Reply to Amplify/CKLA

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]
The "content" in CKLA is not related to the standards students are supposed to learn in elementary science and social studies at these ages.  The topics in K-2 develop some background for topics that are covered in common core social studies in 4th and 5th grades (Native Americans, American colonies, Christopher Columbus-- all K topics in CKLA). At K-2 it is not developmentally appropriate to cover these topics in a way that encourages critical thinking about government systems in place or how events shaped history.   Similarly in science students in 1st grade are excited to learn about space, but they are not able to grasp the size and distances of the planets or really understand the science involved in astronomy- they learn isolated facts. [/quote]

CKLA presents things in a way suitable for the age/grade. [b]There is *no* topic where lower elementary should be expected to engage in "critical thinking", because that only is appropriate in later grades.[/b] In LE, the kids need to learn basic facts -- and so that is what CKLA covers.

Separately, most topics covered in K or LE can and should be covered again at a later grade before HS, again during HS, and then in college (if applicable for the student's degree). [b]Plenty of opportunity for the critical thinking after LE grades. [/b][/quote]

This is why America is falling so far behind. As soon as you are able to think, you need to be taught critical thinking.[/quote]

No, it is a lack of factual knowledge that leads to declining American education.  "Critical thinking" is a buzzword without substance.  People who totally lack historical context, basic scientific fundamentals, etc. offering their opinions on everything.  Critical thinking means that you have factual knowledge, good communication skills (both written and verbal) and have been expected to practice argumentation skills (both written and verbal).  You CANNOT think about anything critically without the underlying knowledge.[/quote]

This.

Critical thinking can make sense starting in upper elementary, and accelerating in MS/HS, but the kids need a set of facts in their heads from lower elementary as the foundation. [/quote]

Not the PPs but I agree that critical thinking begins in LE if not before.  It starts by teaching kids how to think.  Cause and Effect, Asking questions, testing things out, Using what they know.  Yes you impart factual content, AND you engage their natural curiosity into a reasonable path of thinking.

Example:  Walk outside with a child and talk about the leaves changing color.  Ask them what color they think the remaining green leaves will turn.   Now sure they may pop out and say Blue because it’s their favorite color.  But, if then you point out all the other leaves and re-ask the question they are likely to choose one of the colors they see.  It’s simple observation but it starts the process of taking information in and then using it to form conclusions.[/quote]

Babies learn cause and effect.  Do you really think that your suggestions like "asking questions" are not occurring in elementary school?[/quote]

I’m not the one who said critical thinking should not be done in LE.  Critical thinking and analysis looks different at different ages and stages.  But indicating it shouldn’t take place at all before grade 3 is crazy.[/quote]

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