How Maker Programs are Improving Kids’ Critical Thinking and Teamwork Skills

When kids take part in maker programs, such as the STEM classes offered at MakerKids, they are gaining more than the valuable skills taught in class. Critical thinking and teamwork are integral parts of these classes. As kids learn how to code, build a robot, and use their Minecraft skills, they realize how analyzing situations and working together can help them better succeed.

We’re going to take a closer look at how maker programs help children develop their critical thinking and teamwork skills as they take part in maker programs.

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking incorporates interpretations, analysis, and evaluation, as children learn to respond to complex problems. When children think critically, they are actively communicating, analyzing, problem-solving, and reflecting. 

How Critical Thinking and Teamwork is Used in Maker Programs

Critical Thinking

When children take part in a maker program, such as coding, they are learning that it uses the same process as the one used in critical thinking. When children code, they must give it a first try, make mistakes, and then learn how to fix those mistakes to succeed. As they analyze, solve problems, and reflect, they are using critical thinking skills to complete their projects.

As children code and build robots, they also learn that there can be more than one right answer. As they analyze their projects, they see that there may be more than one way to get to the solution and that there may be more than one solution. 

Maker programs also teach children to ask questions as they actively communicate with their instructor and their peers. Asking questions and then thinking about how to apply the answers to their projects is a great way for kids to learn how to use critical thinking in their maker programs as well as in everyday life.

Teamwork

Maker programs also rely on teamwork. Through their programs, kids learn that teamwork is one of the best ways to help solve problems. They also learn how to take and give criticism constructively. This is a skill that will not only help them improve their projects but also help them in all other aspects of their lives.

When kids work together, they also learn communication skills. These are critical in the times we live in when many children rely on text messaging to communicate. Many of them don’t know how to have a conversation and relate ideas. They can use the communication skills they learn in their maker programs and apply them to all aspects of their lives.

Maker Programs at MakerKids

At Makerkids, we offer programs in coding, robotics, and Minecraft. During these classes, kids not only learn the hard skills that each topic covers but also other important skills like critical thinking and teamwork.

During coding and robotics classes, children are grouped with others in their age group so that they can work together. Coding classes, also teach the following skills:

• Storyboarding
• Character development
• Animation
• Beta Testing 
• Environment and level design

During our robotics classes, kids can learn how to code, as well as math skills, and electronics.

For more information on our classes, call 1-844-MAKERKIDS or reach out to us online. Book a free trial class for your child and experience the MakerKids difference!