August 16, 2006 - Critical Thinking Activity

As I worked on my Raising Leaders books, I discovered a pretty cool activity you can use with your children to encourage critical thinking.  As I read Ezekiel in my quiet times this week, I was struck by the use of metaphor. 

Metaphor is foreign to most of us.  If we think of metaphors, we usually associate them with similes.  Similes compare two things with the word "like" or 'as'. Metaphors compare two things without the word "like" or "as".  Metaphor is a much larger idea.  When we read classics, great authors use metaphors throughout their books. 

One of the reasons we don’t think in metaphor is it takes hard work.  Making comparisons between two things that appear different requires “thinking”.  Thus, my activity centers around metaphor.

Ezekiel offers several places to start.  (Or, you can find another passage)
 

            Ezekiel 31:2-9        Compares Assyria to cedar tree

            Ezekiel 32:2-9        Compares Pharaoh to young lion & sea monster

            Ezekiel 34             Compares Israel to shepherds

                                        Compares God to True Shepherd

1. Read the passage aloud to your children
2. Choose one of the items being compared.
3. Ask questions to get your children to describe the thing you choose.  For instance:  What is a cedar tree like?  How does a young lion act?  What does a good shepherd do?  I’m sure you get the idea.
4. Once your children have a picture of this animal, tree, person, etc, ask what it is compared to.
5. Ask questions to determine how these two items are similar.  For instance:  How is Pharaoh like a young lion?  How is Pharaoh like a sea monster?  How is Israel like a shepherd?
6. Draw comparisons and conclusions.  This will enlighten your children’s readings and discussions.

This is not included in my new book set.  It’s just a freebie activity for all of you to try.  Using questions is a great way to encourage your children to think on their own. If you like this type of activity, take a look at Raising Leaders, Not Followers.

Please pass this activity to other homeschoolers. If you share it on your blog, email loop or personal emails, please include the following bio:

Kerry Beck, author of Raising Leaders, Not Followers encourages parents to raise children to be wise leaders.  She wants to give you a Free Report and Free Online Workshop.  Pick them up at:  www.CurriculumConnection.net/leaders.htm

Blessings,
Kerry

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