Or, as a wilder alternative, they can play in pairs, where one player invents the missing words without reading the text and the other player writes them down. Either way, the goal is to create the most humorous, interesting, or bizarre responses possible.

If you are feeling ready, here is an Easter-themed ad lib to get you started:

Here is how it might come out:

If you're looking for a fun way to keep the kids entertained this Easter, with an added educational benefit, check out my new activity collection in my shop.

xx

​Cory

​Critical thinking skills are essential for success in school and in life. As parents, it is vital to give our children feedback when using these skills, which will help motivate them to continue using critical thinking and help guide their reflection in the future. In this blog post, we will discuss how to give your kids feedback when they are using their critical thinking skills.

When you give your child feedback, it is essential to focus on the process, not the outcome. For example, if your child comes up with a wrong answer, don't just tell them that they are wrong. Instead, ask them how they arrived at that answer and help them understand why it was incorrect, helping them learn from their mistakes and improve their critical thinking skills.

Modeling good critical thinking through your feedback is another way to help your children develop these skills. Show them how to ask questions, analyze evidence, and make logical arguments. This will give them an excellent example to follow and help them learn how to think critically on their own.

Finally, feedback can motivate children to use their critical thinking skills. When they see that you are interested in their thinking and value their critical thinking skills, they will be more likely to use them in the future. So make sure to give your child plenty of feedback when using their critical thinking skills!

Sign up for my newsletter if you are interested in keeping up with these blog posts and receiving an additional article every week directly to your mailbox!

xx

​Cory

Critical thinking skills are essential for success in life. They allow us to analyze information and make informed decisions. Suppose you want to help your kids develop these skills. In that case, one of the best things you can do is provide them with opportunities for exploration, which could involve taking them on field trips, letting them play in different environments, and exposing them to new ideas. Exploration allows kids to try out different ways of thinking and learn more about the world around them.

Children are innate explorers. They're curious about the world around them and are always learning. Unfortunately, you are often the only thing standing in their way as a parent. But you could always explore with them. Take them places and expose them to different things, such as museums, nature centers, or even just walking in the park. Show them that you are curious by opening up about the things that catch your attention. Who knows? You might even learn something yourself!

You can also let your kids play. It doesn't matter if it's with toys, puzzles, or games - they're all opportunities for them to try out different ways of thinking and problem-solving. The important thing is that you provide them with the time to explore.

One of my favorite environments for exploration is nature because it engages all the senses, exposes children to unique shapes and textures, and carries plenty of mystery. It's also a great place to run and let off some energy!

Expose them to new ideas through music, art, and books. They must have a chance to experience different cultures and perspectives. It will help them understand that there is more than one way to see the world. It will develop skills and interests that you or they never knew they had. It is an essential part of the path to self-discovery.
​
Providing opportunities for exploration is just one way to help kids develop strong critical thinking skills. For more tips on developing these skills in children, check back this week in my Magical Moments Blog. Thanks for reading!

xx

​Cory

Reading is one of the most important skills a child can learn. Not only does it help them develop a strong vocabulary and improve their grammar, but it also helps them think analytically. Parents need to embrace ambiguity to encourage active reading and analytical thinking in children. There is always more than one way to solve a problem, and books are a great way to teach this lesson. In this blog post, we will discuss how to encourage active reading and analytical thinking in children by discussing and reflecting on books!

As parents, we want our children to be able to read and understand what they are reading. We also want them to be able to think critically about the text and come up with their interpretations. But, unfortunately, or fortunately, the world isn't black and white, and neither is literature. Whether we are talking about picture books or novels, there will always be many different ways to look at a situation.

A simple exercise is to have your child explain how a character feels from a picture alone, text, or both. You can also ask them to put themselves in the shoes of different characters and explain how they would feel if they were in their situation. This type of thinking requires children to analyze the thoughts and attitudes of others, something that will come in handy in their everyday lives!

Be aware that there is not a single answer. People are full of contradictions! We can be happy and sad, scared and brave, all simultaneously. The important thing is that your child is thinking about the characters and their feelings.

Another helpful skill is learning to see both sides of every issue. Please help your child understand that there are always multiple interpretations of events, and everyone has their own opinion. Teach them to be open-minded and understanding, two essential qualities in today's world. A great book to bring up this kind of discussion, at least one that I remember from childhood, is The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by A. Wolf as told by Jon Scieszka. It is the story of the three little pigs from the wolf's viewpoint, and it appears the three little pigs misunderstood the wolf's intentions entirely.

​The next time you are reading a book with your child, take the time to discuss the different points of view represented in the story, perhaps even the villain's viewpoint, if there is one.

When we encourage our children to be active readers and analytical thinkers, we give them the tools they need to succeed in school and life. So next time you are reading a book with your child, take some time to discuss it with them and ask them to reflect on the characters' thoughts and attitudes. Embrace ambiguity and encourage your child to think outside the box! Thanks for reading.

Sign up for my newsletter if you are interested in keeping up with these blog posts and receiving an additional article every week directly to your mailbox!

xx

​Cory

Another possibly overlooked benefit is the stillness that they provide. Every child needs a little quiet time now and then. Search and find games can provide that. By sitting still and concentrating on finding objects, your child can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Books offer a similar environment, but not every child enjoys reading or can sit still in front of a book. Nonetheless, that time is essential to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
​
Finally, search and find games are fun! They are a great way to keep busy on a rainy day or while sitting in the car. They can be enjoyed by people of all ages and do not require any special equipment. All you need is a good eye and a bit of patience.

If you enjoyed this post, please sign up for my newsletter! You will receive a 3-page collection of coloring pages in your mailbox.

xx

​Cory