BIG IDEAS FOR YOUNG CRITICAL THINKERS: WHY ARGUMENTS AND REASONING MATTER IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

“Children are naturally curious” is a phrase that is often heard when discussing or debating learning. Classrooms become places buzzing with curiosity – students confidently sharing ideas, asking great questions, and working together to figure things out! That’s what happens when primary children are taught the critical thinking skills of argument and reasoning. 

At first glance, you might think, “Aren’t they too young to argue?” But, teaching young children how to structure their ideas, reason things out, and explore other viewpoints is one of the most valuable life skills we can give them. 

What Does Argument and Reasoning Look Like in the Classroom?

For primary-aged children, argument and reasoning aren’t about long debates or winning someone over to your opinion. It’s about teaching them to think, question and explain. Imagine a child saying:

• “I think the story ended this way because…”
• “What if we tried solving the problem another way?”
• “I don’t agree, but I understand your idea. Can we try both?”

These kinds of conversations spark creativity and critical thinking. Children begin to see that it’s okay to have different opinions, as long as they can explain their reasons and listen to others.

How Can We Build These Critical Thinking Skills in Primary Schools?

The good news is Children are already asking “Why?” and “What if?”  Dimensions ‘Learning Means the World’ Curriculum, through its tried and tested innovative approach, puts children and their questions at the heart of its thematic units. Here are a few ways teachers are nurturing argument and reasoning skills through engaging and purposeful learning:

1) Encourage Open-Ended Questions

Instead of asking yes-or-no questions, try ones like:

• “Why do you think Mary Anning searched for fossils?”
• “What could we do differently next time when we compose a repeating rhythm pattern?”

This gets children thinking beyond the obvious and encourages deeper reasoning.

2) Start with Stories

Books and stories are a great way to spark discussion. After reading, ask children questions like:

• “Why do you think the character made that choice?” 
• “What would you have done differently?”

This allows them to practice explaining their thoughts in a safe and familiar context.

3) Use Everyday Situations

Even playground disputes can become teachable moments. For example:

• “Why do you think your friend got upset?”
• “How could you solve this problem together?”

These real-life examples make reasoning feel natural and relevant.

4) Try Simple Debates

Pick fun, low-stakes topics that children care about, like:

• “Which snack do you like the best – chocolate or fruit?”
• “Which is the best superpower: flying or invisibility?”

Children can practice stating their opinions and backing them up with reasons.

5) Hands-On Problem Solving

Use collaborative projects or STEM challenges to encourage teamwork and reasoning. Students are not expected to produce identical outcomes, instead they are encouraged to try out their ideas and understand that sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t! For instance:

• “How can we build a bridge using only paper and tape?”
• “What can we do to make the bridge stronger?”
• “What’s the best way to split this pizza equally?”

Teaching primary children the critical thinking skills of argument and reasoning isn’t just about learning in school. It’s about equipping them for life. Children who can think critically, listen to others, and solve problems are better prepared for everything whether that’s making friends, handling challenges, or stepping into the world, as adults of the future.

At its heart, it’s about helping children find their voice. It’s teaching them that their ideas matter – and that learning to think, reason, and explore is the key to unlocking their potential.