So, what is critical thinking?

According to the Foundation of Critical Thinking, critical thinking is defined as ‘a mode of thinking (about any subject, content, or problem) in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking, by skillfully analyzing, assessing, and reconstructing it.’

To put it simply, critical thinking means thinking consciously about the act of thinking, while it’s happening.

Rather than simply accepting your own ideas or ideas you’re receiving through media or from other people, you analyze and interpret them.

When you practice critical thinking, you don’t accept information at face value. You take a step back from your own opinion, and ask, ‘where did I get this thought, and is it reasonable?’ You understand ideas can be prejudiced or based on false information. You strive to be balanced, fair, rational, and empathetic in the way you think about the world.

Source: The Importance of Critical Thinking

Why Reading Matters?

"The transformational impact that reading has on a child’s life is well documented. Recent research suggests that learning to read and reading for pleasure can influence a child’s academic success, vocabulary development, mental health, ability to empathize, accept other cultures, and even life expectancy."

Source: Why Reading Matters?