Logical thinking is a mental process that uses coherent reasoning to reach a conclusion. Children can start learning the sequential processes of critical thinking before they start school. Games to increase logical thinking help children with problem solving and intellectual growth.
Sequential thinking
Sequential thinking is the basis for finding solutions to academic problems or real life.
Mastermind is a board game for breaking codes, for two or more players, and requires sequential thinking.
A player creates a color code by placing pins in a selected sequence, while the other has to decipher the sequence of colors.
Mastermind offers three versions of this logic game for pre-schoolers. These versions use images of animals or familiar characters so children can create a sequential code.
It is also a good game for developing pattern recognition.
Pattern recognition
Pattern recognition is essential for logical thinking, because it requires a mental capacity to see order in a chaotic environment.
Minesweeper is a single-player game included in most operating systems based on Windows, or it can be downloaded for free. Minesweeper is a game of strategy and pattern recognition for children aged over eight years.
The objective is to locate landmines without detonating them.
You start by clicking on a box. Each box has 8 more boxes surrounding it and the numbers indicate how many bombs are in contact with them.
If you see a number 1, this means that it is in contact with a single bomb out of the 8 boxes that are touching it. If you see a number 2, this means that it is in contact with two mines, and the other 6 boxes are numbers.
Try it now on your Windows: Home -> Games, and open Minesweeper.
Deductive reasoning
Deductive reasoning is defined as a way of ordering general concepts on something specific based on cause and effect.
Memory games for pre-schoolers help with simple deductive reasoning skills.
The child must remember the location of the corresponding image while discarding other cards where the desired image does not exist.
Detective games such as Cluedo are based on deductive reasoning. Cluedo Jr. is designed for children aged five to seven, where they have to solve a mystery at a carnival.
Players start with clues which they must use to find out the name of the person guilty of a given situation.
Battleships uses deductive reasoning to locate your opponent's ships. This classic tactical game is designed for two players, but is available for a single player on most flash game websites.
Strategic thinking
The mental abilities for logical thinking culminate in developing strategic thinking in order to develop a situation.
It is defined as an "adaptation circuit" as the difference between logical thinking and strategic thinking, which involves planning how to solve problems.
Dominoes is a good strategy game for pre-schoolers and older children as it fosters relational reasoning.
Monopoly in its many forms, such as Monopoly Jr., requires deductive reasoning and planning.
Tic-Tac-Toe is good preparation for the game of checkers and Chinese checkers, which are strategy games that have rules which are simple enough for young children.
When children have mastered these games, they can change to Chess around the age of 11 or 12 years. When children have developed logical thinking to play this game, they can play adults at higher levels.
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