DISTINGUISH BET WEEN EVIDENCE
& INTERPRETATIONS OF EVIDENCE
(FACTS VS. OPINIONS)
In this day of information overload and cries of “fake news” all
around, children must know how to recognize facts from the opinions
of others. Facts are always true. Opinions are beliefs held by an
individual and can vary from person to person.
Help your child learn the difference between fact and opinion.
Watch the You Tube video on Fact and Opinion by BrainPop or visit:
www.pbskids.org/arthur/games/factsopinions
Critical thinking is a skill that grows over time. Ask your children to answer questions in their own words and
clarify what they mean. Point out that some problems have more than one correct answer or more than one
way of arriving at that answer. Help them see how emotions and motives can affect thinking. Encourage
them to write out their answers to questions to build skill in coming up with clear and concise answers
to problems.
Kids benefit when they have opportunities to practice problem solving using critical thinking skills. And don’t
forget that old-fashioned conversation around the dinner table is a great time to pose questions that require
clear, logical thinking.
RESOURCES:
Teaching Critical Thinking: An Evidence-based Guide by Gwen Dewar, Ph.D.
Mind in the Making, Problem Solving, by Ellen Galinsky.
www.readingrockets.org
www.pbskids.org
Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and freelance writer living in the Pacific Northwest. Find her at
www.janpierce.net.
ASK ABOUT OUR
FAMILY PLANS!
Pr e gnancy * Pediatrics * Famil y Car e
Drs. Sean and Allison Gimbert
$25
$99
Includes consultation, exam,
adjustment and bottle of probiotics.
W ith this coupon. Expires 12/15/2018
with parent/ guar dian.
Established patients. Ask for details.
The patient and any other person responsible for payment has the right to refuse to pay, cancel payment or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination
or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted or reduced fee services, examination or treatment.
14 | F L A G L E R
parent
MAGAZINE