The Integrated Teacher

19 Short Stories and Questions For Critical Thinking

Apr 2, 2024

There have been rumblings in different online teacher groups recently about replacing novels with short stories and informational articles in middle and high school English classrooms. I have to admit I was shocked when I first read the comments because I am a book lover at heart, but since then, I’ve considered that there are several pros and cons to this approach.

Short stories and other smaller texts can provide a briefer timeline to complete tasks, and this process is helpful when there is already SO MUCH curriculum to cover. Short stories and related activities can also be more engaging for our students because of the exposure to diverse voices and themes! Using short stories and lessons provides students with amazing choices to meet their needs and preferences!

On the other hand, incorporating mainly short stories and other shorter passages means students’ already-pressed attention spans (as a result of social media influences and pervasive sources of technology) are reinforced. Plus, students miss out on the more complex stories within longer pieces of fiction that are, dare I say, life-altering! A novel can provide opportunities for sustained reading and layers for analysis that shorter pieces of literature like short stories and related texts cannot offer.

Ultimately, no matter where you find yourself on the issue, I think we can all agree that short stories and their counterparts can be vital, effective, and helpful in the modern classroom!

Continue reading for 19 Short Stories and Questions For Critical Thinking!!

Need help with Test Prep ?  Check out this  FREE Pack of 3 Test Prep Activities  to help students achieve success on standardized tests!

short stories and activities picture

Table of Contents

19 Short Stories and Questions – Suggestions for Teaching Them

You don’t need to remove all novels to be able to include short stories and smaller passages like vignettes, articles, and narratives; there’s a time and place for all genres! But if you’re thinking about ways to include more short stories and fun activities, check out this list of 19 varied short stories and critical thinking questions as well as suggestions for teaching them in middle school and high school.

1.  “The Most Dangerous Game” 

“The Most Dangerous Game” is one of my absolute favorite short stories and overall plots to teach! This suspenseful short story by Richard Connell follows the harrowing ordeal of Sanger Rainsford, a skilled hunter who becomes the prey of a deranged aristocrat named General Zaroff. Stranded on Zaroff’s secluded island, Rainsford must outwit the cunning general in a deadly game of survival, where the stakes are life and death. 

the most dangerous game short stories and activities

SUGGESTIONS FOR TEACHING:

  • You could focus on the setting (description of time and place) and examine how the setting changes throughout the story.
  • Students could learn about the plot (major events in the story) and list the major events and evidence as they read.
  • Define foreshadowing (hints for what will happen by the end of the story) and encourage students to hypothesize about what will happen after every page.
  • Analyze the character development (how a character changes over time) of Rainsford and highlight his traits/actions as you read along.

CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS:

  • How does the setting contribute to the tension and suspense in the story?
  • How does the author use foreshadowing? How does the author hint at the danger Rainford is facing?
  • What inferences can you make about the main character and the changes he undergoes from the beginning to the end of the story?

If you want to teach plot elements and plot analysis , check out this lesson bundle for the story , which includes comprehension quizzes and a variety of activities!

2.  “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”

Ambrose Bierce’s story is a gripping tale set during the American Civil War, where a Southern civilian named Peyton Farquhar faces execution by hanging after attempting to sabotage a Union railroad bridge. As Farquhar falls through the trapdoor, time seems to stretch, and he experiences a surreal moment, only to realize his grim reality. 

Integrating historical texts with other short stories and passages like “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” will make history come more alive and relevant for our students!

  • Teach about irony (when the opposite occurs from what is expected) and how it plays a role throughout the story.
  • Explain the term characterization (how a character is depicted) by looking at direct and indirect references while reading with your students.
  • Discuss the major themes (messages) of the story and how they connect to our modern era within a Socratic Seminar.
  • How does the author use characterization to convey Peyton Farquhar’s thoughts, emotions, and motivations?
  • What is the purpose of irony in this story? How does its use affect the reader’s interpretation and understanding of events?
  • What is the significance in our contemporary/real world of the themes of the story, including reality and fantasy, the passage of time, and the consequences of actions?

Ensure students’ understanding of the story with this set of reading questions that are perfect for state test prep, too !

an occurence at owl creek bridge short stories and questions

3.  “The Masque of the Red Death”

This chilling tale from Edgar Allan Poe is set in a secluded abbey where Prince Prospero and his wealthy guests attempt to escape a deadly plague known as the Red Death. Despite their isolation efforts, the guests are confronted with their own mortality as a mysterious figure in a blood-red mask appears.

If you have not read any short stories and poems from Poe, this story is a perfect journey into the horror genre!

  • The setting (description of time and place) plays a MAJOR role in the story, so following the Prince from room to room and highlighting the imagery (description that connects to the five senses) is very important when reading.
  • If you have not introduced mood  (emotion intended for the reader to experience), this story is PERFECT for delineating its progression from start to finish.
  • As students read, you might guide them through identifying various examples of  symbolism  (object, person, or place that represents something else); each room, objects within, and the “antagonist” is symbolic in some way!
  • How does the author convey the tone of the story? How would you, as the reader, describe the story’s mood?
  • What role does the plot structure (focus on the different rooms) play in shaping the reader’s understanding of the story?
  • What is the purpose of the symbolism in the story such as the clock and the masked figure?

Check out this EASY-TO-TEACH bundle , you can practice with your students, so they will feel more confident analyzing higher-level language in “The Masque of the Red Death!”

4.  “The Cask of Amontillado”

Another chilling tale from Poe is the classic story “The Cask of Amontillado.” This one is set during Carnival in an unnamed Italian city. The plot centers on a man seeking revenge on a ‘friend’ he believes has insulted him. If your students are anything like mine, they will relish the ending particularly!

This is just one more of Poe’s short stories and tales that will capture the mind of every reader!

  •  As you plan for this short story, be sure to encourage your students to analyze the changing setting (description of time and place); following Fortunato from scene to scene will help your students track what is really going on.
  • This story is the perfect moment to teach about dialogue (conversation within someone=internal and/or between someone and someone/thing else=external); Montresor certainly means more than what he SEEMS to say!
  • You might also offer a mini-lesson on the 3 types of irony and how each plays a role in the story: verbal (when a person says the opposite of what is really intended), situational (an action occurs that is the opposite from what the reader expects), and dramatic (a character expects a result, but the opposite occurs and the audience can tell what will happen)!
  • Describe Montresor. What are his motives and personality?
  • What inferences can you make about Montresor’s mindset based on his dialogue?
  • What is the purpose of the family’s motto and the carnival atmosphere? 

Check out this Short Story Activity & Quiz Bundle for Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado,” which contains questions and answers modeled after various reading standardized tests as well as pre-quiz reading comprehension questions, graphic organizers, and a writing activity to get students thinking critically about this classic short story involving REVENGE!

Want 7 more teaching ideas for one of Poe’s epic short stories and questions to go with it? Click below!

questions for the cask of amontillado

5.  “To Build a Fire”

This story by Jack London describes the treacherous journey of a man through the harsh Yukon wilderness during extreme cold. Despite warnings and the company of a loyal dog, the man’s arrogance and underestimation of nature’s power lead to a tragic end.

Short stories and ideas related to survival in nature are still relevant today! Who knows when you might get lost on a hike or crashland in no man’s land?

  • This story is PERFECT for a bit of  literary analysis  (examining the impact of various ideas, elements, or themes within a piece of literature); you could hone in on literary devices, characterization, theme, etc.!
  • Integrating clips from survival shows will help students see connections to the world and extend their thinking by comparing (recognizing similarities) and contrasting (recognizing differences) varied experiences!
  • Write a short narrative about surviving 24 hours in a different setting (description of time and place).
  • How does the author use irony? Provide an example and explain. 
  • What real-world connections can be made between this story and our contemporary life? 
  • What is the story’s message about preparedness and respecting nature?

Grab these engaging short stories and activities to make teaching this Jack London story stress-free!

6.  “The Cactus”

Told from the point of view of a young man at his former lover’s wedding, the narrator retells their story. Like most of O. Henry’s short stories and texts, this one has a twist that involves the titular cactus plant.

The ending will end in a bit of fun for your students!

  • Introduce diction (word choice) and its impact within the story by hyperfocusing on specific words within the story . Students can look up definitions, locate synonyms, create their own sentences, replace the words, etc.
  • Investigate twist endings (unexpected finish to a story); before reading the end of the story, ask students to guess why the girl “rejected” him. Some students may know the answer before reading it!
  • Describe the main characters. What similarities and differences are evident? How does this affect the story’s action?
  • What inferences can you make about Trysdale and his feelings about love and marriage?
  • What are the real and symbolic meanings of the cactus?

This resource packed with questions and answers, graphic organizers, and writing activities is sure to get your students thinking about this love story driven by misconceptions.

short stories and activities image

7.  “After Twenty Years”

This tale of friendship and betrayal focuses on the reunion of two old friends after twenty years apart on a New York City street corner. As they reminisce, something is revealed that demonstrates the reality of their bond as well as the choices they’ve made in life.

If you have not read O. Henry’s short stories and incorporated character analysis yet, this is your chance! The story is not long and can be completed in one to two class periods!

  • Sometimes, we ask students to visualize (create a picture) in their minds, but why not give them the opportunity to use their artistic skills to draw the two characters?
  • As students read, annotate for a description of each character; then, students can do a character analysis (investigation of the characters’ similarities and differences).
  • What type of irony is used in the story? How does its use affect your interpretation and understanding of the story?
  • How does the urban setting contribute to the mood of the story?
  • What is the story’s message about friendship and loyalty?

Examine the links between loyalty and duty with this set of resources designed specifically for this O. Henry story.

8.  “The Lottery”

“The Lottery” is the quintessential short story for middle school or high school English! Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” tells the story of an annual ritual that takes place in a seemingly idyllic town. When the townsfolk gather for the lottery drawing, a shocking turn of events demonstrates the dark side of human nature and their ties to (outdated) traditions.

  • Introduce the terms suspense (uncertainty and/or excitement leading up to a major event) and tension (anxiety or uneasy feelings experienced by characters). While reading, identify evidence that relates to each of these concepts and chat/write about their impact on meaning and plot.
  • Teach title (the name of the text) analysis. The title of “The Lottery” is perfect for teaching the impact of the title and audience expectations. Before reading, students may write what they believe the story will be about based on the title. After reading, students can complete a quick write responding to their previous expectations! You can do a text analysis for all short stories and poems!
  • What role does the plot structure play in building suspense and tension? (Consider the revelation of the lottery’s ‘prize’ in particular.)
  • What social commentary is being made through the story and its characters?
  • Describe Mr. Summers, Tessie, and Old Man Warner. What does the story reveal about their role in the community and their feelings about the lottery?

Give yours elf a breath of fresh air with this NO PREP curriculum that integrates test prep within the teaching of literature by using Shirley Jackson’s quintessential story!

the lottery short stories and activities

9.  “The Pedestrian”

This Ray Bradbury story follows a lone walker in a futuristic society in which everyone else is consumed by technology, particularly the television. One evening, the walker encounters a police car that questions his unusual behavior and the end is quite unexpected! (Most of Bradbury’s short stories and texts connect to the future and technology in some way!)

  • This story exemplifies Dystopian Literature (texts that include a supposedly perfect future society marred in some way by governmental or societal oppression). Using this story to introduce this type of literature is always fun for students because they will easily make connections to other dystopic short stories and poems!
  • Teach about mood (the emotional impact of a story’s description/action). The goal is to get students to deepen their critical thinking skills by recognizing how the mood changes and the purpose for that change!
  • How does the author use foreshadowing and suspense to build the mood of the story?
  • What is the central theme of the story? How might it connect with our current world?
  • What similes and metaphors does Bradbury use to describe the community and its members? What is notable about these comparisons?

With this resource about Bradbury’s “The Pedestrian,” you can just print and teach the lesson and activities with EASE! 

10.  “The Gift of the Magi”

This 1905 story by O. Henry relays a tale about a couple struggling to make ends meet. Throughout the story, they both figure out gifts to buy one another for Christmas and realize what love truly means!

  • Review character traits (how a character is depicted internally and externally). Log the traits of each character within the story and how they are important to the meaning of the story.
  • Extend (move beyond the text) critical thinking skills by encouraging students to think and write about other people. If they had $1,000 to spend on someone else, how would they spend the money and why?

the gift of the magi short stories and questions

  • How would you describe Della and Jim, and their relationship?
  • What values do the characters have, when you consider their actions and decisions?
  • Explain how dramatic irony is used in the story. Is it necessary? Is it effective? Why or why not?

This tale is a great addition to your short stories and questions unit around the winter holidays! Save yourself time at that time of the year with this lesson bundle . 

11.  “The Monkey’s Paw” 

“The Monkey’s Paw” is a classic horror story about the White family who come into possession of a mystical monkey’s paw that grants three wishes. Despite warnings, they use it and then face devastating consequences as a result.

  • Teach about the elements of the horror/suspense genre (Ex. Scary movies are typically dark, stormy, surprising, morbid, etc.).
  • Create a thematic statement (message relayed by the text in a complete sentence). There is no perfectly created theme (message) unless it is directly stated by the author; however, students can create a theme by supporting their ideas with evidence from the story!
  • What is the main theme of the story? Or how does the author communicate the themes of greed or fate? Is one stronger than the other?
  • Are Mr. and Mrs. White more alike or different from one another? How do you know?
  • Should we be afraid of the unknown? What message does the story share? Do you agree or disagree?

Examine W.W. Jacobs’ classic story with this set of questions and answers along with rigorous reading and writing activities . While it is ideal for a spooky season, the story is valuable for its ability to hook readers any time of year!

12.  “Lamb to the Slaughter” 

This classic story with a killer plot twist is about a woman who kills her husband and gets away with murder thanks to cooking a leg of lamb!

  • You could introduce the plot elements (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution), encourage students to identify major events to fit each element and write down textual evidence to support their ideas.
  • Complete a film analysis (examination of film techniques and their effects) to compare/contrast the short story with the classic Alfred Hitchcock television episode.
  • What is Mary Maloney’s state of mind? Does it remain the same or does it change throughout the story? Explain.
  • Is the resolution of the story satisfying? Why or why not? Why do you think the author ended it as he did?
  • How does irony contribute to the theme of deception in the story? Explain.

Spice up your middle school English or high school English class with this short stories and activities bundle for Dahl’s famous story!

13.  “The Tell-Tale Heart” 

Poe’s classic psychological thriller is narrated by an unnamed protagonist who insists on their sanity while recounting how they murdered an old man. The narrator is haunted by the sound of the victim’s beating heart, which ultimately drives him to confess to the crime despite not originally being a suspect. 

  • Teach symbolism (object, person, or place that represents something else) by focusing on the heart and eye . The author used these symbols in various ways!
  • Investigate psychology (the study of the human mind) as a part of the story. Determine what is fact and what is fiction within the narrator’s mind.
  • What does the story reveal about the human psyche?
  • What is the deeper meaning of the two key symbols in the story – the beating heart and the eye of the old man?
  • What role do the narrator’s inner thoughts play in the development of the plot?

the tell tale heart short stories and activities

This Short Story Comprehension Bundle offers quick (and effective!) ways to assess students’ learning and understanding of the story. It’s easy to use and will no doubt save you time too!

14.  “The Scarlet Ibis” 

Emotional short stories and their counterparts have a place as well in English classrooms! This short story by James Hurst about two brothers is a heartbreaking must-read. Through flashbacks, the unnamed narrator tells the life story of his younger sickly brother William Armstrong, who is nicknamed Doodle. And the end…well, you’ll see.

  • Define and explain the purpose of a flashback (referring back to the past within a story). Think about the implications of never thinking back on the past or always thinking about the past.
  • Complete a comparison chart between Doodle and the Ibis as you read along. Then, students can create a visual of each after they have ready by using their own evidence!
  • What is the meaning of the story’s title and the presence of a scarlet ibis in the story?
  • What is the central theme of the story? How do the events of the story support this chosen theme?
  • How does the author use personification for the storm? What effect does this have on the story?

This flexible resource features critical thinking questions and answers as well as writing and reading activities for students to explore Hurst’s heartbreaking story.

15.  “The Veldt” 

This science fiction story by Ray Bradbury was first published as “The World the Children Made” and it is quite fitting as a title! The story focuses on a futuristic world in which a video screen can be controlled and it turns out to be more than simple virtual reality! By the story’s conclusion, the world the children made is the downfall of their parents. 

