Tomorrow’s Leaders Today: Building Critical Thinking Skills

At First Book, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to develop the skills they need to thrive—both today and in the future. That’s why we partnered with General Motors (GM) to create the Critical Thinking Skills & Habits series. These resource guides emphasize critical thinking as one of the most essential skills young learners can cultivate, empowering them to evaluate information, ask thoughtful questions, and make evidence-based decisions across a variety of subjects.

The Critical Thinking Skills & Habits series provides K-12 educators with tips and strategies to help students develop the reasoning and problem-solving skills students need to succeed in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. Across a variety of subjects – from STEAM education to English and Social Studies – this series offers ways for educators to creativity integrate critical thinking into lessons they are already planning in classrooms of all ages.

With creative, engaging tools, this series makes applying critical thinking across subjects accessible and fun, helping students build confidence and curiosity as they navigate the world around them. Building critical thinking skills prepares students for academic success and the modern workforce. These skills empower students to excel in technical education and careers, ensuring tomorrow’s leaders are ready to innovate, collaborate, and thrive.

What is Critical Thinking, and Why Does It Matter?

Critical thinking empowers students to:

• Evaluate information effectively: Determine the reliability and credibility of sources and differentiate between fact and opinion.
• Ask meaningful questions: Explore new ideas by challenging what they see and hear.
• Solve problems creatively: Approach challenges with curiosity and innovation.
• Believe in their own ideas: Help students see the power and impact their ideas and thoughts can have once informed.

Classroom Activities to Get Started

Observation and curiosity are the first steps toward deeper thinking. By encouraging students to notice their surroundings and ask thoughtful questions, educators can spark curiosity-driven learning that expands across subjects. Here are three of the many strategies included in these guides to help foster observation and critical thinking:

1. Science: The “Notice and Wonder” Strategy
   Inspire students to think like scientists with the “Notice and Wonder” strategy. Ask students to observe phenomena – like the way a plant grows, a weather pattern, or a chemical reaction – and pose questions such as, “What do I wonder?” and “What do I notice?” This hands-on approach nurtures curiosity and helps students develop scientific inquiry skills.
2. Social Studies & History: Analyzing Historical Photographs
   Bring history to life by analyzing historical photographs. Encourage students to ask questions like, “What story is this photo telling?” or “What might be missing?” This activity helps students critically examine the past while gaining a deeper understanding of historical events and their context.
3. English: Close Reading for Detail
   Transform reading time into an investigative adventure. Challenge students to analyze a text in detail, looking for themes, patterns, and connections. Follow up with discussions or debates, where students can defend their interpretations and learn from each other’s perspectives. This activity helps build comprehension and critical analysis skills while making reading more engaging.

Explore Additional Resources

The Critical Thinking Skills & Habits series is just one way First Book and General Motors are empowering educators and helping kids unlock their potential. Designed to be practical, engaging, and accessible, these resources support educators to inspire young learners in developing the skills they need to thrive.

Explore additional STEM Defines Our Future resources created in partnership with General Motors today and join us in empowering the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders.

Ready to Join?

Educators can join First Book’s Network — the largest and fastest growing network of individual educators, professionals, and volunteers serving children in need across the United States and Canada — to bring these resources and many more to your classroom or program.