5 Ways to teach kids about logic

For me, teaching my daughter about logic is a challenging task. Sometime she does not understand the terms I use. However, after trying a few techniques, finally, I figured out five techniques which are effective.

The first technique is through playing games and puzzles. I will choose games and puzzles that suit her age, and which she is interested in. The games and puzzles such as building blocks and jigsaw puzzles are her favourite games. Playing with building blocks helps her learn the process and use her imagination to create larger and taller buildings. Sh also learns to consolidate the building by stacking blocks together. Beside that, I also teach her the logic of having a good foundation to prevent the building from toppling over. Jigsaw puzzles also help further her logic skills, as after a few tries, she is able to think logically to complete it rather than via the method of trial and error.

The second technique is to let her experience the logic herself. Each time I mop the floor, I will tell her not to walk on the wet floor, because it is slippery and will cause her to fall down. However, she does not agree, as she does not understand the logic behind what I say. One day, she tried to walk on the wet floor and slipped and fell. From that moment onward, she realised the logic herself and never walks on the wet floor. So, experience is also a good way to teach her about logic as it helps her understand better compared to the theory I teach.

Thirdly is observation. One day, I saw a dog and I asked her what we called this animal, she answered cat. I realised she did not know how to differentiate dogs from cats. Quickly I showed her the pictures of a dog and a cat, and pointed out the difference between them, such as nose, ear and size. Through a few observations, she was able to recognise and differentiate between these two animals. For me, observation helps me to teach my daughter about logic more effectively.

The fourth technique is through experiment. My daughter likes to ask why. Each time she is exposed to something new, she will keep asking me why it happened. For example, she asked me why is it raining? I told her, when the cloud is too heavy to hold the water, the water will fall to the ground in the form of rain. Later, she asked me why the cloud can't hold water. It took me by surprise and I didn't know how to explain it. Finally, I had an idea. I asked her to hold a plastic bag, and I poured the water slowly in, and I kept asking her whether she was able to hold it. At last she said “Cannot.” So, I asked her to drop the plastic bag, at the same time I said “Raining! Raining!” Now, she is able to understand the logic of rain without doubts. Sometimes, I ask her why clouds can't hold water, just to see her response. Up till now she answers correctly. This proves that our experiment worked, not only to help her understand but also to help her remember it.

I also teach my daughter about logic by asking her questions related to daily activities. For example, what she needs to do if the door is locked. Sometimes she will ask me questions about what she sees and hears. For example, why that girl is unwell. I ask her to think of the possibilities that causes the girl to fall ill. All these questions will train her thinking and problem-solving skills. These practices will help her become more logical as well as help to develop her logical thinking skills.

Logic is very important to everyone, because it involves everyday life. It is essential to teach children logic from young, no matter what the level is, simple or advanced. Simple logic techniques will also help children with others areas of learning. The important thing is that children are able to grasp the basics of logic easily, quickly and remember it forever.

Ooi Ling Ling