  • Compare and contrast “The Veldt” with “The Pedestrian,” two short stories and dystopic texts by Ray Bradbury. Analyze the similarities and differences of both short stories and create a thematic statement that connects to both texts!
  • Make connections to our current reality in the 21st century. Locate research about the implications of technology on young people and integrate this information as you discuss this short story.
  • How does the author address the theme of technology versus humanity in the story? Do you agree with this commentary? Why or why not?
  • How does the nursery reflect the personalities of Wendy and Peter in this story?
  • Do you know the story of Peter Pan and his friend Wendy? What connections can you make between it and this story by Ray Bradbury?

Ray Bradbury’s classic short stories and similar passages are the BEST to teach in middle and high school English! With so much to dive into, they are sure to be a hit with your students. Grab this set of activities to extend your students’ engagement with rigorous reading and writing activities about “The Veldt.” 

16.  “The Necklace” 

A woman who longs for a life of luxury and elegance beyond her means faces consequences when she loses a borrowed necklace. Guy de Maupassant’s story ends with a twist that has the reader question the value of material possessions. 

  • I love comparing this short story with O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi.” You might choose to focus on the theme, characterization, setting, etc.
  • Summarize (writing about the main idea with details) each chunk of the story as you read with your students. Instead of asking students to write a paragraph, you could ask students to create each summary in only one sentence.
  • The story explores vanity, deception, and the consequences of striving for social status. Which theme do you think is the most important? Explain with support from the story.
  • Is Mathilde Loisel a likable character? Does this change during the story? Does it matter if the reader likes her? Why or why not?
  • What clues does the author provide throughout the story that foreshadow the twist at the story’s end?

Focus on the standards with this Short Story Lesson Bundle for “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant!

Need help with implementing activities for “The Necklace?” See below!

the-necklace-by-guy-de-maupassant

17.  “A Vendetta” 

Guy de Maupassant’s late-19th-century story is all about REVENGE. A mother is obsessed with creating a plan to avenge her son’s murder and she then puts the plan into action with a morbid outcome.

  • There are so many texts that involve REVENGE! Why not use this concept as a focus for a thematic unit (texts linked to a similar concept and/or message)? You could read “A Poison Tree,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” and “Lamb to the Slaughter” as well as “A Vendetta” with the intention of writing about all 4 for a comparison/contrast paper, presentation, or seminar.
  • Analyze the development (how a character changes over time) of the mother and the dog throughout the story; you might annotate for similarities and differences as well as their motivations!
  • What comment is the story making about the nature (or need) for justice? Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?
  • What similes and metaphors does the author use to communicate the main character’s feelings about the vendetta?
  • How does the author use details to explain the main character’s thoughts, feelings, and motivation?

Add these activities for this lesser-known work to your short story plans. It’s sure to keep things fresh for your short stories and activities unit! 

18.  “Thank You, Ma’am” (also known as “Thank You, M’am”)

This heartfelt story by Langston Hughes tells the story of Luella, an older woman in the neighborhood, who is nearly robbed by a young man named Roger. In response to Roger, Luella brings him back to her home and treats him with an abundance of kindness, which has a profound effect on Roger.

This tale is at the top of the list for the BEST short stories and passages for upper middle and younger high school students!

  • Introduce perspective and/or point of view (how a story is told: 1st, 2nd, 3rd omniscient, 3rd limited, 3rd objective). Students might rewrite the story from another perspective or extend the story using the perspective of one of the main characters.
  • Review plot elements with a focus on the exposition (introduction to the characters, setting, and conflict), climax (highest point of interest/turning point of the story), and resolution (how the story is concluded and/or resolved in some way.) You could assign an activity surrounding each concept: visualization of the scene, a journal response to the event, or a short response focused on how the element is important to the overall theme!

thank you maam short stories and questions

  • Do you believe in second chances? What does the story say about second chances? 
  • How might the climax of the story also be seen as the turning point in Roger’s life?
  • How would you describe Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones? Are her actions expected or unexpected in the story? Consider from Roger’s and the reader’s point of view.

Click to check out all of the details for this BUNDLE with differentiated options , which includes a Test Prep Quiz (with varied options), Venn Diagrams, Graphic Organizers, and Writing Responses!! 

19.  “Click Clack the Rattle Bag”

This short story by Neil Gaiman is creepy and fun in the best ways possible! The narrator is taking care of his girlfriend’s little brother and walking him to bed when the child asks for a story. Instead of the narrator sharing a story, the boy shares about the Click Clacks who drink their prey and leave behind rattling bodies. The end is too good to be missed!

Short stories and plots like those in “Click Clack the Rattle Bag” will most certainly engage even your most struggling learners!

  • We all know that test prep can be tough as many reading passages are, well, boring! Why not accomplish some test prep with your students and incorporate 5 standardized test-related questions ? You could focus on theme, structure, order of events, characterization, etc.!
  • Help students make inferences (acknowledging and hypothesizing about the impact of details that are not directly referenced or stated) as the scene moves along. Students can analyze the change in the setting, the little boy himself, the story the boy is telling, and specific phrases from the story.
  • What details in the story contribute to its eerie atmosphere or mood? Or what figurative language devices does Neil Gaiman use to create a sense of suspense in the story? 
  • How does the author use ambiguity in the story? Is it effective or not? Explain.
  • What inferences can you make about the relationship between the narrator and the young boy?

click clack the rattle bag short stories and questions

This “Click Clack the Rattle Bag” Quiz Pack for middle and high school students uses the Common Core standards and contains questions and answers modeled after various state standardized tests! Make teaching this amazing short story by Neil Gaiman SIMPLE & EASY!

Why should we incorporate more short stories and activities in our teaching?

While I would never advocate replacing all novels with short stories and smaller texts, there is still something to be said about spending quality time with short stories and excerpts. 

Including short stories and standards-based activities is an ideal option to improve reading comprehension and develop skills, especially in middle and high school English classes!

SHORT STORIES AND ACTIVITIES RESOURCES: 

short stories and questions unit

This  Short Stories and Test Prep Questions ULTIMATE BUNDLE with Lessons, Quizzes, and Activities uses the Common Core standards with reading comprehension QUESTIONS and ANSWERS for 18 short stories such as “The Most Dangerous Game,” “The Monkey’s Paw,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “After Twenty Years,” “The Gift of the Magi,” “The Veldt,” “The Lottery,” “The Pedestrian,” etc. modeled after various state reading exams.

Make teaching short stories and activities SIMPLE & EASY!

Just PRINT & TEACH with engaging short stories and lessons!!

Need more fun ideas for teaching short stories and corresponding activities? Check out my store Kristin Menke-Integrated ELA Test Prep !

critical thinking stories for middle school

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Short stories for middle schoolers: 17 quick reads with lasting impact!

Short stories for middle schoolers: 17 quick reads with lasting impact!

Finding ways to help connect middle school children with the written word is critical for their academic and personal growth. Short stories can be a powerful tool for capturing the interest of young readers and teaching them valuable lessons. In this article, we discuss the importance of short stories for middle schoolers, what makes a good short story, and provide solid recommendations students are sure to enjoy.

Why are short stories a great way to engage middle school students?

Length and digestibility.

Middle school students often have shorter attention spans, making it challenging for them to engage with longer texts. Short stories offer a perfect solution, as their brevity allows students to finish reading in a short amount of time. This gives them a sense of accomplishment, as they can see their progress and feel motivated to continue reading.

Varied genres and themes

Short stories cover all genres, allowing students to explore different writing styles, cultures, and perspectives. This variety can help students find stories that resonate. Additionally, exposure to a diverse range of stories can broaden their understanding of the world and help them develop empathy for people from different backgrounds.

Opportunities for deep discussion and analysis

The best short stories contain rich literary elements and character development, making them perfect for fostering critical thinking and comprehension skills. Teachers can use these stories to engage students in meaningful discussions, encouraging them to analyze the theme. This helps students learn to think more deeply about material they've read. In turn, this allows them to make connections between the story and their own lives.

Short stories for middle schoolers have always been a great way to engage students.

What makes a good short story?

A great story captivates kids and encourages them to dive deeper into the world of reading. There are several key elements that contribute to a successful short story for kids in this age group.

Compelling characters

Character development is essential in short stories. Young readers should be able to identify with the characters, understand their motivations, and empathize with their struggles. Well-developed characters provide opportunities for students to explore and discuss complex emotions, relationships, and moral dilemmas.

Engaging plot

An engaging plot is crucial for keeping middle schoolers interested in a short story. The story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with a conflict or problem that the characters must overcome. A twist ending  can add an element of surprise, making the story even more memorable.

Strong theme or message

A great short story often conveys a meaningful theme or message. This can range from a moral lesson to an exploration of human nature, or even a commentary on society. When an author is able to include a theme, the story becomes more than a simple narrative. It challenges students to think critically about the issues presented.

Appropriate language and vocabulary for the target age group

Short stories for middle schoolers should use language and vocabulary that is suitable for their age and reading level. This helps ensure that students can comprehend the text without becoming overwhelmed or frustrated. At the same time, the story should introduce new words and descriptive writing, helping students expand their language skills and become more confident readers.

Relatable content

Finally, a good short story for middle school students should contain content that is relatable to their lives and experiences. This can include themes like friendship, family, school, or personal growth. By presenting familiar situations and emotions, the story helps students connect with the text and become more invested.

One of our favorite short stories

It should come as no surprise that we are big fans of our own master of horror, Devlin DeGuise. His series GHOUL SCHOOL is a great read for upper elementary kids and middle schoolers.

critical thinking stories for middle school

👻 Immerse Students in a Spine-Tingling World! 👻

An age-appropriate horror series,  GHOUL SCHOOL takes young readers on a chilling journey, inviting them to discover spine-tingling mysteries and encounter hair-raising creatures.

🌀 Twist Endings Keep Readers Hooked! 🌀

Each volume of GHOUL SCHOOL features a jaw-dropping twist ending that will leave your tween gasping in surprise and eager to find out what happens next. These unexpected twists not only create a memorable reading experience but also instill a love for reading that will follow them throughout their lives. 

📖 Easy-to-Read Format for Maximum Enjoyment 📖

Designed with the reluctant reader in mind, GHOUL SCHOOL features big fonts to minimize intimidation, graphic novel elements that pull readers into the eerie world, and captivating, creepy art on every page. 

🎧 Enhanced Audiobook for a One-of-a-Kind Reading Experience 🎧

Want to take the terror up a notch? Each book comes with a free audiobook that offers a read-along experience with creepy music and Hollywood sound effects so good students feel like they're IN the story.

🔥 Don't Miss Out on this creepy Reading Experience! 🔥

Transform students into eager bookworms with GHOUL SCHOOL, the series that's bound to become a favorite of your students.

Grab your copies now!

Recommended short stories for sixth graders

Selecting age-appropriate short stories for middle schoolers is important to ensure they enjoy reading and gain valuable insights from the texts. Here are some great short stories at a sixth-grade level:

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson

This classic short story portrays a seemingly ordinary village with a dark secret. The story explores themes of tradition, conformity, and the potential danger of blindly following societal norms. Students will be drawn in by the plot and can later engage in discussions about the story's message and its relevance to their lives.

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

This tale tells the story of a couple who sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other. The story's themes of love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of giving provide ample opportunities for thoughtful discussions and reflections.

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi by Rudyard Kipling

This adventurous story follows a brave mongoose named Rikki-Tikki-Tavi as he protects his human family and friends from dangerous cobras. With its exciting plot and vivid descriptions, this story will keep sixth graders engaged while also teaching them about courage and loyalty.

The Treasure of Lemon Brown by Walter Dean Myers

In this story, a boy named Greg meets an old man named Lemon Brown who shares his life story and a valuable treasure. The story explores themes of family, understanding, and the idea that not all treasures are material possessions.

The Fun They Had by Isaac Asimov

Set in a future where children are taught by computers, this short story will spark classroom conversations about the importance of human interaction and the role of technology in education. Students can discuss the differences between their own school experiences and the futuristic world presented in the story.

Kids are hungry for short stories they can enjoy in a single sitting.

Recommended short stories for seventh graders

As middle schoolers grow and develop, their interests and reading abilities change. Here are some engaging short stories suitable for seventh-grade students:

The Monkey's Paw by W.W. Jacobs

This chilling tale of a magical monkey's paw that grants wishes with unexpected consequences will captivate seventh graders. The story offers a chance to remind kids they should always be careful what they wish for.

The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant

In this classic, Mathilde borrows a beautiful necklace only to lose it and replace it with a costly replica. The story explores themes of vanity, materialism, and the importance of being content with what we have.

The Lady or the Tiger? by Frank R. Stockton

In this intriguing story, a man must choose between two doors. A beautiful woman waits behind one. Behind the other? A tiger. The open-ended conclusion of the story encourages students to debate the outcome and consider the complexities of human nature and decision-making.

The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe

Narrated by a man who commits a terrible crime, this classic is sure to keep students on the edge of their seats. The story provides a chance to study characterization, explore the narrator's descent into madness, and discuss the concept of guilt.

All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradbury

Set on a planet where the sun rises briefly every seven years, this is the story of a young girl locked away by classmates during the rare moment of sunshine. The story's themes of empathy, jealousy, and the consequences of our actions provide ample material for thoughtful discussions.

The Monsters are Due on Maple Street by Rod Serling

Not a traditional short story, this Twilight Zone teleplay is the tale of a suburban street that finds itself under siege by forces unknown. Once friendly neighbors speculate about who could be responsible for their strange experiences. It isn't long before they discover they may have as much to fear from each other as they do any unseen terrors lurking in the dark.

Recommended short stories for eighth graders

Eighth-grade students are often ready to tackle more complex themes and literary elements in their reading. Here are some thought-provoking short stories suitable for eighth graders:

The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell

This thriller follows a man trapped on an island with a sinister hunter who has turned humans into his prey. The story explores themes of morality, survival, and the nature of violence. It is sure to spark engaging discussions among students.

The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe

In this dark tale of revenge, the narrator seeks to punish his friend for an unspecified insult. The story provides a great opportunity for students to analyze the motivations behind the characters' actions and discuss the consequences of revenge.

The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst

This emotional story tells the tale of two brothers – one who is physically disabled – and their complicated relationship. Students can explore themes of love, pride, and the consequences of our actions. It also provides a great opportunity to discuss the importance of empathy and acceptance.

The Lottery Rose by Irene Hunt

In this heartrending story, a young boy named Georgie, who has experienced a difficult life, wins a rose bush in a school lottery. The story follows Georgie's journey as he learns to trust and find hope in his new circumstances. Themes of resilience, hope, and the power of human connection provide ample material for thoughtful discussions.

The Pedestrian by Ray Bradbury

This dystopian classic follows a man named Leonard Mead who is arrested for the simple act of taking a walk. Students can discuss the story's themes of conformity, individuality, and the potential consequences of a technology-dominated society.

Fun short story collections for the Summer Reading List 

Skin (and other short stories) by Roald Dahl

Skin (and other stories)  by Roald Dahl

In this book, the renowned author invites readers to explore the eerie, dark corners of the human psyche through a series of chilling tales. Each story features an eclectic cast of characters who encounter the inexplicable, often with unexpected consequences. Dahl's distinctive storytelling and keen observations of human behavior make these ghost stories both frightening and thought-provoking, leaving readers questioning the boundaries of reality and the unknown.

critical thinking stories for middle school

Only If You Dare by Josh Allen

A terrifying collection of short stories that proves even everyday objects in our life can turn against us. From a mysterious microwave oven to a threatening board game to a snowman who refuses to melt in the spring, this book is loaded with stories that will leave kids scared of more than the dark.  Buy it here .

Links where more short stories be found

There are numerous resources available online for teachers and students to find engaging short stories for middle schoolers. Some popular websites with short story resources include:

  • American Literature : This website features a wide selection of classic short stories, including many that are suitable for middle school students.
  • CommonLit : CommonLit is a free online platform that provides access to fiction and nonfiction texts, including short stories, along with comprehension questions and teaching resources.
  • ReadWorks : ReadWorks offers a vast collection of reading passages, including short stories, for all grade levels, along with comprehension questions and teaching materials.

