Critical Thinking Activities Calendar

Week 1: Questioning & Assumption Hunting

Evaluating Information

Socratic Questioning

Assumption Hunting

Questioning Techniques

Socratic Questioning

Read a character’s opinion in a story. Highlight the main claim. Is it fact or opinion? Why?

Read a short paragraph. What does the author assume the reader already knows or believes? Write down 2 assumptions and explain why they matter.

After reading a poem, write 3 “why” or “how” questions that go beyond the surface.

Read a short article. What’s NOT being said? What info would help you understand better?

Rewrite a scene from another character’s point of view. What changes? What stays the same?

Mind Detective Monday: What's the Assumption?

Think It Through Thursday: What’s Missing?

Wonder Wall Wednesday: Ask 3 Questions

Target the Truth Tuesday: Spot the Claim!

Flip It Friday: Change the Perspective

Week 2: Logical Reasoning & Listening Tools

Logical Reasoning

Listening Tools

Evaluating Claims

Logical Reasoning

Listening Tools

Create a flowchart showing how a character’s decision led to the ending. Use arrows and cause/effect words.

Listen to a peer read aloud. Write down 3 things they emphasized. What does that tell you about the meaning?

Read a character’s choice. Write down their reason. Is it strong or weak? Why?

Read a quote from a character. Rewrite it in your own words. What’s the main idea?

Read two sides of a debate. Which side has stronger evidence? Circle the best reason.

Say It Again Friday: Paraphrase Power

Think Like a Judge Thursday: Weigh the Evidence

What’s the Why Wednesday: Reason Hunt

Tune-In Tuesday: Listen & Learn

Make-a-Map Monday: Logic Flow

Week 3: Creative Thinking & Decision-Making

Decision Making

Decision Making & Reflection

Creative Thinking

Creative Thinking

Creative Thinking

Choose a moment when a character made a big decision. What were their options? Which would you choose? Why?

Change one event in the story. How would the ending be different? Write a short alternate ending.

Create a metaphor for how a character feels. Example: “Her anger was a volcano.” Explain your choice.

Find a theme in two different texts. How are they connected? Use a Venn diagram to compare.

Write about a time you made a tough choice. What did you learn? How does it connect to today’s story?

Wonder Why Wednesday: Character Choices

Mirror Moment Friday: Reflect & React

Thread It Thursday: Connect the Dots

Twist the Tale Tuesday: What If?

Mix-It-Up Monday: Metaphor Maker

Week 4: Evaluating Information & Classroom Discussion

Creative Thinking & Reflection

Classroom Discussion

Evaluating Information

Logical Reasoning

Evaluating Claims

Choose your favorite activity from the calendar. Write a short reflection: What did you learn about thinking deeply?

Choose a topic from the story. Write one argument “for” and one “against.” Share with a partner.

Make a claim about a character’s motivation. Support it with 2 pieces of evidence from the text.

Read a persuasive paragraph. Highlight facts in one color and opinions in another.

Read a mystery passage. Find 3 clues that support your answer. Explain how they connect.

Talk It Out Tuesday: Mini Debate

Final Friday: Brain Stretch Challenge

Puzzle It Thursday: Text Evidence Hunt

Fact or Fluff Monday: Spot the Evidence

Think Tank Wednesday: Build a Claim