| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | No subject |
| What topic | Critical Thinking |
| What length (min) | 30 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 8 |
| Class size | 20 |
| What curriculum | |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 5 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
Grade 8
No Subject
Critical Thinking
30 minutes
20
This lesson is aligned with the national standards for critical thinking and literacy skills.
| Step Number | Step Title | Length | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Critical Thinking | 5 min | Briefly introduce the concept of critical thinking. Engage students with questions about its importance in decision-making and daily life. |
| 2 | Group Activity Explanation | 5 min | Explain the group activity where students will analyze provided scenarios and identify key arguments and supporting evidence. |
| 3 | Distributing Printable Cards | 5 min | Hand out the printable cards to students. Explain that they will use these cards to jot down thoughts during the group activity and share their insights. |
| 4 | Group Work on Scenarios | 10 min | Divide students into small groups. Each group will analyze one scenario, discussing and filling in their cards with observations and analyses. |
| 5 | Random Check of Cards | 5 min | Collect the cards randomly to check for student understanding. Provide feedback on their thoughts without requiring students to present in front of the class. |
| 6 | Conclusion and Reflection | 5 min | Wrap up the lesson by summarizing key points. Ask students to reflect on how critical thinking could affect their everyday decisions. |
Students will be assigned to write a short reflection on a recent decision they made using critical thinking. This should be submitted via a designated platform for feedback.
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we’re going to explore an important skill called critical thinking. Can anyone tell me what they think critical thinking means? Think about how it relates to decisions we make every day. For example, when you choose a book to read or decide how to spend your weekend, you're using critical thinking. It's about analyzing the information we have and making informed decisions based on that analysis. Let's discuss why this skill is essential. How do you think being a critical thinker can help you in school and in life?"
"Now that we have a better understanding of what critical thinking is, we’re going to put that knowledge to the test with a group activity. I will divide you into small groups, and each group will receive a scenario. Your task will be to analyze the scenario together. I want you to identify the key arguments and supporting evidence. Remember, this is a collaborative effort, so make sure to listen to each other’s ideas and opinions. Does everyone understand the assignment?"
"Before we get into our group work, I will hand out these printable cards. Each of you will use these cards to jot down your thoughts, key arguments, and any supporting evidence you identify during your discussions. Think of these cards as your notes for this activity. When we finish up, I will ask some of you about your insights, so make sure to fill them in. Let’s pass these cards out now."
"Okay, it’s time for our group work! Please form your groups now. Each group will receive a scenario. Take about 10 minutes to discuss your scenario. As you analyze, make sure to fill in your cards with your observations and analyses. Remember to think critically about the arguments presented and the evidence to support them. I’ll walk around to check in on your discussions. Ready? Let’s go!"
"Time's up! Please stop your discussions and put your cards back on your desks. I will collect them randomly for a quick check. My goal is to see your thoughts and understanding of the scenarios you analyzed. Don’t worry; this isn't a grade, just a way for me to see what you’ve learned. I’ll provide feedback based on what I observe, but you won't have to present your thoughts in front of everyone. Let’s see what you’ve come up with!"
"Great job today, everyone! Let’s wrap up what we’ve learned. Can someone summarize what critical thinking means again? [Wait for responses.] Excellent! Critical thinking plays a crucial role in our decision-making processes, so it's important we continue to develop this skill. Before we finish, think for a moment about the last decision you made. How did using critical thinking affect it? For your homework, I’d like you to write a short reflection on that decision using critical thinking. You’ll submit this via our usual platform for feedback. Thank you for your hard work today! I look forward to reading your reflections!"
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does critical thinking mean to you? | |
| Can you provide an example of a decision where you used critical thinking in your everyday life? | |
| Why do you think critical thinking is essential for success in school? | |
| How can being a critical thinker benefit you in life outside of school? | |
| What are the key components to consider when analyzing a scenario? | |
| How might group discussions enhance your critical thinking skills? | |
| What types of evidence should you look for when making an argument? | |
| Why is it important to listen to others’ ideas and opinions during group discussions? | |
| How did you fill out your cards during the group activity? | |
| Can someone summarize what we've learned about critical thinking today? | |
| How did critical thinking influence your last decision? | |
| What strategies can you employ to develop your critical thinking skills further? |