Short stories are a fantastic way to engage middle schoolers. These bite-sized tales can help students develop their critical thinking, comprehension, and language skills. By selecting age-appropriate stories that feature compelling characters, engaging plots, strong themes, and relatable content, teachers can create memorable reading experiences.

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Short Stories for Middle School

To encourage the love of literature in classrooms all over the world, we recommend these short stories for middle school students, chosen to encourage a passion for reading, thinking about, and discussing great literature.

Our selection showcases the incredible variety of approaches and techniques that great writers have used to entertain us with the short story genre. These stories wander from suspenseful to humorous to surprising; often with a "twist ending" and drive home the concept of irony. We hope they inspire meaningful classroom discussions, build critical analysis skills, and are fun to read. For an encore list, enjoy Short Stories for Middle School II , and then on to Short Stories for High School . Check out Foodie Stories and Poetry for Students

The Gift of the Magi

  • The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry This tender story is a "must read" and one of the most famous in the short story genre. The story is a discussion-starter for the role of irony. Reading this story first, then following up the next lesson with The Necklace will allow students to compare and contrast two important short stories while absorbing import life lessons. Use our helpful The Gift of the Magi Study Guide
  • The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant Madame Mathilde Loisel is blessed with great beauty but little wealth. Though she dreams of attending extravagant parties and balls bedecked with sparkling jewels, she is married to a low-paid clerk of modest means. Her husband sets the story in motion when he manages to acquire an invitation to a society party in a quest to make her happy. This is a classic morality tale highlighting the twin pitfalls of vanity and pride. Enrich the story with our The Necklace Study Guide
  • A Horseman in the Sky by Ambrose Bierce A soldier in the American Civil War disappoints his Virginian father to join the Union army and fight for the North in this emotionally jarring masterpiece by Ambrose Bierce. Check out our helpful A Horseman in the Sky Study Guide

W.W. Jacobs, The Monkey's Pay

  • The Open Window by H.H. Munro A mischievous young woman with a very big imagination and a gift for drama "entertains" a house caller waiting on her aunt by spinning a theatrical tale. One can safely assume that Mr. Framton Nuttle will never be the same again. The point here is simple: short stories are fun!
  • To Build a Fire by Jack London "The dog did not know anything about thermometers" but it had the sense to know "that it was no time for travelling." The man's judgement was not as good as the dog's, and that sets the stage for a classic man vs. nature story.
  • The Monkey's Paw by W.W. Jacobs Three wishes and a Monkey's paw. What could possibly go wrong? The English author W.W. Jacobs demonstrates how the short story can be used effectively to relate a horror story and a cautionary tale. A good introduction to the broader Gothic genre as well. Students may with to review our The Monkey's Paw Study Guide
  • The Sniper by Liam O'Flaherty The setting for the The Sniper is the Battle of Dublin, a series of street fights that occurred between June 28th and July 5th, 1922. These battles marked the beginning of the Irish Civil War. The protagonist is a sniper that takes a calculated risk; the consequences of that decision have lethal consequences . . . But for whom?

The Lady, or the Tiger?

  • The Lady, or the Tiger? by Frank Stockton The problems of middle school pale in comparison to the dilemma faced by the princess. The title of this iconic story has become a catchphrase to describe a problem that has no solution. Enjoy our The Lady, or the Tiger? Study Guide
  • The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell Another story where a forced "choice" has nothing but deadly consequences. The suspense keeps building until the very end!
  • The Treasure in the Forest by H.G. Wells Allow H.G. Wells to provide an introduction to the morality tale as two Englishmen use an ill-gotten map to hunt for treasure.
  • The Star by H.G. Wells Another selection from H.G. Wells . This is a suspenseful, gripping and well written story, where the author smartly plays "what if" with a potential ending of the world, and turns a beautiful phrase or two while doing it, "So, too, barbarism and savagery, already tired of the novelty, went about their nightly business, and save for a howling dog here and there, the beast world left the star unheeded."

The Gettysburg Address

  • The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln There is no American more american than Abraham Lincoln's. His struggle was our struggle and his voice was our voice. And it was with his voice -- in both writing and speaking -- that the country finally broke free and clear of European traditions in prose to find a distinctly American voice.
  • Federigo's Falcon by Giovanni Boccaccio This tale, from Boccaccio's The Decameron (1353), makes an interesting companion piece to O. Henry's classic The Gift of the Magi . Both stories feature irony and a twist, but they make an interesting foil when paired together for classroom discussion.
  • The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde This is a rather long short story but a funny and rewarding read, as Oscar Wilde turns the typical ghost story on its head. Sir Simon de Canterville has been happily haunting Canterbury Chase, frightening its inhabitants, for over three hundred years. Then the estate falls into the hands of an American family armed with American manners and sensibilities. It really is more than an aristocratic British ghost can bear.
  • The Hand by Guy de Maupassant Be warned, this story is gruesome and will really creep you out; a fantastic example of Gothic Literature . Enjoy other Halloween Stories

More recommended titles are available in Short Stories for Middle School II

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Nonfiction Books for Middle School to Inspire Critical Thinking!

What are some good nonfiction books for middle school? Well, the answer to that question lies in knowing what your particular 9-13 year old likes to read, and the topics in which they are interested. A great nonfiction book will inspire your middle schooler to delve deeper into the topic, sending them off to the library to find more books on the subject. And importantly, a good nonfiction book will teach middle schoolers to be critical thinkers and readers.

List of nonfiction book for middle school kids

The nonfiction books on this list are meant to appeal to a wide range of readers. Some are geared towards kids who really don't want to read a long, historical narrative. Others are written more like novels and some are very scientific in nature. It is my hope that there is something for everyone on this list, but scroll down to the bottom of the list to find links to more of my nonfiction book lists. (Note: book covers and titles are affiliate links.)

Fault Lines in the Constitution book cover

Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws that Affect Us Today by Cynthia and Sanford Levinson. This book is written for middle grade students but frankly I learned just as much as they will. This fearless look at the Constitution is so fascinating. Unfortunately this country has a tendency to hold up the Constitution as some sort of flawless Bible, but this text will teach kids not just to see and discuss its imperfections and think critically about its role as a governing document, but to be thoughtful and active citizens.

MORE: Our recommended books on elections and voting here

The Quilts of Gee's Bend, book cover.

The Quilts of Gee's Bend by Susan Goldman Rubin. Teach your kids about a how African Americans recorded their history, stories and culture in quilts! Plus, the photographs are absolutely gorgeous. I think I may be overusing the word "fascinating" on this book list, but it certainly applies to this book!

Rising Water, book cover.

Rising Water: The Story of the Thai Cave Rescue by Marc Aronson. Your preteens may be familiar with the recent news stories about the boys soccer team trapped in a cave in Thailand. This book vividly recounts the harrowing details of their rescue. In the final chapter Aronson documented his journalism and how there are gaps in the information that was available to him. That is a great thing for kids to think about so they can be critical readers of nonfiction books.

Spooked! by Gail Jarrow, book cover.

Spooked!: How a Radio Broadcast and The War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America by Gail Jarrow. I think middle schoolers will be riveted when they read the story of how a radio broadcast convinced its audience that the United States was under attack by aliens. But even more than that, Jarrow dives deep into the media coverage of the radio "attack" and the book will spark a lively discussion about the parallels with "fake news" today.

The Wall by Peter Sis, book.

The Wall: Growing Up behind the Iron Curtain by Peter Sís. Although this memoir is structured more like a picture book than a full length book, the format will draw in reluctant readers as well as voracious students of cultural and social history. It is strange sometimes to think about how the Iron Curtain played such a huge part in the global landscape when I was growing up and now it has retreated from our consciousness. Sís's illustrations offer much to look at and his clear and concise text will give students of history a primer on living in a 20th century communist country.

Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask about Having a Disability, book cover.

Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask about Having a Disability by Shane Burcaw. Burcaw lives with spinal muscular atrophy and in this book he addresses questions both small and large about what his life is like as a disabled person. It is actually a picture book aimed at elementary kids, but given that a majority of middle schoolers may have the same unanswered questions about living with a disability as younger kids, I recommend it for both age groups. An author's note provides detailed information, as well. Middle school kids ages 13 and up may enjoy Burcaw's YA memoir, Laughing at My Nightmare .

Life on Surtsey: Iceland's Upstart Island, book cover.

Life on Surtsey: Iceland’s Upstart Island   by Loree Griffin Burns is a title from the great Scientists in the Field series of science-focused books. It is a fascinating look at how life developed on a brand new island created by a volcanic eruption in 1963. It will be of particular interest to middle schoolers interested in earth science, evolution and geology.

Never Caught book cover.

Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away   (Young Readers Edition) by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Kathleen Van Cleve. Dunbar and Van Cleve have written an extremely readable biography detailing what Ona Judge’s life would have been like, how the Washingtons viewed slavery, how they treated their slaves, and crucially, how they pursued Judge after she escaped. This book is an eye-opener for children whose views of Washington were formed around the cherry tree myth. Did you know Washington attempted to break his own fugitive law in order to capture Judge? Not exactly the picture of a fair and just leader. That said, even though the author’s sympathies clearly lie with Judge, the book does not demonize the president.

It's Up to You, Abe Lincoln, book cover.

It’s Up to You, Abe Lincoln   by Leila and Tom Hirschfeld. Kids tired of the same old nonfiction format? Try this title on for size! 10 chapters cover ten important moments from Lincoln’s life and his decisions surrounding each one. Each chapter is written as if the narrator is speaking directly to Honest Abe. The chapters discuss Lincoln’s tough decisions, and their repercussions with humor. But despite the seeming irreverence, the reader comes away with a wealth of knowledge about the serious and complex issues Lincoln faced. Highly recommended.

A Black Hole Is Not a Hole, book cover.

A Black Hole Is Not a Hole   by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano. Is your mind boggled by the concept of a black hole? Are your kids interested in space? For someone like me, who has little formal science background, I found this book to be incredibly accessible and I got sucked right into it. ( Get it? ) So interesting!

Drowned City by Don Brown.

Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans   by Don Brown. Formatted like a graphic novel, this moving book looks at the physical devastation of Hurricane Katrina, as well as the emotional toll on its citizens. I love the graphic novel format for reluctant readers of social and political history.

Around the World graphic novel by Matt Phelan

Around the World   by Matt Phelan is a splendid graphic novel about three different 19th century explorers, Thomas Stevens who decided to ride his bicycle around the world, Joshua Slocum, who was the first man to sail around the world solo, and of course the intrepid Nellie Bly, a reporter who set out to go around the world in under 80 days.

MORE: Nonfiction graphic novels

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom book cover.

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the Selma Voting Rights March  is an appealing conversation-style first person narrative by Lynda Blackmon Lowery, the youngest person to march all the way from Selma to Montgomery. Lowery describes her experience being jailed nine times ( all before the age of 15 ) and beaten on Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama. It’s an amazing story and I actually was unaware of how huge a role teenagers played in the events leading up to the Voting Rights March. Lowery speaks directly to children and tells them they have a voice and can be history makers just like you. A final reference to the 2013 Supreme Court decision and assertion that discrimination no longer exists challenges the reader, “Who has the right to vote is still being decided today.” An superb, must-read book.

The Port Chicago 50 book cover.

The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights by Steve Sheikin is about a little known event in 1944 in which war and civil rights collided. 244 African-American soldiers refused to follow a command which they felt would have put them at unnecessary risk. For their stand, they were charged with mutiny. Sheinkin’s book looks at the event, what led up to the mutiny and how differently the armed services treated its white and black soldiers. Fascinating.

Undefeated story of Jim Thorpe book cover

Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian Football Team  by Steve Sheinkin. This is a nonfiction book about one of America’s great athletes. Many teens may not yet be familiar with some of America’s more shameful policies of the past, such as the forced “reeducation” of Native Americans into white schools. Sheinkin’s book introduces kids to Jim Thorpe’s fascinating life and career without sugar coating the governments attempt to erase Indigenous culture. Highly recommended, especially for teens headed into high school with the intention of playing on a sports team!

More nonfiction book lists that will interest 9-13 year olds:

  • President books for middle school
  • Earth science books
  • Books about space
  • African-American history books (also includes historical fiction)
  • Explorers and adventurers

Reader Interactions

Catherine says

May 22, 2019 at 3:30 pm

These all look so cool! Thank you!

Katie Strief says

May 25, 2019 at 11:10 am

Please re-send this book list. Thank you.

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critical thinking stories for middle school

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critical thinking stories for middle school

20 Critical Thinking Activities for Middle Schoolers

  • Middle School Education

critical thinking stories for middle school

Introduction:

  Critical thinking is vital for middle school students, as it helps them develop problem-solving skills, make informed decisions, and understand different perspectives. Integrating critical thinking activities into classroom learning experiences can greatly enhance students’ cognitive abilities. The following are 20 engaging critical thinking activities designed for middle school students.

1. Brain Teasers: Use age-appropriate puzzles to challenge students’ cognitive abilities and encourage them to find creative solutions.

2. Socratic Circles: Divide the class into groups and encourage them to participate in a philosophical discussion on a given topic, asking questions that stimulate critical thinking and deeper understanding.

3. Compare and Contrast: Assign two similar but different texts for students to compare and contrast, analyzing similarities and differences between each author’s perspective.

4. What-If Questions: Encourage children to think critically about hypothetical scenarios by asking what-if questions, such as “What if the internet didn’t exist?”

5. Debate Club: Organize a debate club where students are encouraged to research and defend differing viewpoints on a topic.

6. Mind Mapping: Teach students how to create a mind map – a visual representation of their thoughts – to help them brainstorm complex issues effectively.

7. Mystery Bag: In small groups, give students a bag containing several random objects and ask them to invent an innovative product or story using all items in the bag.

8. Critical Thinking Journal: Have students maintain journals where they analyze their thought processes after completing activities, promoting self-reflection and metacognition.

9. Moral Dilemmas: Present students with moral dilemmas, requiring them to weigh pros and cons before making ethical decisions.

10. Fact or Opinion?: Give students various statements and ask them to differentiate between fact or opinion, helping them build critical thinking skills when handling information.

11. Research Projects: Assign project topics that require deep research from multiple sources, developing students’ abilities to sift through information and synthesize their findings.

12. Think-Pair-Share: Have students think individually about a complex question, then pair up to discuss their thoughts, and finally share with the class.

13. Art Interpretation: Display an artwork and ask students to interpret its meaning, theme, or message, pushing them to look beyond the surface.

14. Reverse Role Play: Assign roles for a scenario where students exchange positions (e.g., teacher-student, parent-child), fostering empathetic understanding and critical thinking skills.

15. Critical Evaluation of Media: Analyze news articles, commercials, or social media posts by asking questions about their purpose, target audience, and accuracy.

16. Six Thinking Hats: Teach students Edward de Bono’s “Six Thinking Hats” technique to improve critical thinking by exploring diverse perspectives when solving problems.

17. Analogy Building: Encourage students to create analogies from one concept to another, enhancing abstract thinking and problem-solving abilities.

18. Current Events Analysis: Keep track of current events and have students critically evaluate news stories or blog posts to encourage informed decision-making in real-world contexts.

19. Brainstorming Sessions: Hold group brainstorming sessions where students invent solutions for complex problems while practicing active listening and critical thinking.

20. Reflection Activities: Use reflective writing prompts at the end of lessons or activities to foster metacognition, self-awareness, and the development of critical thinking skills.

Conclusion:

Critical thinking activities are vital for middle schoolers as they foster intellectual growth and prepare them for future learning experiences. By incorporating these 20 activities into your classroom curriculum, you can help students develop essential critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their academic careers and beyond.

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Critical Thinking Resources for Middle School Teachers

Middle school teachers of all subjects are interested in fostering critical thinking in their classroom, but it’s not always an easy task to incorporate in the never-ending quest to match lesson plans to state learning standards. Here are seven resources that will easily add critical thinking to your lesson plans.

The Critical Thinking Community

The Critical Thinking Community is a resource site designed to encourage critical thinking in students. There are teaching strategies, a glossary of important terms, as well as articles by thought leaders in critical thinking, such as one by Bertrand Russell on the importance of developing critical thinking skills. Visit the site.

Here are some recommended pages for critical thinking strategies for the middle school classroom.

