Puzzles
The history of puzzles is estimated to be almost as old as human history: archaeological excavations show that we were trying to solve them as early as 475-221 BCE. Modern puzzles offer many opportunities to improve your analysis and problem-solving skills without the need for an electronic device. Here are some examples:
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Have you ever tried Sudoku? This is a number puzzle that asks you to fill a grid so that each row, column, and section contains all numbers from 1 to 9. It is a great way to boost your logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Sudoku teaches you about analyzing information and recognizing patterns, which can be useful in everyday life too.
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Jigsaw puzzles can enhance your spatial awareness and attention to detail. They also encourage strategic thinking because you are constantly trying to figure out how the pieces fit together.
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Crossword puzzles are another way to enhance critical thinking skills and your vocabulary. You have to figure out the answers from limited information, which encourages you to think critically.
The best thing about puzzles is that you can try them anywhere and at any time. You don't need an outlet - all you need is a pencil and some time.
Board Games
Board games are as old as puzzles. Did you know that people were playing them in Egypt as early as 3500 BC and European cultures have records of them being mentioned as early as the 8th century? Modern board games can sharpen your critical thinking skills while keeping you entertained. For example:
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Clue is a classic murder mystery game that's popular all around the world. As a player, you gather clues, make deductions and try solving the mystery of “who dun it”. It is a great game to sharpen your analytical thinking skills because you are trying to gather information and deduct a solution from different sources.
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Chess is another ancient game that challenges you to think several moves ahead. It requires foresight and planning, which is a great way to boost your problem-solving skills. Chess can help you to think ahead and adapt your strategies based on your opponent's tactics.
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Settlers of Catan is a resource management game based on trading and building settlements in a strategic way. You have to plan your moves based on what resources you have and what your opponents are doing.
Once again, no “electricity” is needed to play board games: you just need players. Instead of watching TV together, you can simply gather in the living room as a family and start playing.
Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are immersive experiences that encourage you to work together with your friends or colleagues. As a team, your goal is to solve puzzles and riddles, within a time limit. They can develop critical thinking skills in a fun setting. Escape rooms require teamwork, communication, and strategic problem-solving under pressure, which are crucial for critical thinking.
STEM Games
STEM is an abbreviation of “Science – Technology – Engineering – Math”. STEM games are mainly developed for kids and are a great way to get them interested in science & technology. These are fun and engaging games, making it easy for children to learn about these subjects in a way that's enjoyable and accessible. They help kids develop their logical reasoning and critical analysis skills, as they often involve building structures or solving problems.
Scavenger Hunts
These are like escape rooms, but they are not limited to small rooms. Scavenger hunts encourage observation and teamwork: Players must search for specific items based on clues and learn how to work together, which is a great way to build observation skills and teamwork. They need to use their creative thinking skills and work together as a team to achieve a common goal.
Strategy Video Games
These are divided into two, turn-based strategy games and real-time strategy games. No matter what they are called, they require players to develop strategies, manage resources, and make quick decisions, which are the basis of critical thinking skills. For example, strategy games like StarCraft or Civilization teach you how to achieve the best results with limited resources & time. In other words, they ask you to think critically. While they require a PC or smartphone to play, you have hundreds of options in this category, and you can easily find a game that suits your style.
