions, providing them with practical skills they could apply creatively.
As the workshop progressed, the third and fourth days took a deeper dive into critical thinking through more complex and engaging activities. The sessions began by recognizing common barriers to critical thinking, such as biases, misinformation, and assumptions found in media and real-life experiences. Understanding these barriers is an essential skill for growing up as a 21st-century learner. In a world dominated by media and digital technology, children are exposed to a vast amount of information. By developing these skills, they can better discern credible sources and approach problems with objectivity and reason.
Throughout the workshops, the kids expressed their enthusiasm and actively participated in the lessons. They engaged in group discussions, shared their ideas with friends, and showcased their creativity during essay writing. Their laughter and excitement during the interactive games clearly reflected how much they valued the experience. This enthusiasm left a lasting impact on their perspective and approach to critical thinking. One memorable segment was a debate about whether they should have a field trip. Both sides presented well-structured arguments with concrete reasoning, demonstrating their ability to analyze the pros and cons of the issue.
Their laughter and excitement during the interactive games clearly reflected how much they valued the experience.
One of the most rewarding outcomes of the program was seeing the children develop a stronger ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and approach problems with confidence. The children demonstrated a keen understanding of how these skills could benefit their future and enhance their everyday lives, making the lecturers proud. Moreover, the program emphasized the importance of critical thinking as an essential life skill, particularly in an age where discerning reliable information has become increasingly challenging.
“My experiences in life led me to decide that no child should be deprived of knowledge or the answers to their questions and curiosity,” said Mutya Valenzuela, HAPI CFO and organizer of the workshop. “This inspired the creation of modules on critical thinking, secularism, and an introduction to humanism,” she added.
HAPI’s initiative to nurture critical thinking among young minds would not have been possible without the generous support of Humanists International through their Young Humanist Grant. The funding enabled the development of specialized modules that made the sessions both educational and engaging. HAPI is incredibly proud of its progress and remains committed to nurturing better thinkers and problem solvers for the future.