  • Teaching tactics : Strategies teachers can use to encourage critical thinking in class. For example, asking students to read the instructions of an assignment and then repeat them in their own words. Visit the page.
  • Remodeled lessons: How to take a routine lesson plan and remodel it to foster critical thinking. The page has five standard lesson plans, a critique of why they should be changed, and suggestions for improving the lesson plan. Visit the page.
  • 35 dimensions of critical thought: Strategies are organized into three groups: Affective, Cognitive Macro-Abilities, and Cognitive Micro-Skills. Each strategy details its importance for student development. Visit the page.

Success story: tips for teaching critical thinking

KIPP King Collegiate High School has developed 10 ideas for teaching critical thinking. These methods are applicable for middle school aged students, giving them exposure to thinking critically before arriving to high school. One notable technique from KIPP is to teach students to constantly ask questions. Visit the page.

Critical thinking in the 21 st century

Microsoft Education offers material for teaching critical thinking for the 21 st -century student. What’s special about this guide is its focus on thinking critically on the Internet. Lesson plans focus on fine-tuning search skills, how to evaluate discoveries and then incorporate findings in student work. Visit the site.

Creative and critical thinking activities

On teachers.net Gazette, a teacher named Emmy recommends five specific activities that are easy to use, take little preparation, and stimulate creative thinking. The most popular feature of this site is its teacher collaboration. Visit the page.

Back to basics

This site details the basics about critical thinking: what it is, the characteristics, and why it should be taught. It also provides several differing perspectives about critical thinking for readers to consider. Different teaching strategies are also discussed, plus links to helpful resources. Visit the site.

Riddle me that

BrainDen.com has a large number of critical-thinking riddles and brain teasers that can be used in the classroom. The answers are provided for the teacher as well as tips for stimulating further discussion on the topic. Teachers can use the exercises as warmup activities at the beginning of class, or at the end of class on days when work is unexpectedly completed early. Visit the site.

Brain boosters

Discovery Education has a “Brain Boosters” section listing specific logical thinking challenges and brain teasers that students love. The activities can be done with groups or individually. The answers are provided for the teacher. Visit the site.

You may also like to read

  • Critical Thinking Resources for High School Teachers
  • African-American Literature for Middle School
  • 4 Topics for Middle School Biology Projects
  • Middle School Classroom Management Strategies
  • 4 Prompts To Get Middle School Kids Writing
  • Online Resources for High School Calculus

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How Interlinking Learning Promotes Critical Thinking in Middle School

Fostering connections between subjects encourages students to think deeply about big problems and questions at the core of their work.

Illustration of a multi-colored chain

Every year around Halloween, our middle school in Spain divided students into four assigned houses, venturing beyond the typical core classes to engage in collaborative activities centered around one spooky concept. One year, it was all about pumpkins; the next, vampires became the seasonal topic of choice. 

This wasn’t just a festive tradition: It was a vibrant representation of interlinking learning in middle school—the instructional approach that involves connecting content across different subject areas, fostering a more integrated and holistic understanding of material. Interlinking learning enhances the learning experience, as it allows students to transfer skills and knowledge acquired in one area to another. It also helps students to see patterns, relationships, and contradictions across subjects and promotes critical thinking , a vital skill in today’s fast-paced world.

What is Interlinking Learning?

Interlinking learning is based on the main principles of connectivity, context, and applicability. It encourages students to build connections between concepts across different subjects, placing learning in a real-world context and emphasizing the application of knowledge in various scenarios. The philosophy can be traced back to John Dewey , a renowned educator and philosopher, who encouraged connected learning and emphasized learning through doing, advocating for a practical, interactive, and student-centered approach to education.

Interlinking learning fosters vibrant classroom environments where students can make connections between different subjects. Around Halloween, there are a variety of fun activities that create connections for students around a spooky theme; for instance, "pumpkins meet pi" is a spirited lesson on measurement. The tale of turnips (evolving into the pumpkins we associate with Halloween today) is a fascinating history lesson of the Irish immigrating to America. A vampire theme can bring intrigue, with language arts classes dissecting passages from Dracula , and science lessons can become hubs of discovery as students sink their teeth into studying different blood types . 

Similarly to the Halloween themes of pumpkins and vampires, teachers can use something like a “ big idea ” for connected learning, where that same idea is seen, felt, and experienced across subjects. The big idea, whether it is adaptability or justice, is an excellent example of interlinking learning, urging educators to focus on a central concept that can transcend individual subjects. 

Connectivity

Promoting connectivity in the classroom involves creating a nurturing environment where students can interlink concepts from various subjects. Consider the following strategies:

Cross-subject projects: Encourage students to work on projects that require knowledge and skills from different subjects, thereby fostering an understanding and application of diverse concepts. For example, a project where students design a sustainable city could require knowledge of geometry (math), an understanding of sustainable practices (science), and historical context (social studies).

Thematic learning weeks: Organize learning weeks that focus on a specific theme, weaving in various subjects to offer a rich, multidimensional perspective on the topic at hand. For instance, during Space Week, English classes could focus on science-fiction literature, while science classes delve into the solar system’s dynamics.

Connecting concepts to current events: This strategy can involve linking concepts being taught to unfolding events globally, offering students a dynamic and contemporary context to anchor their learning. For instance, social studies could relate a historical event being studied to a current geopolitical situation, encouraging students to see the repercussions and interconnectedness of historical events in today’s world.

This approach to learning is greatly influenced by situated learning theory , which suggests that learning is most effective when it is closely related to the real-world context in which the knowledge or skill will be applied. Here are some examples:

Guest speakers: Inviting guest speakers can provide students with a rich contextual background for the topics they are studying, such as a local author discussing their writing process in a language arts class.

Field trips: Field trips can offer firsthand experiences that enhance understanding and retention. For instance, a visit to a local museum can offer a rich, contextual background for a historical period being studied.

Case studies: Facilitate deep understanding through case studies, encouraging students to apply conceptual knowledge to solve real-world problems. For instance, analyze a recent environmental case to understand the practical applications of scientific concepts in real-life scenarios.

Applicability

Applicability calls for an emphasis on the practical use of knowledge and skills in various scenarios, aiding students in understanding how they can apply what they learn in real-world situations. The following are strategies to consider:

Problem-solving: Promote active engagement with learning materials through problem-solving, encouraging a cycle of reflective thinking. For instance, setting up a mathematics problem that involves budgeting for a small business can bring real-world applicability to theoretical concepts.

Internship opportunities: Facilitate platforms where students can apply the knowledge garnered in classrooms to real-world settings, offering a firsthand experience of the applicative value of their learning. For example, a student interested in journalism could intern at a local newspaper, applying their language arts skills in a practical setting.

Simulations: Create environments where students can safely yet realistically explore the practical utility of the concepts learned through simulations, bringing theoretical knowledge to life. For example, a mock trial in a civics class can help students understand judicial processes firsthand.

Implementing Interlinking Learning in middle school

While interlinking learning offers numerous benefits, it can be challenging to balance the curriculum and find time to implement it effectively. There might also be resistance from individuals who stick to traditional teaching methods, so it’s vital to showcase the benefits of interlinking learning through demonstrations and discussions to overcome this resistance. 

When interlinking learning, start small, and gradually integrate more interlinking concepts into your lessons to foster a richer and more interconnected learning experience, perhaps by drawing parallels between subjects during a single lesson or utilizing a theme to encompass different disciplines over a week. As comfort and familiarity grow, gradually integrate more complex interlinking concepts into your lessons.  

As we steer our students toward a future where interdisciplinary understanding is paramount, integrating interlinking learning into our educational approach becomes not just beneficial but necessary. Whether it is picking apart pumpkins through multiple classes or exploring a chosen big idea, fostering connections between subjects enriches learning and aids in the development of well-rounded individuals ready to navigate a multifaceted world. 

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Developing Critical Thinking: 80 Contemplative Journal Prompts For Middle School Students 

August 8, 2023 //  by  Lauren Du Plessis

In a world focused on the daily hustle and bustle, your middle schoolers need opportunities to slow down and think critically about the deeper things in life. When learners engage in high-order thinking, their focus narrows as they analyze information from a variety of personal background experiences and sources. Not only do our journal prompts aim to enhance your students’ complex reasoning abilities, but they also strive to provide character growth opportunities as well! Use our collection as a critical-thinking springboard for your middle schoolers! 

1. If you could change one rule at school, what would it be and why?

critical thinking stories for middle school

2. What is one thing you wish adults understood about being a middle school student today?

3. If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

4. Write about a time when you felt truly proud of yourself. What happened, and why did it make you feel this way?

5. If you could invent a new subject that would be taught in schools, what would it be? Explain why it’s important.

critical thinking stories for middle school

6. What are the three most important qualities a leader should have? Provide examples of leaders who embody these qualities.

7. Is there a difference between making a mistake and failing? Explain your thoughts.

8. If you could solve one world problem, what would it be and why?

9. What would you do if you were president for a day?

10. How does the music we listen to influence us?

critical thinking stories for middle school

11. How can you show more empathy towards people who are different from you?

12. What is your definition of success?

13. What does it mean to be a good friend?

14. How does social media influence our perception of reality?

15. How would you feel if money didn’t exist? How would the world change?

critical thinking stories for middle school

16. What does courage look like to you?

17. Describe a difficult decision you had to make. How did you decide what to do?

18. Is it more important to be a good listener or a good speaker?

19. If you could give any piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

20. How can one person make a difference in the world?

critical thinking stories for middle school

21. What is something you believe in that others might not agree with?

22. What does it mean to be a global citizen?

23. If you could time travel, where would you go and why?

24. How does nature impact our well-being?

25. What is the purpose of art in society?

critical thinking stories for middle school

26. How does our environment shape our behavior?

27. Do you believe in fate or free will? Explain your stance.

28. What would you do if you were not afraid of failure?

29. What do you value most in your friendships and why?

30. What does honesty mean to you? Is it always better to tell the truth?

critical thinking stories for middle school

31. Can you judge a book by its cover? When is it fair to judge someone or something?

32. How does technology affect our relationships with others?

33. What does equality mean to you?

34. How would life be different if humans could communicate telepathically?

35. How would the world change if animals could talk?

critical thinking stories for middle school

36. What is the purpose of school and education?

37. Is there such a thing as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ emotions?

38. What would a perfect society look like?

39. How important is the first impression? Do they accurately represent individuals?

40. What is the role of dreams in our lives?

critical thinking stories for middle school

41. How important are our choices in shaping our lives?

42. Is it better to work in a team or alone?

43. What are the most important qualities of a teacher?

44. How does learning about the past impact our future?

45. What makes a book or movie good?

critical thinking stories for middle school

46. Can someone be happy without money?

47. How does learning a new language change a person?

48. Is it more important to enjoy your job or to earn a high salary?

49. What does it mean to be a hero? Who are some heroes in real life?

50. How does the place where we grow up shape our identity?

critical thinking stories for middle school

51. Should animals have rights? Why or why not?

52. How does advertising influence what people buy?

53. What is the biggest challenge young people face today?

54. Is there such a thing as true altruism?

55. What does ‘home’ mean to you?

critical thinking stories for middle school

56. What role does fear play in your life?

57. How does fiction reveal the truth about real life?

58. Why do we dream? What purpose does it serve?

59. What is the value of solitude?

60. How does physical activity affect our mental health?

critical thinking stories for middle school

61. How do your surroundings impact your creativity?

62. Can a person change who they are, or are we predestined to stay the same?

63. What is the role of ‘play’ in learning?

64. How does one’s appearance affect their personality or how they’re treated?

65. What does it mean to be rich? Is wealth more than just money?

critical thinking stories for middle school

66. How does our culture shape our identity?

67. Why is it important to learn about other cultures?

68. How does the news shape our understanding of the world?

69. What role do hobbies play in people’s lives?

70. What is the value of silence in a world full of noise?

critical thinking stories for middle school

71. How does prejudice arise? How can we combat it?

72. How does travel broaden our perspective?

73. What is the impact of climate change on our future?

74. How do different generations view the world differently?

75. Is knowledge always a good thing, or can it be dangerous?

critical thinking stories for middle school

76. What makes people want to follow a leader?

77. How do the books we read influence our lives?

78. How does society define beauty?

79. What is the value of expressing gratitude?

80. How important is the quest for truth? Is it always objective?

critical thinking stories for middle school

critical thinking stories for middle school

6 Must Read Ray Bradbury Short Stories for Middle School

ray bradbury short stories

If you’re looking for stories to engage your middle school students, then Ray Bradbury short stories are your magic ticket! His science fiction is sure to illicit inferencing skills, critical thinking, thoughtful discussions, and literary analysis. Bradbury’s stories can be used together as a dystopia unit, or you can use your favorite(s) to review the story elements of fiction .

Ray Bradbury is especially gifted at showcasing dystopia through technological control and life on a new planet. His short stories invite rich discussion when we ask students to consider the strengths of technology: What advantages do we have thanks to technology, including robots and artificial intelligence? 

I’ve compiled a list of students’ – and teachers’ – favorite dystopian short stories from Ray Bradbury – both well-known works and some lesser-known, too. See what made the list!

the veldt

#1) The Veldt

Peter and Wendy Hadley are children who are never told, “No,” and they are given every technological advantage, including a playroom that can shift into whatever the kids imagine, like an African veldt. Unfortunately for Peter and Wendy’s parents, the imagined lions have been trained to kill.

When reading The Veldt , you’ll appreciate the opportunities to showcase imagery (like sensory details), inferencing, predictions, plot analysis (especially setting and characterization), and the author’s use of dialogue in this short story. A mini-lesson on plot can include breaking students into groups to act out and/or create in a comic strip an assigned part of a specific portion of the plot. The “HappyLife Home” also offers a unique opportunity to incorporate creativity by designing a sales brochure for the smart home . You can also wrap up the story using an “ Escape The Veldt” escape room . Turn up the scary lo-fi music, and have students analyze the literary elements and devices as they try to break free.

Students always love how creepy the Hadley children turn out to be!

ray bradbury short stories

 #2) Zero Hour

In Zero Hour , students meet Mink: a strong-willed, spirited, and spunky seven-year-old. Mink has an imaginary friend who turns out to be an alien planning a hostile takeover of Earth by utilizing children and their quest for freedom and autonomy. Told from Mink’s mom’s perspective, this story captures the fear of losing control and the innocence of children.

Like many other Bradbury stories, Zero Hour ends with a chilling final line. Fortunately, this makes for a great creative writing opportunity to have students write what happens next. Another idea is to turn this tale into a reader’s theater version and allow students to perform in the classroom; afterward, you can view one of the movie adaptations shared online. Using this Zero Hour escape room , you can reinforce the concepts of conflict, foreshadowing, and much more.

Students will enjoy discussing hints that showcase how Drill manipulates Mink’s innocence.

ray bradbury short stories

#3) All Summer in a Day

Perhaps one of Bradbury’s most popular stories to teach, All Summer in a Day captures what it might be like to live on Venus, a planet with near-constant rainstorms and only a couple of hours of sunlight every seven years. The students, who are nine years old in the story, team up to bully Margot because they are jealous of her experience with the sun (she moved from Earth five years earlier).

Teachers will have the opportunity to focus on the setting by allowing students to compare and contrast Margot’s life on Earth versus her life now, on Venus. Teachers can also focus on thematic analysis by helping students to explore the lesson learned by the children in the story after their choices have affected Margot.

Students will enjoy thinking about how their lives would be different if they lived on a different planet.

critical thinking stories for middle school

#4) Dark They Were and Golden Eyed

Dark They Were and Golden Eyed is about a time when Earth is at war, and rockets filled with humans have been sent to inhabit Mars. The humans begin to be lulled into complacency on this new planet, and while they notice minor changes in themselves and their surroundings, they accept their fate and become new creatures. Eventually, people from Earth travel to save the original Mars settlers, but those people no longer exist, so the cycle begins again.

Teachers can bring in non-fiction articles to help students create real-life connections to life on Mars, which will make the conflict of this story come to life.

Students will be intrigued by the imagined reality of life on a different planet due to a war-torn world.

critical thinking stories for middle school

#5) The Pedestrian

The Pedestrian shows what a sedentary society completely dominated by television viewing each night might look like. Leonard Mead is the only citizen who goes on walks at night; everyone else is stuck inside and hypnotized by the T.V. Leonard is eventually picked up by a robotic police car and taken away to the Psychiatric Center for Research on Regressive Tendencies.

