How Asking the Right Questions Can Boost Computational Thinking in Kids

Imagine your child feeling overwhelmed by complex problems, struggling to break them down into manageable steps. Picture them getting frustrated when faced with a challenge that requires logical thinking and a systematic approach. Without the right tools, they might feel lost in an increasingly intricate world, potentially limiting their future opportunities. Isn't it concerning to think that they might miss out on developing crucial skills applicable to almost any career path?

The answer lies in nurturing computational thinking by asking your kids the right questions. But what exactly is computational thinking? And how can you, as parents, raise the right questions for your kids?

Let's find out in this blog with TechTrain!

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What's computational thinking? 

Computational thinking, though it sounds complicated, but it's really just a way of tackling problems. It means learning to break big things into smaller parts, spot patterns, focus on what's important, and plan out how to find solutions.

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Think of it like giving them a toolkit for their minds. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a massive puzzle, computational thinking teaches them to systematically take it apart. At its core, computational thinking rests on four key ideas:

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1. Breaking things down: Taking a big problem and making it into smaller, easier pieces.

2. Seeing what repeats: Finding things that are the same or happen again and again.

3. Focusing on what matters: Picking out the important stuff and ignoring things that don't help.

4. Planning steps: Figuring out a step-by-step way to solve a problem.

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3-step for the right question

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Step 1: Observe & Initiate: Notice what they're doing and ask an open-ended question about it.

Start by paying attention to what the child is actively engaged in. This could be playing with toys, solving a puzzle, getting dressed, helping with a task, or even telling a story. Your initial question should directly relate to their current activity.

Example: "You're building a bridge with your blocks. How are you making it stay up?"

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Step 2: Explore Their Thinking: Ask "Why?" or "Tell me more" to understand their reasoning.

Once the child provides an initial answer, your role is to delve deeper into their reasoning. You want to understand the "why" behind their choices and the steps they took (or are planning to take). To encourage them to articulate their thought process, make their implicit knowledge explicit, and potentially identify any logical gaps or alternative approaches themselves.

Example: "Why did you choose to put those big blocks on the bottom?"

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Step 3: Encourage Alternatives: This step aims to broaden their thinking and help them see that there isn't always just one "right" way to solve a problem or approach a task. It fosters flexibility and creativity. To stimulate their imagination, challenge their initial assumptions, and help them consider different strategies or outcomes.

Example: "Is there another way you could build a strong bridge?"

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Questions to help kids develop their computational thinking

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Here are some easy ways to help kids practice these skills during playtime and even in everyday situations:

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- Building with Bbocks: "How can we make the tallest tower? Which blocks should we put down first? What happens if we change the bottom?"

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- Playing with LEGOs: "Can you put these LEGOs into groups by color? Or by how big they are? Do you see any patterns in the instructions?"

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- Doing puzzles: "Which piece do you think we should try first? Why? If it doesn't fit, what should we try next?"

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- Playing dress-up: "If you want to be a superhero, what do you need to do to get ready? First the cape, then the mask... what's next?"

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- Making breakfast: "What are all the things we need to do to make toast? What if we want to make two pieces at the same time?"

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- Getting ready for school: "What do you need to do to get ready in the morning? What order should you do things so you're not late?"

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- Putting away toys: "How can we put your toys away so it's easy to find them later? Should we put all the cars together, or all the big toys together?"

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- Following a recipe: "What are the things we need to make this? What's the first thing we do? What happens after we mix the flour and eggs?"

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Conclusion

Computational thinking isn't a magic formula, but it is a powerful set of skills that can unlock your child's potential to become a confident, creative, and effective problem-solver. By understanding its core principles and incorporating fun, engaging activities into your daily lives, you can equip them with a crucial advantage in navigating the complexities of the modern world. Start small, be patient, and enjoy the journey of empowering the next generation of thinkers, one thoughtful question at a time.