This short story can inspire a classroom discussion about the dangers of too much screen time, be it television, computer screens, or cell phones. You might also incorporate non-fiction articles on this topic, so students have the real-world background knowledge needed to take a stance either for or against screen time limits.

ray bradbury short stories

#6) There Will Come Soft Rains

Perhaps one of my personal favorites, this story is a haunting testament of what a home entirely run by technology might look like in an apocalypse – the alarms continue, the food is prepared, the music plays, the bath is filled…

Teachers can conclude a dystopian short stories unit by having students compare the imagery of this story with their own imagined utopia. What elements would they include in their “perfect” home?

Students will be excited to plan for their ultimate utopia.

These Ray Bradbury short stories are a fantastic jumping-off point into independent reading or dystopian-focused book circles. If your students enjoyed learning more about broken utopias, then you might recommend the following novels: The House of the Scorpion, by Nancy Farmer; Legend, by Marie Lu; Cinder, by Marissa Meyer; Scythe, by Neal Schusterman; and Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card.

Consider asking some of the following essential questions when guiding your students through these engaging short stories:

  • Why would an author choose to write a story about a futuristic society with serious and sometimes dangerous faults?
  • What current trends, or ideas, exist in our world today that the author might be thinking of when writing this type of story?
  • What benefits do dystopian stories lend to you and your world? 

Ultimately, dystopias remind readers that literature has a deep purpose in holding a mirror up to society. I hope you’ll try one (or more) of these Ray Bradbury short stories and get your students thinking, analyzing, and discussing real-world concepts!

critical thinking stories for middle school

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the veldt by ray bradbury

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critical thinking stories for middle school

Number Dyslexia

10 Fun Critical Thinking Activities for Middle School Students

Last Updated on October 11, 2022 by Editorial Team

Wouldn’t it be exceptional to see your children learning from games? That’s what activities usually ensure by giving them hands-on experience. While we see academic lessons thriving through activities, can teaching an idiosyncratic concept like critical thinking through activities be possible?

Critical thinking can be boosted at any age. However, being a part of overall development in students, schooling systems today are paying auxiliary attention to it. But, how do you inculcate critical thinking in middle schoolers? 

Just like grown-ups, middle schoolers would love some activities that hit at the right spot to help them think logically and rationally. In this post, we will dive into what critical thinking is, its benefits for middle schoolers, and finally, some cool activities to preach it better. 

Critical Thinking- What it actually is?

Appropriate thinking is imperative if it comes to the pinch. Purposeful thinking, decision making, and appropriate problem solving make a person a critical thinker. 

By Definition, Critical thinking is the “objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.” This definition stipulates you have some crucial attributes. We have talked about this essential trait in our previous posts , but what aspects of critical thinking should middle schoolers be aiming at?

Aspects of critical thinking

You need to comprehend crucial attributes that form a critical thinking mix for middle school students with the definition. These are:

  • Quick Thinking

Critical thinkers attribute quick thinking in the first place. It is vital for making quick judgments regarding problems. Recognizing and remembering things is the basis for quick thinking. Identifying a problem, and thinking promptly yet logically about the solution makes a student an avid thinker. 

  • Creative Aspect

Being creative requires you to think broadly about the logic and reasons behind every problem. Additionally, it can bring out multiple perspectives, making solutions easier. Moreover, a person needs to visualize the given challenge and distinguish it to infer better to be creative.

  • Analytical Aspect

The final aspect is Analytical thinking . This includes taking proper inference, analyzing, and synthesizing the challenge. This not only is for a problem but even for data. This aspect of critical thinking typically succors students during examinations, where a student needs to analyze questions to draft an exemplary answer. 

Critical thinking activities- A virtue for middle schoolers

Based on the above-discussed aspects, some activities inculcate the best critical thinking characteristics that help students in the most quintessential ways. Lending a hand to middle schoolers and indulging them in critical thinking activities would give the students a taste of a better future; other benefits of these activities include-

  • Critical thinking activities make students understand the challenges so that they can plan for a solution. Ultimately, fearing and running away from challenges is not healthy.
  • Activities improve the student’s problem-solving ability. Brainstorming and getting out of the situation ultimately boosts the diagnostic and investigative spheres, which helps the child think logically, rationally, and critically.
  • Decision-making skills make an individual ardent and capable of mighty things. Practices and tasks that enhance critical thinking ensure students become independent during and after school. 
  • Activities help students perform better in school. This results in an improved academic performance as these activities also make them self-reliant learners.  

Critical thinking activities for middle school students

1. mind squeeze .

Mind Squeeze 

In this activity, the teacher would choose a set of 5 words for every student. The whole process revolves around the teacher showing these words for a few seconds and then hiding them; later, the student would recite the words aloud by remembering them. 

A lot like the memory game, Mind Squeeze tests the recalling ability of the students while giving them a chance to improve their memory. Thus, this is a good recognizing and recalling activity for middle schoolers.  

2. Anonymous Passage

Practising passages would be a great routine to develop reading habits in students. It also helps them retain crucial details. To start with, the teacher makes a passage and a set of questions. The teacher reads the passage aloud so that all the students can hear it. Now, a few questions are asked on the basis of the passage. 

 Anonymous Passage

The activity stipulates the students to remember the whole passage so that they can answer the questions being asked later. This game helps students improve their recalling memory, as the whole game is about remembering the passage. Moreover, the communication and understanding skills of the students are put to the test as their answers would wholly depend on it.  

3. The Scene Setting

Creativity is a crucial aspect of critical thinking. To be creative, students need to be good at visualising scenes too. The teacher shows a prop in this game—any object like a pencil, bird, or ball. Students need to create a scene and story around it. This game gets interesting as the prop gets unique. For instance, asking students to write a story around a needle can explore the depth of their creativity. 

 The Scene Setting

At first, it might seem like a challenging and daunting task. But later, it becomes quite fun, and students gather ideas of how to present their prop in front of the whole class. This not only boosts their creativity but also appraises their communication skills. 

4. Touch On The Error

The students can know about their abilities to distinguish by this activity. The teacher gives children a chance to play with letters here. For instance, the teacher provides children with a sentence where some letters are replaced with ‘Z.’ Now, children may be asked to distinguish the errors and find out the right answers for the same. 

Touch On The Error

The activity’s primary purpose is to form a pattern which the students can notice and later identify the actual word or sentence. For example, The teacher might give words like- BZG, CZT, ZND, ZPPLE. The common letter here is ‘z’; now, the students need to figure out what this Z stands for. 

Teachers may also mark off all vowels or cross 3rd word of each sentence. By increasing the difficulty level of these words, the teachers can help students brainstorm, which would ultimately add to their critical thinking skills. 

5. Settle the Confusion

Settle the Confusion

Critical thinkers seldom get bewildered. In fact, they make the right inferences from gathered information. Students are offered a confusing question to ensure the same. This way, they can infer and conclude better. In this activity, the teacher can read out a story or play a video for the students. Later, confusing and challenging questions can be asked for the kids. This helps them think harder and answer rationally based on their understanding. 

The questions might look baffling at first, but when a child pushes the right buttons, the complexity would not look like a stumbling block.

6. Award the Winner

Award the Winner

Here a student is called upon and asked to judge traits of peers. To prop up this, they asked to choose one peer whom they wanted to award. It doesn’t end here; they need to offer reasons behind their choice. To make it more exciting, teachers can take the call of pairing two extremely unlike students together and give them some time to know some crucial things about each other. Later, they can award each other based on their impression given during the few minutes. 

This shows and improves their judgment skills and, ultimately, critical thinking. 

7. One in Million Sentence

One in Million Sentence

Great for helping students get a new idea about the day-to-day objects, this activity would start with each student asked to write a small phrase on a piece of paper and put them in a box.  Once everyone is done with it, the teacher shuffles them up and hands one slip to each student; Later, the whole class is divided into small groups of 5-6 members. Now, each group is asked to arrange their slips to make a meaningful sentence. 

The way students unjumble the sentences to make them look the most meaningful would showcase a lot about their capabilities. Such activities also put their cognition capacity to the test.

8. Make Out Utilities

Make Out Utilities

Creative thinker analyses an object or challenge in multiple dimensions. Making out Utilities can help students to do the same. In this activity, students are provided with an item—say vegetables. They have to mention five ways to use them. Thinking about the five uses of vegetables can bewilder students and encourage them to think hard. This activity teaches students how to take multiple inferences from day-to-day properties.  

Teachers must give unique words to students. Words that have easily thinkable 5 uses should be avoided. This will make them deliberate through, which will ultimately impact their creative and critical thinking, 

9. One day President 

One day President 

The ultimate agenda of a critical thinker is to put things together for a solution. The activity, One day president, makes every student take the position of a president. Now, each of them should state what changes they can make in the country in three aspects: financial, educational, and people. Other than brainstorming, a lot of the child’s general awareness too can be judged by this activity. 

This game would be riveting if the children are aware of their surroundings and know what’s happening around the globe. As a president in the activity, they will also experience being a leader, which is crucial for free thinking.

10.  Adventure time

As the name implies, Adventure time activity lets students explore. In this, the entire class is divided into groups of 2-3 students. Each group is given a topic on which they have to make a board game. The best board game is the winner.

Adventure time

This activity makes students think about every aspect of the given topic. For instance, if the topic is forest, students will explore what can be the challenges they would face in a forest— wild animals, weather, and many more.

Being a critical thinker can be far-reaching and make the students more decisive, insightful, and coherent. They can be a cut above when mastered at a tender age. 21st-century kids need essential critical thinking skills to apply knowledge and solve unconventional problems. These distinct skills are not limited to an inborn attribute but can be grasped through relevant practices. Personal practices accompanied by activities can give astounding outcomes; thus, the same should be ingrained in students. Ponder the activities above to see if they make a remarkable change.

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of  Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

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critical thinking stories for middle school

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critical thinking stories for middle school

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Critical Thinking, Language Arts

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This fun, easy to use picture book is made up of two stories. Students tell each story by analyzing the pictures and responding to the guided questions on each page. The questions are engaging and produce a deeper analysis of the scene and the storyline by encouraging students to provide details, describe events, explain motives, make evidence-based predictions, and use cause and effect leading up to the scene. Each story develops important critical and creative thinking skills.

  • Observation
  • Identifying and evaluating evidence
  • Comparing and contrasting shapes and objects
  • Inference (evidence-based prediction)
  • Cause and effect
  • Identify and describing a sequence of events

These stories also develop pre-reading skills.  Pre-readers progress from “listening” to a story to “telling” a story, becoming more engaged in the reading process as they identify and shape the storyline.  Reading involves more than just decoding written text.  A large part of reading is gaining meaning from symbols—both letters and pictures.

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100+ Critical Thinking Questions for Students To Ask About Anything

Critical thinkers question everything.

critical thinking stories for middle school

In an age of “fake news” claims and constant argument about pretty much any issue, critical thinking skills are key. Teach your students that it’s vital to ask questions about everything, but that it’s also important to ask the right sorts of questions. Students can use these critical thinking questions with fiction or nonfiction texts. They’re also useful when discussing important issues or trying to understand others’ motivations in general.

“Who” Critical Thinking Questions

Questions like these help students ponder who’s involved in a story and how the actions affect them. They’ll also consider who’s telling the tale and how reliable that narrator might be.

  • Is the protagonist?
  • Is the antagonist?
  • Caused harm?
  • Is harmed as a result?
  • Was the most important character?

critical thinking stories for middle school

  • Is responsible?
  • Is most directly affected?
  • Should have won?
  • Will benefit?
  • Would be affected by this?

critical thinking stories for middle school

  • Makes the decisions?

“What” Critical Thinking Questions

Ask questions that explore issues more deeply, including those that might not be directly answered in the text.

  • Background information do I know or need to know?
  • Is the main message?
  • Are the defining characteristics?

critical thinking stories for middle school

  • Questions or concerns do I have?
  • Don’t I understand?
  • Evidence supports the author’s conclusion?
  • Would it be like if … ?
  • Could happen if … ?
  • Other outcomes might have happened?
  • Questions would you have asked?
  • Would you ask the author about … ?
  • Was the point of … ?
  • Should have happened instead?
  • Is that character’s motive?
  • Else could have changed the whole story?

critical thinking stories for middle school

  • Can you conclude?
  • Would your position have been in that situation?
  • Would happen if … ?
  • Makes your position stronger?
  • Was the turning point?
  • Is the point of the question?
  • Did it mean when … ?
  • Is the other side of this argument?
  • Was the purpose of … ?
  • Does ______ mean?
  • Is the problem you are trying to solve?
  • Does the evidence say?
  • Assumptions are you making?
  • Is a better alternative?
  • Are the strengths of the argument?

critical thinking stories for middle school

  • Are the weaknesses of the argument?
  • Is the difference between _______ and _______?

“Where” Critical Thinking Questions

Think about where the story is set and how it affects the actions. Plus, consider where and how you can learn more.

  • Would this issue be a major problem?
  • Are areas for improvement?
  • Did the story change?
  • Would you most often find this problem?

critical thinking stories for middle school

  • Are there similar situations?
  • Would you go to get answers to this problem?
  • Can this be improved?
  • Can you get more information?
  • Will this idea take us?

“When” Critical Thinking Questions

Think about timing and the effect it has on the characters or people involved.

  • Is this acceptable?
  • Is this unacceptable?

critical thinking stories for middle school

  • Does this become a problem?
  • Is the best time to take action?
  • Will we be able to tell if it worked?
  • Is it time to reassess?
  • Should we ask for help?
  • Is the best time to start?
  • Is it time to stop?
  • Would this benefit society?

critical thinking stories for middle school

  • Has this happened before?

“Why” Critical Thinking Questions

Asking “why” might be one of the most important parts of critical thinking. Exploring and understanding motivation helps develop empathy and make sense of difficult situations.

  • Is _________ happening?
  • Have we allowed this to happen?
  • Should people care about this issue?

critical thinking stories for middle school

  • Is this a problem?
  • Did the character say … ?
  • Did the character do … ?
  • Is this relevant?
  • Did the author write this?
  • Did the author decide to … ?
  • Is this important?

critical thinking stories for middle school

  • Did that happen?
  • Is it necessary?
  • Do you think I (he, she, they) asked that question?
  • Is that answer the best one?
  • Do we need this today?

“How” Critical Thinking Questions

Use these questions to consider how things happen and whether change is possible.

  • Do we know this is true?
  • Does the language used affect the story?
  • Would you solve … ?
  • Is this different from other situations?

critical thinking stories for middle school

  • Is this similar to … ?
  • Would you use … ?
  • Does the location affect the story?
  • Could the story have ended differently?
  • Does this work?
  • Could this be harmful?
  • Does this connect with what I already know?
  • Else could this have been handled?
  • Should they have responded?

critical thinking stories for middle school

  • Would you feel about … ?
  • Does this change the outcome?
  • Did you make that decision?
  • Does this benefit you/others?
  • Does this hurt you/others?
  • Could this problem be avoided?

More Critical Thinking Questions

Here are more questions to help probe further and deepen understanding.

  • Can you give me an example?

critical thinking stories for middle school

  • Do you agree with … ?
  • Can you compare this with … ?
  • Can you defend the actions of … ?
  • Could this be interpreted differently?
  • Is the narrator reliable?
  • Does it seem too good to be true?

critical thinking stories for middle school

  • Is ______ a fact or an opinion?

What are your favorite critical thinking questions? Come exchange ideas on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out 10 tips for teaching kids to be awesome critical thinkers ., you might also like.

Examples of critical thinking skills like correlation tick-tac-Toe, which teaches analysis skills and debates which teach evaluation skills.

5 Critical Thinking Skills Every Kid Needs To Learn (And How To Teach Them)

Teach them to thoughtfully question the world around them. Continue Reading

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Critical Thinking Lesson Plans PDF for Middle School / High School vs ChatGPT

Social Emotional Learning SEL: Critical Thinking Lessons - Bias, Fake News, Point of View, Activities, Handouts - Growth Mindset 6Cs Learning Skills product cover

CRITICAL THINKING LESSON PDF – March 11, 2024: ChatGPT makes it so easy not to think.

Sure, we can ban ChatGPT from schools. But how will we learn how to think critically about artificial intelligence if we’re not exposed to it?

Critical Thinking involves helping students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information objectively so they can form an informed perspective.

Help your students out with these 24 fun lessons on critical thinking.

They’ll learn how to spot fake news and wrong information, so they can make smart choices and solve problems in the real world.

Here are 24 critical thinking lessons to engage your Middle School and High School Students!

  • Where does bias come from?
  • What is fake news?
  • How reliable are citizenship journalism posts on social media?
  • Can we trust Mainstream Media (MSM Traditional News)?
  • Should we trust state-funded news organizations to tell the truth?
  • When is social media better than the news?
  • Are alternative news sources trustworthy?
  • Can students take the time to see things from different perspectives?
  • BONUS: Should ChatGPT be allowed in schools? Or, is this cheating?

FREE, NO-PREP Chat GPT debate lesson

ChatGPT has completely changed the game.

Did you know that Artificial Intelligence (AI) sometimes “hallucinates” and says things that are completely made up?

The problem is that the AI chatbot doesn’t realize it’s hallucinating until you point out the error (if you’re able to spot the fake news!)

This just means we have to double check the things ChatGPT and AI tells us.

  • Even lawyers don’t realize that ChatGPT can invent information (i.e. AI hallucinations).

What about our students? Will our students realize that AI can completely make up answers?

Here’s a FREE NO PREP Chat GPT debate lesson on YouTube so you can have an informed debate with your students.

Yes, ChatGPT can be exciting and scary. Should we panic? No.

Watch the video lesson on YouTube .

Should Chat GPT be allowed in schools? Or is this cheating?

  • ChatGPT Critical Thinking Debate
  • Writing Reflection Assignment

As easy as 1, 2, 3:

  • Print the worksheets : You can get the worksheets here .
  • Watch the video lesson on YouTube.  There are two versions: 1) a  SHORTER  version and 2) a  FULL LESSON  with handout instructions.
  • Moderate Class Discussion

Hi, I’m Mike! Your Virtual Support Teacher

The Virtual Support Teacher video lesson provides all the information your students need to have an informed debate.  

  • No independent research is required.
  • Play the video in class and then moderate the discussion.

CHAT GPT and Google Magi (artificial intelligence) has completely changed the way students can learn and cheat.

But a lesson on ChatGPT is really about developing  21st-century learning skills  and  social-emotional learning skills  to survive and thrive in a changing world.

It’s not enough to say don’t cheat. We need to help students understand how to use this tool.

After all, you’re at a competitive disadvantage if you can’t keep up with major technological revolutions.

Critical Thinking Topics explored by the FREE YouTube video lesson

  • What is Chat GPT?
  • Explain like I’m five years old: How well can Chat GPT summarize and find the main idea from complex texts?
  • Include this list of personal information into your answer: Can Chat GPT really produce creative writing with personal examples?
  • The Google Search Algorithm has learned to be sexist (and what you can do about it.)
  • Should I panic about Chat GPT and Artificial Intelligence?
  • Should I trust my robot friend?

Students fill out worksheets to document their learning  at multiple points in the lesson: (beginning, middle, and end)

  • Evidence  from the text
  • Explain  their own thinking

The ChatGPT debate lesson gives students an opportunity to collaborate and participate in small group and whole class conversations to develop a deeper understanding of the issue.

  • These conversations can provide multiple opportunities to listen to students to see what they understand. (Anecdotal observation / assessment.)

Students brainstorm criteria to decide if Chat GPT should be allowed in schools or is this cheating. (Worksheet 5)

  • What’s the point of school?
  • What does cheating mean?

The long version of the video walks students through a FOUR CORNERS debate .

Finally, students fill out a written response: Should Chat GPT be allowed in schools? An optional rubric is included.

  • Explain  how the evidence from the text proves their point using criteria.

The video lesson is FREE on YouTube

The optional worksheet handouts are on sale for $1.00 for a limited time. (The price will increase on Monday May 8, 2023)

Download the ChatGPT lesson handouts.

PS. Save time and money. The ChatGPT handouts have been added as a bonus in this 6Cs Critical Thinking unit .

It’s not April Fools anymore, but it’s still a good Critical Thinking Lesson

Now is the perfect time to do this April Fools’ Critical Thinking Lesson… Why? Because if you did this lesson on April 1, 2023, your students would be too suspicious.

Now, you can see if they notice the clues in the media text to determine if this is fake or not.

Can your students figure out if this is a real Google™ product?

60 minutes of engaging content divided into two parts:

  • Part 1: Fake News vs Tulips + Exit Ticket (30 min)
  • Part 2: Taking up the Answers + Student Reflection (30 min)

CRITICAL THINKING LESSON

Slideshow lesson teaches critical thinking concepts.

  • Use the Five Ws (who, what, when, where, why/how) to analyze the video.
  • Ask “Why” or “How” questions for deeper understanding.

EXIT TICKET

  • Assessment for students to demonstrate their understanding.
  • Marking Guide includes sample “look-fors.”
  • Generic rubric categories for easy adaptation to different grades.

Check out the April Fools’ Joke and critical thinking lesson here .

We live in a time of fake news, misinformation, and school-yard gossip!

This means, students need to think critically pretty much all the time.

  • They did what?!
  • Is this true? Did it really happen like that?
  • Does that even make sense? Am I in an echo chamber where my friends just agree with me?

What do our students do when they

  • See viral posts on social media,
  • Read a “fact” in a textbook or website,
  • Hear rumors about classmates!

How can we use logic and reason to form opinions? What can we do to make decisions and solve problems in a controversial world?

Critical Thinking and making informed decisions is part of Social Emotional Learning.

This SEL resource includes Critical Thinking Lesson Plans (PDF), a detailed script, discussion questions, and sample student answers… you get it all!

Fake News Versus… A new series of Critical Thinking Lesson Plans (Middle School / High School)

I’ve just launched the first lesson in a series I call “Fake News versus”

The first one is called “Fake News vs The Five Ws.”

  • I published it on March 28, 2022 and it will be free for a limited time.
  • It’s been downloaded over 739 times!
  • You can get it here .

Fight Fake News using the Five Ws!

Use the Five Ws (who, what, when, where, why/how) to think critically about the story  behind  the message.

60 minutes of content:

  • Part 1:  Fake News vs The Five Ws & Exit Ticket  (30 min)
  • Part 2:  Taking up the Answers & Student Reflection  (30 min)

Exit ticket assessment  gives students a chance to demonstrate their understanding of the lesson.

Marking Guide  includes sample “look-fors.”

  • Incorrect answer
  • Simple / straightforward answer
  • Answers demonstrating increasing complexity
  • A list of “Next Steps” is included on the exit ticket. You can choose one for the student, or they can self-select what they think they need to work on.

Generic rubric categories are used instead of numbers or marks:

  • Epic, Great, Good, Okay, Needs Improvement, Major Misunderstanding.
  • This way, you can use this activity with different grades – just shift the benchmark where you attach your grades.

The “Taking up the Answers” slideshow

  • shows students how to take a simple answer and create a more complex idea using “idea volleyball.”

Social-Emotional Learning is built directly into the lesson and assessment:

The exit ticket is designed to help students develop  self-awareness skills .

After students see the correct answer, the “Taking up the Answers” slideshow walks students through the goal-setting process to improve:

  • What did you do well?
  • What ideas did you miss this time?
  • What is your goal for next time?
  • What might help you to improve?

The “Taking up the Answers” slideshow gives students examples of actions they can take to improve:

  • Use a different  Strategy
  • Apply more  Effort .
  • Optimize  results (by looking at previous work to see if there are patterns.)
  • Tinkering  with new ideas

Transferrable learning skills can help students make informed decisions to solve problems

(even when angry or when things aren’t fair).

We live in crazy times. People have very strong opinions on both sides of controversial issues:

  • Systemic racism
  • Religious freedom
  • Freedom of speech
  • Gun control
  • Woke politics
  • Parental rights in Education vs Gender Identity
  • ChatGPT in Education

Before, we lived in a world where people might not have all of the facts. Or, the facts were inaccurate. (We call this mis information.)

Now, we live in a world where people are actively putting out propaganda and intentionally incorrect information. (We call this dis information.)

And then we have Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT) that can hallucinate and completely make up facts… and tell you with confidence that these facts are true… until you point out to the AI why it’s incorrect.

And this is the world right now.

Our students will be facing a completely different world when they grow up.

We’re already seeing hints of what that world will look like with ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence powered Search Engines

And this chat based model with artificial intelligence is the way the world is heading.

  • Microsoft Bing is powered by ChatGPT integration with current search results.
  • Google has Gemini

The way we use the internet is changing and we need to think even more critically about the information we get from the internet gatekeepers – search engines.

Of course, Google has been exploring AI. But they haven’t implemented AI fully in their search engine. Why? Because AI results were generated false and biased statements.

 In recent years, Google has used large language models to improve the quality of its search results, but held off on fully adopting A.I. because it has been prone to generating false and biased statements. Source: New York Times – Google Devising Radical Search Changes to Beat Back A.I. Rivals

Can Google and ChatGPT be sexist or discriminate?

Machine Learning algorithms have been shown to give false information and sexist.

  • Make sure to sign up for the Educircles Club newsletter.
  • I have an incredible Chat GPT critical thinking video and lesson coming out.
  • And you like freebies , don’t you?

Now, more than ever, we all need to understand how to think critically about the information we get.

Students need to have some basic tools to help them decide what’s right and wrong (for them.)

This Critical Thinking unit has everything to do with ChatGPT, Covid controversies, conspiracy theories, illegal occupations, war propaganda, and woke politics… without having anything to do with them.

  • The critical thinking worksheets and lessons focus on transferrable skills without using examples from current controversies.
  • There’s no mention of ChatGPT, Ottawa Protests, George Floyd, January 6, the war in Ukraine, or woke politics.
  • That makes this resource timeless.

New and Improved UPDATE to my 6Cs Critical Thinking Curriculum Unit

Based on teacher feedback, I’ve made it a lot easier to find the files you need.

Make sure to look at the product preview for each resource. You can see full screenshots of exactly what you get in each critical thinking lesson package.

critical thinking stories for middle school

A. Lost at Sea (FREE!)

Download the FREE resource

Help students develop critical thinking skills by prioritizing a list of 15 items to help them survive if lost at sea.

  • 5 pages of handouts,
  • 23-page detailed critical thinking lesson plan (PDF).

Lost at Sea is a classic activity that can be found all across the Internet.

The original activity comes from  PACE , which published the “Lost at Sea” activity in the public domain. 

Instead of relying solely on emotional, intuitive responses, I’ve adapted this activity to highlight the importance of criteria-based thinking (critical thinking).

Ultimately, the goal is to begin a conversation about critical thinking and how to use criteria to make informed decisions.

critical thinking stories for middle school

B. Thinking about Thinking

Download the resource

Help students improve Self-Awareness and Social Awareness. Guide them through this series of Social Emotional Learning activities!

  • By becoming aware of who we are,
  • we can begin to think more critically to understand the perspectives of others –
  • especially those from different backgrounds or points of view.

Students explore three activities to understand better how our emotions, thoughts, and values can influence our point of view.

Section B has 108 slides, 14 pages of handouts, and 30 pages of Critical Thinking Lesson Plans (PDF format)

critical thinking stories for middle school

C. Search Engine Bias Experiment

Help students improve Social Awareness and Responsible Decision-Making by understanding how search engines influence our bias and behaviour!

Students analyze an informational text (Google™ search engine results) and develop critical thinking internet skills!

  • Should online dictionaries give the same definition for a given word?
  • Should Google and other search engines give the same results for a given search phrase?

Search engines provide personalized results that can reinforce our point of view and bias. We know Netflix gives us personalized suggestions of what to watch next.

But did you know Google personalizes our results as well? 

We live in an invisible “search bubble” that filters the results we find on the internet.

  • Search engine algorithms filter what shows up at the top of the list.
  • Becoming aware of this search bubble is a way for students to think more critically.

Informational texts are things based on facts.

  • In ELA, we often look at biographies, historical accounts, or textbook articles.
  • But, a Search Engine Results Page (SERP) is also an informational text.
  • Students explore the text form to analyze and identify potential bias.

In this 9 lesson package, students conduct experiments to see what happens if different people search for the same thing on the internet.

Section C has 117 slides, 14 pages of handouts, and 36 pages of detailed script and Critical Thinking Lesson Plan PDFs

critical thinking stories for middle school

D. Fake News

Help students improve Social Awareness and Responsible Decision Making by exploring fake news from multiple points of view!

Students compare the reliability of information from Social Media and Traditional News Media. 

Three critical thinking strategies help students make more informed decisions.

Students also reflect on how their attitudes change as they learn more information. 

In this lesson package, students try to

  • be OPEN-MINDED  as they explore different points of view and examples.
  • become FULL-MINDED  and explore how money is made online through ads before learning about Fake News websites during the Trump election.
  • USE CRITERIA  to determine if local news anchors reciting the same script about the dangers of social media is an example of Fake News.

Media skills and understandings are embedded throughout the Common Core State Standards rather than treated in a separate section.

In this lesson, students will

  • Cite the evidence  that supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly and implicitly.
  • Determine and analyze different points of view.
  • Analyze a case  where multiple sources provide conflicting information on the same topic (Sinclair incident.)

In this 6 lesson package, students explore how their perspective of social media and traditional news media might change as we learn more information about the Sinclair Script incident. (Essentially, a bunch of local news anchors read the exact same script word-for-word about the dangers of social media and fake news.)

Section D is hands down one of my favourite lessons because it walks students through different sides of a “fake news” issue.

There are 186 slides in the slideshow lesson. You also get 15 pages of handouts. Finally the Critical Thinking Lesson Plan PDFs walk you through 59 pages of detailed scripts and discussion points.

critical thinking stories for middle school

E. Videos F. Consolidation / Review

Help students improve Self-Awareness and Responsible Decision Making skills by using critical thinking to think about critical thinking!

Students analyze four videos to explore critical thinking: 12 cognitive biases, online filter bubbles, and unconscious bias.

After each video, students brainstorm strategies to 1) trick people and 2) help us think critically.

The slideshow lesson reviews three strategies to analyze the videos.

  • Be OPEN-MINDED.  Consider alternate points of view.
  • Be FULL-MINDED.  Seek out high-quality information.
  • USE CRITERIA  to make an informed opinion.

Students also watch a fourth video  about critical thinking to explore other critical thinking strategies.

They then compare strategies  to develop a deeper understanding of how to trick people and think more critically. 

In the Consolidation/Review section, students use a vocabulary-building graphic organizer (Frayer model) to explore critical thinking.

Students brainstorm examples, non-examples, features, and must-have criteria.

Section E/F is the consolidation chapter of this Critical Thinking Unit. It has 50 slides, 12 pages of handouts. You also get 50 pages of Critical Thinking lesson plans PDF FORMAT.

Teach students HOW to think critically to solve problems

We live in a world filled with news media and social media focus on sensational topics.

This is especially true today with new information constantly coming to us about Coronavirus (Covid-19)

It’s easy to get overwhelmed. We’re constantly overloaded with information.

Also, it’s easy to get caught up and respond emotionally.

We all need to be able to think critically when we’re drawing conclusions.

How many of your students get caught up in these situations:

  • something goes viral on social media.
  • someone spreads a rumour on the school yard.
  • something scary happens in the world.
  • something unfair happened to them.

A lot of people might say that critical thinking skills and strategies are really just common sense.

But, as we all know from teaching in the classroom, there’s nothing common about common sense.

Explicitly teaching strategies help provide a foundation for critical analysis of everything we see, hear and learn.

Social-Emotional Learning includes critical thinking – whether we’re talking about

  • helping students with responsible decision making
  • figuring out how to resolve conflict and develop relationship skills
  • having self-management skills to set (and work towards) personal goals
  • being open-minded and embracing social awareness to ensure we have lots of high-quality information instead of relying on stereotypes
  • having self-awareness and examining who we are, and how that might introduce prejudices, biases, and filter the way we see the world.

Sometimes, the News, Social Media, or Artificial Intelligence / ChatGPT can give us a skewed view of the world.

Critical Thinking skills help students work to use logic and reason instead of emotion and fear when making decisions or drawing conclusions. This is a lesson students need but don’t often realize they need.

Critical thinking lesson plans can help teachers empower students to make informed decisions in everyday life independently.

We can do this by giving students specific strategies on how to think critically in multiple situations. Whether you are:

  • dealing with fake news
  • trying to make an opinion or drawing conclusions
  • trying to be fair

Teach students to have opinions based on high-quality information and to seek out opposing points of view to make an informed decision.

  • Use criteria
  • Be Full minded.
  • Be Open minded

(Psst, want a free taste of these 3 critical thinking strategies? Check out this free slideshow lesson and worksheet package .)

Students are often told to find different points of view on an issue or in a story. But, students don’t always recognize that simply identifying the missing point of view is not the same as figuring out what that missing point of view would say.

This lesson package helps students to recognize different aspects of their identity, points of view that might be different from theirs, and the need to figure out those viewpoints to help us make an informed decision.

Sometimes, we don’t even realize we need to think critically!

Here’s an example:

Students often know we need to use the critical thinking process to make informed decisions about the information we receive.

But, did you know we also need to think critically about the information we are fed in the first place?

Notice how that sentence says “the information we are fed” and not “the information we find”?

That’s because computer algorithms are “curating” the content we receive:

  • Search engines personalize your results.
  • Social media personalizes your feed.
  • Streaming media like Netflix personalizes suggestions for other shows you might like to see.

This means, we get information we want to see and not necessarily other points of view.

(Here’s a lesson to help teach students about this search bubble .)

Teaching critical thinking strategies to students is especially important right now to help students solve problems.

This can be in your language arts class, your homeroom, or beyond!

Critical Thinking High School – English

This lesson package would work well in a 9th Grade or 10th Grade English class.

I used to teach 8th Grade in a grade 7-12 High School. Here’s what I often heard from my secondary colleagues:

  • Students coming up from elementary school often don’t know the basics.
  • Their paragraph structure might be weak.
  • Independent grammar and spelling skills have gone by the wayside in an era of spellcheck and Grammarly.
  • Students often can’t infer deeper meaning and hidden points of view in a text.

The Common Core State Standards recognizes the importance of informational texts across subjects as students progress from elementary to middle to high school.

Good critical thinking skills are key in academic success as well as to help out when we are drawing conclusions in everyday life. Critical thinking strategies are transferable.

  • Teach students HOW to think critically about search engines, news media or social media by putting the focus on the critical thinking strategies we use. Explicitly focus on different strategies…
  • Then, when we teach subject-based content or explore informational texts in our English language arts classes, we can refer to these critical thinking strategies and draw back on our prior experiences when we analyzed search engines or debunked fake news.

Critical Thinking Middle School – English Language Arts / Homeroom / Advisory

These critical thinking activities for middle school work well if you teach in a 7th or 8th grade English Language Arts class. (Also, 6th grade if you teach at a grade 6-8 middle school or junior high school.)

Middle school is a great age! Students are old enough to delve into more complex issues, but still young enough to care. (They’re like giant marshmallows! Tough on the outside, but still sweet on the inside!)

Making the critical thinking process meaningful to students is one way to drive student engagement and participation in class.

  • The search bubble lesson is interesting because students are collecting real-time data and comparing results. This isn’t a simple web quest where the answers are in the teaching manual. This is a real-world analysis of search results.
  • The fake news lesson is a great way to teach point of view. The lesson walks middle school students through different perspectives of the Sinclair Script incident where 193 local news anchors said the exact same script about fake news.
  • The invisible lens / thinking about thinking lesson is fun because students get to explore who they are and how that filters the world they see. Plus, your middle school students will be completely shocked that they’ve missed the bear . (Unless they’ve seen it before.)

Critical Thinking for Elementary Students

There’s a lot that older elementary students can get excited about.

One of my favourite parts in the critical thinking lesson plan (PDF) is when students analyze the differences between social media and traditional news media.

We often think that because citizen journalism in social media can be heavily biased because, well, anyone can post on social media.

Then the slideshow lesson asks students to analyze this video :

Crazy, right?

The critical thinking lesson plan PDF file provides a detailed script to help your students make an informed decision about social media vs traditional media.

Usually, we use the critical thinking process to help students realize not to trust everything they see on social media.

But, to be fair, we need to use that same critical thinking process regardless of where we get our information!

Critical Thinking Strategies When Reading

This critical thinking lesson unit ties in nicely with critical thinking reading strategies .

Sometimes students have difficulty using critical thinking strategies when reading.

But we evaluate stuff all the time in real life!

So, if we start our reading strategy lessons first by showing how we think critically all the time in real life, then we just tell our students that we use the same strategies when reading!

Here’s a free YouTube video lesson on the evaluating Comprehension Reading strategy. It goes nicely with this critical thinking unit:

5 weeks of Critical Thinking Lessons (ELA)

We spent over 120 hours of research and lesson development on this product so you wouldn’t have to. 

IMPORTANT: You will have to spend a little bit of time going through the slides and handouts to tweak them to fit your specific needs.

The teaching slideshow has been split into 6 smaller slideshows for each mini-unit.

This would be ideal for teaching critical thinking in English Language Arts as you get more options to divide the content throughout the year.

Note, the critical thinking lesson plans (pdf) include screenshots of each slide as well as slide numbers to help you get oriented. It’s a big file.

Slides 1 – 539: ALL

  • Slides 1– 80: Lost at Sea
  • Slides 81 – 189: Thinking about Thinking (Teaching Point of View in English Language Arts)
  • Slides 190 – 306: Search Bubbles
  • slides 307 – 492: Fake News
  • slides 493 – 520: Videos
  • slides 521 – 539: Understanding 

IMPORTANT DIGITAL LEARNING NOTE:

Digital learning – designed for google classroom (english language arts).

The lessons on hidden search engine bias (Slides 190 – 306: Search Bubbles) have been broken apart into smaller files that can be easily uploaded to separate Google Classroom assignments. 

In the Critical Thinking Search Engine Bias Informational Text section, you would set up 9 assignments. Each assignment would have 

  • a lesson ( Google Slides file with the appropriate slides) – you share this VIEW ONLY
  • a work handout (Google Doc) – you set the Google Classroom assignment to make every student their own copy of the work handout.

YOU GET 5 WEEKS (24 days) of Language Arts lessons  to do with your class to help them think more critically by using strategies: USE CRITERIA, BE OPEN MINDED, BE FULL MINDED.

IN THE ZIPPED FILE, you get…

  • 543 slides  in GOOGLE SLIDE format
  • 24 Critical Thinking Lesson Plans (PDF) – approx 45 min per lesson
  • LOST at SEA activity ( CRITERIA BASED thinking )
  • THINKING about THINKING activity (The invisible gorilla, The invisible lens, Aspects of Identity)
  • Should SEARCH ENGINES and ONLINE DICTIONARIES give us the same results? (Two online experiments exploring filter bubbles)
  • BREAKING NEWS examples on social media
  • The MONEY behind FAKE NEWS (How websites make money online and what this had to do with FAKE NEWS in the US election.)
  • LOCAL NEWS media and the Sinclair script from 6 different POINTS of VIEW. (Oh, not sure what the Sinclair script is?  Sinclair Broadcast Group Sinclair made local news anchors recite the same script, word for word . Check out  this video that went viral .)
  • Vocabulary Building Graphic Organizer HANDOUT
  • Critical Thinking Learning Skills SELF-EVALUATION handout
  • Critical Thinking Review Assessment – What did you learn? (12 short answer questions and answer key)

If you want to teach CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS, we just saved you an incredible amount of prep work!

Critical Thinking Lesson Plans (PDF) Curriculum – Table of Contents

24 DAYS of Critical Thinking Lessons in 5 WEEKS.

You can use this Critical Thinking Curriculum as part of your English Language Arts class, homeroom / advisory / guidance class, or if you teach a Critical Thinking class.

PART 1. EXPERIENCE

  • DAY/LESSON 1 – Introduction / Lost at Sea (slides 1-35) – 45 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 2 – Lost at Sea continued (slides 36-80) – 50 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 3 – Thinking about Thinking (slides 81-102) 45 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 4 – Thinking about Thinking cont (slides 103-145) 50 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 5 – Thinking about Thinking cont (slides 146-170) 50 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 6 – Thinking about Thinking cont (slides 171-189) 45 MINUTES
  • DAY/LESSON 7 – Sources of Information (slides 190-225) 50 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 8 – Online dictionary experiment (slides 226-233) 45 MINUTES
  • DAY/LESSON 9 – Online dictionary experiment cont (slides 234-236) 40 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 10 – Search engine experiment (slides 237-276) 50 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 11 – Search engine experiment cont (slides 277-302) 45 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 12 – Search engine experiment cont (slides 303) 50 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 13 – Search engine experiment cont (slides 304-306) 40 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 14 – Fake News (slides 307-334) 50 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 15 – Fake News continued (slides 335-363) 45 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 16 – Fake News continued (slides 364-398) 55 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 17 – Fake News continued (slides 399-430) 50 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 18 – Fake News continued (slides 431-455) – 45 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 19 – Fake News continued (slides 456-492) – 50 MIN

PART 2. WATCH

  • DAY/LESSON 20 – Part 2 Videos (slides 493-500) – 55 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 21 – Part 2 Videos continued (slides 501-509) – 50 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 22 – Part 2 Videos continued (slides 510-520) – 50 MIN

Part 3 UNDERSTAND

  • DAY/LESSON 23 – Vocabulary Builder (slides 521-537) – 50 MIN
  • DAY/LESSON 24 – Self Evaluation / Review – (slides 538-539) – 50 MIN

This is the good stuff. No, seriously.  Check out the preview PDF to see everything that you’re getting.

HEADS UP WARNING! YOU MAY WANT TO MODIFY SLIDES FOR YOUR SCHOOL

(This warning is also in the critical thinking lesson plans PDF) 

Everyone has a different school reality: 

  • Some of the examples we use in this resource may not be appropriate for all grades, school climates, and classroom realities.
  • Sometimes, as much as we’d love to, we simply don’t have time to have our lessons derailed into teachable moments.  

We tried to come up with different examples from various perspectives, but of course, we are human and have an unconscious bias as well.  

PLEASE ASK US YOUR QUESTIONS. THIS IS A FANTASTIC HIGH-INTEREST MEGA LESSON ON CRITICAL THINKING in ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS.

Here are a few of the slides that we wanted to give you a heads up about. There may be other slides that you may want to modify. We suggest going through the material to make sure everything fits your needs.

NOTE: All of our slideshow files and handouts can be modified.

  • Slide 170  looks at various protected grounds in Canada as a way to help students brainstorm different groups of people. The slide discusses race, ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, marital status, family status, disability, genetic characteristics and convictions for which a pardon has been granted or a record suspended.
  • Slide 180  looks at possible answers for different aspects of identity. The slide lists: socio-economic status, nationality, language, colour, age, religion, orientation, gender, race, ability, and culture. 
  • Slide 320-323:  Wikileaks release of alleged CIA documents showing CIA covert hacking program to listen through SMART TVs and other devices
  • Slide 324-331:  Death of Osama bin Laden which was reported on Twitter first. 
  • Slide 459:  The title of article is “We’re journalists at a Sinclair news station. We’re pissed.”
  • Slide 481:  The title of article is “How I made a dumb video making fun of Sinclair Broadcasting and somehow started a media war”. 

NOTE: YOU CAN MODIFY, DELETE, and EDIT ALL of the lessons, handouts, and presentations.

  • You get GOOGLE SLIDE and GOOGLE DOCS formats SO YOU CAN CHANGE THINGS FOR YOUR CLASS.
  • The critical thinking lesson plans pdf is comprehensive and includes suggested talking points for each slide.

Critical Thinking Lessons about Hidden Bias in Search Engines

Informational text unit designed for google classroom.

A search engine is an informational text that we should think critically about. 

But, not everybody knows how to analyze the Search Engine Results Pages effectively to identify hidden bias. (Heck, most people don’t realize the search results we get in everyday life are very personalized and influenced by our search habits.) 

We need to think more critically before we draw conclusions- not only about the information we read online but also about the information choices we receive from our digital gatekeepers  (search engines, media streaming platforms, any other online service that provides a personalized experience based on algorithms.)

Informational texts are things that are based on facts. 

  • They can include things like biographies, speeches, opinion pieces, and historical or technical accounts. 
  • Informational texts can also include information that appears in graphs, charts, and maps. 
  • All of these examples are different from fiction and literature which includes things like novels, short stories, drama, and poetry,

Here are 9 critical thinking lessons to help you explore search engine results.

This is the literacy lesson we should be teaching our students, but it’s a text form and topic that not everyone is familiar with. Search Engine results pages are informational texts that we can (and should) analyze.

Use these high-interest slideshows to help you teach and break down the following concepts. 

  • critical thinking strategies and the concept of bias
  • different search engines used around the world
  • how search engines work
  • how to read a Search Engine Results Page
  • understanding form, conventions and techniques when it comes to this informational text 

The Google Slideshow critical thinking lessons will teach and walk students through two activities:

  • an dictionary experiment to explore whether different dictionaries give the same results
  • An search engine experiment to explore whether different search engines and search conditions (i.e. browser, geographic location, date) give the same results

The big guiding question for students to explore in everyday life: Are Search Engines biased? 

  • Should different search engines give us different results for the same search phrase? Why or why not?

This unit can be taught in the classroom or for digital learning using Google Classroom.

  • The Google Slides presentation has been cut into lessons so you can easily attach the mini lesson to your Google Classroom assignments

Get the Search Engine Bias critical thinking lessons

Note: this unit is included in our critical thinking chapter ..

Informational Text Unit for Google Classroom: Search engine bias - 9 high-interest Critical Thinking Lessons for Language Arts (slideshow). 9 independent work handouts. 2 online experiment activities for your students.

What critical thinking lesson plans do you use in your classroom?

Social Emotional Learning SEL: Critical Thinking Lessons - Bias, Fake News, Point of View, Activities, Handouts - Growth Mindset 6Cs Learning Skills product cover

More From Forbes

Critical thinking skills not emphasized by most middle school teachers.

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Students raise their hands to answer a teacher's question at the KIPP Academy in the South Bronx, ... [+] part of a network of public middle schools that is becoming a model for educating poor children. KIPP — which stands for Knowledge is Power Program — institutions are rigorous college preparatory schools where both students and their parents must sign a contract pledging long hours, extra homework, summer school, and excellent attendance records. Using strict discipline with highly motivated — and paid — teachers, the KIPP program has proven that public education can work. In the Bronx, the school has a famous music program, where children practice the songs of Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys. (Photo by Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images)

Recent events show that there has never been a more crucial time for critical thinking. A global onslaught of misinformation, social media saturation, partisan politics, and science skepticism continuously challenge how information is shared, understood, and how it influences the decisions people make.

Research from the Reboot Foundation and others show that an overwhelming majority of the population recognizes the importance of critical thinking skills in today’s modern society. From parents to employers, there is near unanimous support for the teaching of critical skills in American classrooms, yet new national survey data shows schools may not be teaching those skills often enough.

A new Reboot paper, Teaching Critical Thinking in K-12: When There’s A Will But Not Always A Way , examines the U.S. Department of Education’s National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and found that the teaching of critical thinking skills is inconsistent across states and tends to drop as students get older.

Among some of the key findings from NAEP:

  • While 86 percent of 4th grade teachers said they put “quite a bit” or “a lot of emphasis” on deductive reasoning, that figure fell to only 39 percent of teachers in 8th grade. Deductive reasoning is one of the key skills in critical thinking, as it requires students to take a logical approach to turning general ideas into specific conclusions.
  • At the state level, the analysis found that only seven states had at least 50 percent of their 8th grade teachers report that they place “quite a bit or a lot of emphasis” on teaching their students to engage in deductive reasoning.

While the numbers themselves are cause for concern, the age range at which these statistics are being reported is equally concerning. Research shows that while critical thinking skills can be learned at any stage of life, the teen years are an opportune time to engage young people as their brains are developing strong cognitive abilities.

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These years are exactly when students should be building a strong foundation of critical thinking competencies that can last a lifetime. Developmental psychologists have noted that beginning at around age 13, adolescents can begin to acquire and apply formal logical rules and processes, if they are shown how. Yet the data shows that schools are largely failing to capitalize on this period, despite a desire by many educators to do so.

Per NAEP, nearly 90% of 4th grade teachers nationally said they put “quite a bit” or “a lot of emphasis” on deductive reasoning, only for that figure to fall to less than 40% of teachers in 8th grade – what issues are contributing to the drastic drop?

In 2020, Reboot surveyed teachers and found that many teachers harbored misconceptions about how to best teach critical thinking. The survey found that, among teachers, 42 percent reported that students should learn basic facts first, then engage in critical thinking practice, while an additional 16 percent said that they believed basic facts and critical thinking should be taught separately. This line of thinking is wrong, as research strongly suggests that critical thinking skills are best acquired in combination with the teaching of basic facts in a subject area.

This commonly-held misconception about when and how to teach critical thinking skills might be a clue as to why deductive reasoning instruction seems to tail off as students get older and take more specialized, content-driven classes. This might be made worse by the fact that eighth grade is a crucial year for many schools to show success under their state accountability measures.

In many states, students cannot move on to high school if they fail state exams in eighth grade. And things such as teacher pay, school funding and other “high-stakes” accountability measures often hinge on student performance in that grade. This pressure forces schools and teachers to focus on preparing their eighth graders for state exams in lieu of a more well-rounded educational experience. Indeed, our 2020 survey of teachers revealed that 55 percent believed that the emphasis on standardized testing made it more difficult to incorporate critical thinking instruction in their classrooms.

Reboot and others are working to identify ways teachers can implement critical thinking skills education into their curriculums more simply and efficiently. Among the stepping stones toward broader adoption are:

  • A shared standard or consensus around critical thinking education that could contribute to more uniform and equitable teaching of these key skills nationwide.
  • An easier way to broach critical thinking for a wide-ranging group of students. New research by Reboot and researchers from Indiana University explores innovative, inexpensive and scalable ways to teach critical thinking skills. The research found that educators and others can teach and hone essential critical thinking skills using a simple method that is easy to implement across diverse groups of students.

So even as the recent data from NAEP is disappointing on skills like deductive reasoning, it also shows where improvement needs to occur. What remains to be seen is the nation’s commitment to advancing critical thinking skills and its support for the educators, administrators and stakeholders working to knock down the challenges being faced. As NAEP and other surveys show, there is indeed a will to move forward with critical thinking skills education among teachers. Dedicated resources and consistent collaboration will be crucial to finding “the way.”

Helen Lee Bouygues

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critical thinking stories for middle school

Young siblings, 5 and 8, killed by alleged drunk driver at Michigan birthday party identified by family

T he young siblings killed when an alleged drunk driver mowed through a kid’s birthday party in Michigan over the weekend were identified Sunday as 8-year-old Lana and 5-year-old Zayn, according to devastated loved ones.

A photo of the adorable brother and sister with their mother and oldest sibling – who are still in critical condition – emerged a day after the deadly crash that also injured more than a dozen other people at the Swan Creek Boat Club.

“My sister and her family have lost their two babies to a drunk driver April 20th in Monroe, MI. Mom (Mariah) and oldest brother (Jayden ) are still in critical condition at this time,” Diane Harrington wrote on a GoFundMe page where the siblings were identified and pictured.

“Monies raised will help give Lana age 8 and Zayn age 5 a proper funeral and burial service.”

Leftover money would go toward housing and medical expenses, the family said.

The GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $100,000 since it started earlier Sunday.

The birthday celebration morphed into a nightmare around 3 p.m. Saturday when a 66-year-old woman –who has not been identified — plowed her SUV through the boat club where kids and their parents were gathered, authorities have said.

Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough said first responders described the scene as “extremely chaotic.”

Three children and six adults were rushed to area hospitals by helicopter or ambulance. Overall, 15 people were injured.  

The driver was taken into custody and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death and could face other charges, WTVG reported.

Lana and Zayn attended Bobcean Elementary School and Jayden goes to Simpson Middle School at Flat Rock Community Schools.

School Superintendent Andrew Brodie called the incident “senseless” in a message to the school community.

“Our entire school community is reeling from this devastating news, and our hearts ache for the families and loved ones of those affected by this unimaginable tragedy. Words cannot adequately express the depth of our sorrow, nor can they ease the pain of those who are grieving,” Brodie stated.

“Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with every one of you during this incredibly difficult time.”

Young siblings, 5 and 8, killed by alleged drunk driver at Michigan birthday party identified by family

Middle East latest: Rockets fired towards US military base in Syria

At least five rockets are launched from the Iraqi town of Zummar towards a US military base in northeastern Syria, security sources tell Reuters. The attack against American forces is the first since February, when Iranian-backed groups in Iraq stopped targeting US troops.

Monday 22 April 2024 02:22, UK

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  • Iran 'displayed power' in attack on Israel, Supreme Leader insists - despite failure
  • Rockets 'fired from Iraq towards US military base in Syria'
  • Baby delivered in emergency C-section after mother killed in Rafah strike
  • Netanyahu: Israel will increase pressure on Hamas 'in coming days' 
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  • At least 14 Palestinians killed in West Bank raid, authorities say
  • Analysis: Iran isn't biggest threat to the coalition right now

Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah said Iraqi armed groups had decided to resume attacks on US forces in the country.

They blamed the lack of progress in talks aimed at arranging the exit of American troops.

"What happened a short while ago is the beginning," the group said.

They were apparently referring to an earlier incident where at least five rockets were launched from the Iraqi town of Zummar towards a US military base in Syria.

Two security sources and a senior army officer said a rocket launcher fixed on the back of a small truck had been parked in the border town.

The military official said the truck caught fire with an explosion from unfired rockets as warplanes were in the sky.

The unnamed official said: "We can't confirm that the truck was bombed by US warplanes unless we investigate it."

Iraqi security forces are hunting for the perpetrators, who fled the area in another vehicle.

The truck has been seized and initial investigation has concluded it was destroyed by an air strike.

Before the Hamas attack inside Israel on 7 October, the Lebanon border area was judged to have enjoyed a relative period of calm and stability.

But that all changed with the events across the border.

Since then Hezbollah fighters and Israeli troops have been exchanging more and more serious fire, violating the terms of an earlier agreement contained in the UN Resolution 1701.

Here, our special correspondent Alex Crawford reports from the "Blue Line" in southern Lebanon...

At least five rockets have been fired from Iraq's town of Zummar towards a US military base in northeastern Syria, two Iraqi security sources have told Reuters.

The security sources and a senior army officer said a rocket launcher fixed on the back of a small truck had been parked in Zummar border town with Syria.

The military official said the truck caught fire with an explosion from unfired rockets at the same time as warplanes were in the sky.

The attack against US forces is the first since early February when Iranian-backed groups in Iraq stopped their attacks against US troops.

It comes a day after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani returned from a visit to the US and met with President Joe Biden at the White House.

Hezbollah has claimed it downed an Israeli drone that was on a combat mission in southern Lebanon.

The drone that was brought down above the Al Aishiyeh area in southern Lebanon was "waging its attacks on our steadfast people," a statement by the group said, according to Reuters.

Hezbollah is an Iranian proxy operating from Lebanon and it frequently trades rocket and drone attacks with Israel across the Lebanese-Israeli border. 

Earlier today, Iran's supreme leader dismissed any discussion of whether Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile attack on Israel hit anything there.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's comments to senior military leaders did not not touch on the apparent Israeli retaliatory strike on the central city of Isfahan on Friday, even though air defences opened fire and Iran grounded commercial flights across much of the country.

The 85-year-old made the comments in a meeting attended by the top ranks of Iran's regular military, police and paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, a powerful force within its Shiite theocracy.

We have been reporting this weekend on the Israeli raid at Nur Shams, in the occupied West Bank.

The raid began in the early hours of Friday and troops were still exchanging fire with armed fighters into Saturday.

Here are some of the images that have emerged from the region...

By Alex Crawford , special correspondent

The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon has told Sky News the dangers in the region have not gone away and called for calm, wisdom and de-escalation as a matter of urgency.

Joanna Wronecka spoke from her office in Beirut about her worries and appealed for restraint from all those involved.

"I'm very concerned," she said. "Because we need just a small miscalculation and the situation can escalate even more."

She was referring to the spike in cross-border firing between the Israeli military and the Lebanese Hezbollah fighters who've been trading attacks with growing intensity since 7 October.

You can read Crawford's full piece here...

The campaigner who was called "openly Jewish" by a police officer last weekend, has been offered a meeting with a senior Metropolitan Police officer.

In a statement, the force said assistant commissioner Matt Twist had written to Gideon Falter, chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, to offer a private meeting.

The meeting is "to both apologise to him personally and discuss what more the Met can do to ensure Jewish Londoners feel safe", the police said.

We reported this morning the Board of Deputies of British Jews will meet Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley this week, along with the Jewish Leadership Council and antisemitism charity CST regarding the incident (see post at 2.05pm).

 A baby girl was delivered in an emergency caesarean section after her Palestinian mother was killed along with her husband and daughter by an Israeli attack in the Gaza city of Rafah, Palestinian health officials have said.

The baby is stable and improving gradually, Mohammed Salama, a doctor caring for her, said.

Her mother, Sabreen Al-Sakani, had been 30 weeks pregnant.

The baby will stay in hospital for three to four weeks, Dr Salama said.

"After that we will see about her leaving, and where this child will go, to the family, to the aunt or uncle or grandparents. Here is the biggest tragedy. Even if this child survives, she was born an orphan," he said.

Israel has carried out near-daily air raids on Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's population of 2.3 million have sought refuge from fighting elsewhere.

It has also vowed to expand its ground offensive to the city on the border with Egypt despite international calls for restraint.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today and discussed the state of the region, a spokesperson for the German government has said.

"The chancellor emphasised that it was essential to avoid a regional escalation," the spokesperson said.

It comes as Iran and Israel, who have been locked in a shadow war for years, try to dial back tensions following a series of escalatory attacks between them as the Israel-Hamas war inflames the wider region.

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critical thinking stories for middle school

What caused Dubai floods? Experts cite climate change, not cloud seeding

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DID CLOUD SEEDING CAUSE THE STORM?

Aftermath following floods caused by heavy rains in Dubai

CAN'T CREATE CLOUDS FROM NOTHING

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Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; editing by Maha El Dahan and Alexandra Hudson

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U.N.'s COP28 climate summit in Dubai

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At least five rockets were launched from Iraq's town of Zummar towards a U.S. military base in northeastern Syria on Sunday, two Iraqi security sources told Reuters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes the weekly cabinet meeting, in Tel Aviv

Nearly 17,000 Filipino and American troops will begin a three-week joint combat training exercise in the Philippines on Monday involving maritime drills in the South China Sea where Manila and Beijing have sparred over maritime borders.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape speaks during a Resources and Energy Investment conference in Sydney

IMAGES

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    critical thinking stories for middle school

  2. Lesson Plans Critical Thinking Middle School

    critical thinking stories for middle school

  3. Critical Thinking Task Cards for Middle School & High School

    critical thinking stories for middle school

  4. Critical Thinking Rubric —Middle School

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  5. 10 Fun Critical Thinking Activities for Middle School Students

    critical thinking stories for middle school

  6. Critical Thinking for Your Middle Schooler

    critical thinking stories for middle school

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    16. Six Thinking Hats: Teach students Edward de Bono's "Six Thinking Hats" technique to improve critical thinking by exploring diverse perspectives when solving problems. 17. Analogy Building: Encourage students to create analogies from one concept to another, enhancing abstract thinking and problem-solving abilities. 18.

  11. Critical Thinking Resources for Middle School Teachers

    Middle school teachers often like to foster critical thinking into lesson plans, but it's not always easy to do while observing common core state standards. ... Success story: tips for teaching critical thinking. KIPP King Collegiate High School has developed 10 ideas for teaching critical thinking. These methods are applicable for middle ...

  12. Teaching Critical Thinking Skills in Middle and High School

    Teach Reasoning Skills. Reasoning skills are another key component of critical thinking, involving the abilities to think logically, evaluate evidence, identify assumptions, and analyze arguments. Students who learn how to use reasoning skills will be better equipped to make informed decisions, form and defend opinions, and solve problems.

  13. Interlinking Learning in Middle School Promotes Critical Thinking

    Interlinking learning enhances the learning experience, as it allows students to transfer skills and knowledge acquired in one area to another. It also helps students to see patterns, relationships, and contradictions across subjects and promotes critical thinking, a vital skill in today's fast-paced world.

  14. Developing Critical Thinking: 80 Contemplative Journal Prompts For

    In a world focused on the daily hustle and bustle, your middle schoolers need opportunities to slow down and think critically about the deeper things in life. When learners engage in high-order thinking, their focus narrows as they analyze information from a variety of personal background experiences and sources. Not only do our journal prompts …

  15. 6 Must Read Ray Bradbury Short Stories for Middle School

    Students will be excited to plan for their ultimate utopia. These Ray Bradbury short stories are a fantastic jumping-off point into independent reading or dystopian-focused book circles. If your students enjoyed learning more about broken utopias, then you might recommend the following novels: The House of the Scorpion, by Nancy Farmer; Legend ...

  16. Critical Thinking Curriculum

    The stories naturally encourage curiosity, deeper learning, and critical thinking — in a way teachers and students share is captivating, too. Weaving wordless videos with real human stories and lesson plans helps teachers, students, and parents to teach and learn key social skills like critical thinking and problem solving in school — and ...

  17. 10 Fun Critical Thinking Activities for Middle School Students

    A lot like the memory game, Mind Squeeze tests the recalling ability of the students while giving them a chance to improve their memory. Thus, this is a good recognizing and recalling activity for middle schoolers. 2. Anonymous Passage. Practising passages would be a great routine to develop reading habits in students.

  18. Tell Me a Story

    12661PEP. Tell Me a Story - eBook. PreK-1. eBook. $19.99. Add to Cart. To comprehend science lessons, students must understand the science vocabulary. This set of 25 crossword puzzles are a fun way to reinforce and expand science vocabulary as well as encourage interest in science.

  19. PDF Critical Thinking & Classic Tales FABLES

    45. Critical Thinking & Classic Tales: Fables. In addition to fables, crossword puzzles, and questions based on Bloom's Taxonomy, this book features several literature response activities: The Venn Diagram Compare/Contrast Chart, the Story Map, Story Sequence, and a challenge activity called About This Story.

  20. Critical Thinking Questions: The Big List for Your Classroom

    Students can use these critical thinking questions with fiction or nonfiction texts. They're also useful when discussing important issues or trying to understand others' motivations in general. "Who" Critical Thinking Questions. Questions like these help students ponder who's involved in a story and how the actions affect them.

  21. Critical Thinking Activities for Middle School

    Critical Thinking and the Middle School Student. Critical thinking is the ability to read something, analyze it, and make real world applications with the information. Its direct application will ...

  22. Critical Thinking Lesson Plans PDF: Middle School / High School

    Critical Thinking Middle School - English Language Arts / Homeroom / Advisory. These critical thinking activities for middle school work well if you teach in a 7th or 8th grade English Language Arts class. (Also, 6th grade if you teach at a grade 6-8 middle school or junior high school.) Middle school is a great age!

  23. Critical Thinking Skills Not Emphasized By Most Middle School ...

    While 86 percent of 4th grade teachers said they put "quite a bit" or "a lot of emphasis" on deductive reasoning, that figure fell to only 39 percent of teachers in 8th grade. Deductive ...

  24. Young siblings, 5 and 8, killed by alleged drunk driver at ...

    The young siblings killed when an alleged drunk driver mowed through a kid's birthday party in Michigan over the weekend were identified Sunday as 8-year-old Lana and 5-year-old Zayn, according ...

  25. Rutgers-Camden Faculty Harness the Power of AI

    Exploring the Impact of AI. On April 10, Rutgers School of Business-Camden hosted its Fifth Annual Business Symposium, a conference-style event designed to drive conversations around critical issues impacting the business world and beyond.This year's seminar, "Exploring Artificial Intelligence," featured panelists from a variety of industries, including healthcare, software consulting, and ...

  26. Middle East latest: Netanyahu vows to 'increase pressure' on Hamas

    Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has spoken for the first time since his country attacked Israel. It follows news of Palestinians being killed in Rafah and the West Bank, and the IDF ...

  27. What caused Dubai floods? Experts cite climate change, not cloud

    April 17, 20249:07 AM PDTUpdated 28 min ago. [1/5]People walk through flood water caused by heavy rains, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky Purchase Licensing ...